YMCA swim team back in business -- again
Once upon a time, the Euclid YMCA boasted one of the largest swim teams in the Northeast Ohio Swim League. But apparently because the Euclid pool is undersized – 20 yards long, rather than the regulation 25 yards required these days – that all came to an end.
So the local Y had a very nice pool, but no competitive swim team. Then the program was revived a year or so ago – but, for some reason, the effort was abandoned. However, the Euclid YMCA once again has a swim team—well, about half of one, anyway. Because its numbers are small, the Euclid Y had to team up with the Hillcrest Y to field a full swim team. “Right now there are nine kids on the Euclid team,” reports Jacqueline (Jacque) Vogt, a John Carroll University graduate who is now the YMCA’s aquatics director. “But we are looking for more.”
So far, she’s been pleased by the enthusiasm shown by the kids. What’s more, they’re doing quite well in competition—with the combined Euclid/Hillcrest squad posting a 2-1 team record after three “fun” meets.
Head coach of the Euclid squad is Toni Bacon, whom Vogt noticed swimming laps one day in the pool. Bacon, a Euclid resident, volunteered for the assignment after a limited amount of arm-twisting by Vogt.
A few of the youngsters on the Euclid swim squad have proven to be quite proficient in the water, while the rest are eager learners. Based on their performances in competition so far, the top Euclid Y swimmers include:
● Salvion Neal, age 9, the fastest swimmer on the team. He has competed in the 50-yard freestyle, 25-yard butterfly, 50-yard backstroke, and the 100-yard freestyle relay.
● Eric Sito, age 6, whom Vogt calls “our most improved swimmer.” He swims in the mixed-age100-yard relay for ages 8 and under.
● Gabriella (Gabby) Cicerini, age 7, who is the fastest girl on the team. Gabby swims the 25-yard backstroke and 25-yard breaststroke, as well as the 25-yard freestyle. She also competes in the mixed-age relay events.
● Sophie Sito, age 7, who swims the 25-yard fly, 25-yard backstroke, 25-yard freestyle, and teams with Gabby, Salvion, and her brother Eric Sito, in the mixed-age relay.
Other members of the resurrected Euclid swim team are: Najah Bass, Taylor Lamar, Jamillah Sena, Jasmina Zlatarevic and Sydney Hubbard.
Practice sessions for the Euclid Y team are usually held on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Competitive meets are held on Saturdays. The Y held an awards banquet for the summer season team Sept. 10. The fall competitive season begins on Oct. 23, with the Euclid/Hillcrest team traveling to Lake Anna, OH for its opening meet.
Youngsters interested in joining the swim team must be Euclid Y members at least 6 years old and able to swim the length of the pool. For information, contact Euclid YMCA Aquatics Director Jacque Vogt at the main Y number, (216) 731-7454.
The combined Euclid/Hillcrest swim team competes in the NEO Swim League’s Small Team Division. Home meets this season will be held at the Hillcrest YMCA on Mayfield Road. Here is the schedule for the 2010-2011 fall season:
Oct. 23 – at Lake Anna (A)
Nov. 6 – vs. West Park at Hillcrest YMCA (H)
Nov. 20 – at Lake County West (A)
Dec. 4 – at Alliance (A)
Jan. 8 – vs. Lake County East at Hillcrest (H)
Jan. 22 – at Meyers Lake
(Note: H indicates a “home” meet.)