JAMIE HOUGHTON, USC
UXBRIDGE: Last weekend, the Uxbridge Swim Club (USC) hosted its second swim meet since the start of Covid-19 restrictions in March 2020. Uxbridge hosted Ajax Aquatic Club, Pickering Swim Club and North York Aquatic Club along with its own swimmers at UxPool on the evening of Friday, April 29th, and the mornings of Saturday and Sunday, April 30th and May 1st.
Head Coach Sarah Steinke and Assistant Head Coach Taylor Ostrander were both on deck for the whole meet. Ostrander commented that it was a “great weekend from all the swimmers. [I am] Very proud of all the swimmers cheering for each other all weekend, the team spirit at USC is unique!”
Running a swim meet is not a small undertaking; some 25 plus volunteers are needed on deck to take on the role of Timers, Judges of Strokes &Turns, Safety Marshals, Heat Marshals, Equipment Managers, Electronics Staff, Clerks of Course, Starter, Referee and Meet Manager among others. Uxbridge Swim Club parents and parents from other clubs are all trained for different roles and certified by Swim Ontario and Swimming Canada as Officials. Master Officials from Swim Ontario and Swimming Canada are also on hand as ‘mentors’ to ensure Rules and Regulations are followed.
All of this effort is to ensure a safe and equitable swim meet for the swimmers. Times for swimmers are often used to qualify for higher levels and other meets including Regionals, Provincials and Nationals.
The fun part of the meet, however, is watching the swimmers cheer each other on, improve against their own old times, and build good sports-person attributes.
Many parents commented on the excitement of the fast-paced relay races at the end of the session, with all swimmers in the building cheering on for their teammates. Both coaches agreed the highlight of the weekend meet was the camaraderie among the swimmers. Fun times were had and friendships built which will last years and decades into the future.
Thanks to the dedication of the Coaching Staff, Board of Directors and Parent Volunteers, the Uxbridge Swim Club had continued during the period of ‘Covid downtime’ both in the pool, under restrictive measures, when allowed and virtually when Ux Pool was closed. Consequently, swimmers have been able to ‘dive right back’ into competition.
If your child is interested in joining the Club, or you want to find out more about the Club, please email Coach Sarah Steinke at:
coachsteinke@gmail.com.