Kids who couldn’t even swim last year won medals for the Oxford team at the Michigan Recreation and Park Association state swim meet.
Oxford competed last Saturday, Aug. 1 for the first time, but there are plans to continue in the future.
‘We’re trying to get it growing so that we can get a competitive swim team,? said Nora Giannola, a mother of one of the young swimmers. ‘I’m hoping as a parent the rec center keeps it going,? she said.
Of the swimmers who participated in the meet, seven of them placed in the top six for 13 different categories.
Jenna Mallard earned a gold medal in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle and Taylor Curtis won gold for the 50-yard backstroke. Bella Giannola won two silver medals for the 50-yard backstroke and 50-yard butterfly. Titus Shumaker earned a bronze medal for the 50-yard backstroke, Taylor Curtis for the 50-yard breaststroke and Bella Giannola for the 100-yard freestyle.
In addition to medals, Claire Patrell, Kaitlyn Wrobleski, Jenna Mallard and Taylor Curtis won 4th place ribbons and Casey Kelis won a 6th place ribbon.
‘It was a real boost for the kids,? said Kim Shumaker, mother of swimmer Titus Shumaker.
The team is open to youth of all ages. It currently consists of 30 swimmers aged nine to 18.
‘My goal is to take this team competitively,? said Heather Miller, the head coach. ‘I want them to be ready when they get to high school,? she said. Swimmers must be able to pass level five or six of the Parks & Rec ‘Learn to Swim? program before joining the ‘Recreation Swim Club? as this program doesn’t teach kids how to swim, but rather how to swim competitively. ‘I can’t take on everything even though I’d love to,? said Miller. ‘I’m only one person.?
Despite this hindering fact, the parents attribute much of the swimmers? success to Miller entirely.
‘She really impresses me,? Shumaker said. Her son, Titus, was one of the ones who didn’t know how to swim last year. ‘He taught himself how to swim last summer, and I told him to come on and join,? said Miller. ‘I couldn’t believe it, he won a bronze medal,? said Shumaker.
‘But, it’s not for the faint of heart,? said Miller. ‘They don’t get any easy breaks.? The team swims two hours a day, three days a week, which is less than what will be required of them in high school. The program runs year-round, with two to three week breaks between sessions.
‘A lot of people don’t think swimming is hard,? said Miller. ‘It’s very hard,? she said. The swimmers started the year, covering approximately 2300 yards in the two hour practice. ‘Now they swim 8,500 yards a day,? she said.
Though more people need to get involved, parents especially, to get the proper backing needed to turn the team into a competitive one, chances look good so far. ‘Last summer, I had six kids,? said Miller. This year there are over 30.
Shumaker said her son won’t stay on the team if it doesn’t become competitive.
‘It’s like they got that little taste,? she said. ‘And now they just want more meets.?