The Licking County Family YMCA in Newark, OH, is witnessing an exciting resurgence in its youth swimming program. The LCFY Sharks, as they are known, are not just growing in numbers but are also beginning to make a splash in the competitive swimming scene under the guidance of dedicated coaches.
For a period, the LCFY Sharks faced challenges, particularly with coaching transitions, which impacted the team’s stability and growth. However, with the arrival of coach Kris Read two years ago, a new chapter began for the program. Read, who previously coached at Newark High School, brought a vision to revitalize the Sharks and restore the program to its former glory when it boasted around 150 young swimmers.
“The program was hurt for a while by the uneasiness of the changing coaches,” Read explained. “Having that stability has helped. My aim is to connect with all the kids and parents, fostering a program that reflects the YMCA’s strong community spirit, and build it back up.”
This focus on stability and community building is clearly paying off. From a modest 20 swimmers just two years prior, the LCFY Sharks have experienced exponential growth. The program now proudly includes approximately 80 swimmers, ranging in age from 7 to 18, categorized into three skill levels. This impressive growth demonstrates the renewed enthusiasm and interest in the Licking County Family YMCA’s swimming opportunities.
Licking County Family YMCA Newark OH swim team practice start techniques. Young athletes learn proper swim starts at the Licking County Family YMCA in Newark, Ohio, enhancing their competitive swimming skills.
The season is gearing up with anticipation as the YMCA prepares to host the Rocktober Invitational on October 19th and 20th. This event is a key early season highlight for the Sharks. High school swimmers will participate until their school swim seasons commence in November, while the younger age groups will continue competing through March. Their schedule is packed with over a dozen meets against teams from throughout southeast Ohio and West Virginia, providing ample opportunities for competition and skill development.
Noah Fuller, a sophomore at Marburn Academy who also swims for Northridge during the high school season, appreciates the challenging yet supportive environment. “It’s a lot of hard work, and coach really pushes us,” Fuller said. “Seeing many new faces join is really cool. It motivates me to stay sharp. I’m currently focusing on improving my butterfly and individual medley.” The influx of new talent not only boosts team morale but also pushes returning swimmers to elevate their performance.
Coach Read has assembled a strong coaching team to support this growing program. Donel Gastineau, a long-time figure at the YMCA, brings his veteran experience to coach the advanced swimmers. Krista Weekly, formerly a coach at Lakewood, leads the developing swimmers, ensuring a solid foundation for the younger athletes. Read himself, assisted by Newark High swimmers Madi Cartnal and Paige Burd, dedicates his time to the newest members of the Sharks, nurturing their initial skills and passion for swimming.
“We’ve doubled in size, and now the focus is on developing swimmers who can compete effectively against other YMCA teams,” Read stated. “It’s a different dynamic compared to high school swimming, but it’s incredibly rewarding. We cater to a wide range of abilities, from kids just graduating from swim lessons to those with advanced potential. My priority is holistic athlete development, ensuring they progress safely and stay motivated.”
The Licking County Family Ymca Newark Oh program is particularly excited about its emerging pre-teen swimmers who are on track to become future high school competitors. Iris Woodall, a seventh-grade homeschool student, joined the Sharks based on recommendations from friends in summer swimming. “I heard this program was excellent,” Woodall mentioned. “I knew a few people here already, and I really enjoy the team environment. It’s definitely more intense than summer swimming.”
Expanding beyond traditional swimming, Read has also initiated a triathlon program with the support of Todd Ricketts. The inaugural year saw 15 participants, indicating another avenue for growth and engagement within the Licking County Family YMCA community.
Ultimately, Coach Read’s efforts are geared towards building a thriving swim program and enhancing the Licking County Family YMCA’s offerings. With increasing participation and a clear vision, the Sharks are poised to add new achievements and banners to the YMCA’s natatorium in the years to come. “I grew up swimming in this program,” Read reflected. “Being able to give back to the YMCA and the community is a deeply fulfilling experience.”
