Swim-a-thon benefits young swimmers, nonprofit

By Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA ­— Coaches sat on the sidelines cheering swimmers on and giving them counts in between laps as the Lake Mohawk Swim Team participated in the second annual swim-a-thon at Lake Mohawk Pool.

“We are very proud of our swimmers. They pushed past what they could do and proved to themselves how strong they are,” said head coach Hillary Yates Collins.

Over 50 team members, ages five to 17, swam a total of 73 miles last Friday.

Most swimmers were trying to achieve 1,500 meters, or 30 laps, the equivalent of a mile.

Younger swimmers Matthew Flanz and Kai Batchelor, both 8, succeeded in their individual goals.

“I liked going fast,"Flanz said. "I am not really tired."

Batchelor completed 40 laps and also said he was not tired and was looking forward to eating the team breakfast.

Held during their normal practice time, participants chose their strokes, often varying them and adding extra challenges.

Carlen Rivielle and Robert Tartaglia, both 13, along with Will Englehart, 12, swam in adjacent lanes completing over 3,000 meters each and added a 500-meter butterfly to the mix.

“500 fly was not as hard as Carlen and I expected it,” Tartaglia said.

“You get used to it,” said Rivielle.

Ninth grader Finn Holovacs went the extra mile completing 5,000 meters.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit both the swim team and Pass It Along.

“It was a great event with a lot of spirit and fun,” said Yates Collins.