Woolwich Wave sees plenty to celebrate as season wraps up
AT THE END OF their first full year as the Woolwich Wave, the local swim team is breaking records and winning medals.
Erin Schmidt, swim team club executive, says the past season, which ended earlier this month, was a big one for the Wave.
“It went really well. You can see from the medals and the overall results that it is definitely more than last year,” she said. “We really like this league where everyone’s points add up to a final total. Everybody was really excited about the final results.”
The team also had a swimmer break a South Western Ontario Swim Association record in the 100-metre medley in Kincardine last month. Grace Parker, 14, swam the 100 metres in 1:19.97, beating the record time by only milliseconds.
“Breaking a record was a big deal. I have never seen any records being broken before and they go back a ways,” said Schmidt, adding that even with the re- cord, the season really was a team effort. “Looking at the group as a whole, a lot of the kids did extremely well.”
The team is already planning for next year, looking to add a few more swimmers to the lineup.
“We are looking at how we can recruit some more older kids, and especially boys,” said Schmidt, mentioning that the team doesn’t need a commitment right away. “We are always open to people just coming and trying it out. If you want to email us and come swim once or twice to see how you like it, that’s okay.”
Future Woolwich Wave members don’t have to have experience racing in the pool. Schmidt says it is just for fun, and to keep kids active.
“We take all levels of ability as long as you can pass the pool’s swim test. I think there are lots of kids out there who don’t want to play hockey or soccer or another team sport but still want to be part of the community on the swim team,” she said. “The kids all become friends and it is just a really unique thing where they are working as an individual, but in a team setting.”
The swim team also keeps kids fit by swimming at practices twice a week.
“It is amazing,” said Schmidt. “My kids run a little bit, too, and I have been amazed at how their cardio has improved over the last couple of years, just from swimming.”
The team starts their 2016-2017 season the week of Sept. 22, right after the Woolwich Memorial Centre pool reopens after an annual maintenance break.
For more information, visit the team’s website at www.leaguelineup.com/woolwichswimteam.