Swim Teams tend to measure their accomplishments in medals and state times— which we can certainly do and hold our own. We have more than a dozen swimmers headed to state in a few weeks and the average time-drop between each meet was always a jaw-dropper. So, yes, we have great athletes, and we love that. However, this season was about so much more.: Our coaches— many of whom volunteer their time, talents, and expertise, coached more than form and flip turns. They taught our young Y swimmers the importance perseverance, teamwork, personal responsibility, respect and caring.
As many of you know, our pool was closed recently — right when we had a swim meet scheduled to welcome neighboring teams to swim against our local Rays.
Cancelling was the most obvious option, but the coaching staff and volunteer parents rallied and shifted hosting mode to Lincoln High School (thank you, LHS friends!). Not an easy feat, but our swimmers watched as these caring adults made it happen for them. To make it even better, our high school swim instructor, Drew, had two young swimmers in the Intro to Swim Team program who wanted to compete on this big stage and he was all in. Like a proud papa, he paced the deck and cheered as they gave it their all, and Jordyn— in her very first meet—made a state time cut. He enthusiastically greeted here at the end of the race with “YOU MADE IT TO STATE!” Her response? “What’s that?” He laughed and said, “That’s great news.”
Because as exciting as it was, it was never the goal. The goal is to build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies; to create a community that makes special events happen when it seems unlikely; to inspire young leaders and coaches who will carry on the tradition of Y swimming and Y character… and by all measure, we’ve never had a better season. Great season, MantaRays!
AND....thank you MantaRay Coaches! You are shining examples of caring role models who make a positive impact on the lives of Y kids.
- Aaron Stachovak
- Aurise Stachovak
- Katie Satori
- Bryce Kowalski
- Jennifer Harrison
- Sara Steckmann