YMCA SWIM TEAM SETS CHAMPIONSHIP MEET RECORDS

This past weekend the Franklin County Family YMCA Riptide swim team participated in the Piedmont YMCA Swimming Association’s annual championship meet.  The team overall placed highly and saw several swimmers set meet records.

“We are so proud of the Y’s swimmers. They put a lot of time into training and practicing and it has been great to see them develop and improve over the season,” says J.T. Boyd the Riptide Swim Coach.

A total of 13 swim teams competed in the championship meet from March 3^rd to the 5^th. The Riptide boy's swim team placed 2nd, and the Riptide swim team placed 4th overall, despite having less swimmers than many of the larger teams. Four swimmers were high point winners. High point winners are awarded to the individual who scored the most points in the meet for their respective age group, a total of 12 groups. Allison Teer won high point winner for 13-14 girls, Mallorie Teer won for 11-12 girls, Griffon Lester won high point winner for 6 and under boys and Gabe Lester won for 9-10 boys. Three swimmers also came in second for high point winner, Grayson Altice for 7-8 boys, Levi Wright for 13-14 boys, and Brendan Dow for 15 and older boys. Several swimmers also broke championship swim meet records including Griffon Lester setting a new record for 6 and under boys 100 yard freestyle and Maddox Conley setting a new record for 8 and under 25 yard breaststroke.

The YMCA team which competes year round, has had an exceptional season. Swimmers range in age from 5 to 17 and are taught sportsmanship as well as swimming skills.  The team started back in the late 90’s and has been a part of the Franklin County Y for nearly 20 years. The 2017 season is one of the best in the history of the Y with many swimmers breaking team and meet records.

“It’s incredibly important for the Y’s aquatics center to be available to all in the community,” says Kameron Kitts Aquatics Director with the YMCA. He goes on to say “That’s why we partner with Franklin County Public Schools for the High School Swim Team and the Y’s second grade swim program, with Carilion for aquatic physical therapy and even the Creek Freaks for kayak clinics. But we are especially proud of our Y team and all they’ve accomplished this season and are so grateful to our coach, swimmers, swim parents, volunteers and meet judges.”

The YMCA is currently accepting new swimmers for the program’s spring/summer season which runs from May to July. To join stop by the YMCA in Rocky Mount or for more information call the Y at 540-489-9622.