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History
The
diocesan CYO swimming season wasn't underway in June 2005, but dreams of
organizing a first time St. Agnes CYO Swim Team took a giant leap toward
reality when over 180 youngsters signed up for the new St. Agnes CYO Swim
Team. The competitive program was established for youth from eight to eighteen
years of age and a developmental program for children six and seven..
Parishioners John Ferro and Mike
Koppinger, both former collegiate swimmers at
St.
Francis
College, estimated they needed a minimum of sixty 6-17 year olds to launch a viable
team. For years, St. Agnes youth have been swimming on the nearby St.
Raymond’s Parish swim team. Local interest in the sport was known. The
overwhelming response of youngsters plus enthusiastic parents enforced John and
Mike’s belief and passion to create the parish program. Over a dozen parents,
the majority of which have swam competitively in their own youth, volunteered as
assistant coaches for the new team.
The goals of the program were established
to reach beyond competitive swimming to the individual development of each
youth. Along with learning swimming techniques, physical, emotional, and social
development are facets of the agenda. Above all, the desired result is that each
team member develops an appreciation and knowledge of the sport of swimming that
they will carry throughout their lives.
With the full support of Msgr. Kelly and the St. Agnes CYO program the St. Agnes
Swim Team was launched for the 2005-2006 season.
GO
STAGS! |
