Compiled by Don Hollister
85 years ago: 1941
Garden project for Bryan High School. “After a 10 day ‘lay-off’ the High School boys are again at work on their garden project. This 5 acre plot, in Glen Helen, was leased by Antioch College and plowed, disked and put in excellent condition by Mr. Ed Oster’s Ford tractor. The boys who have been employed on the project to date have been David Anthony, Chester Benning, Jr., Eugene Calvert, Harold Cordell, Carl Dolwick, Ralph Grimes, Marion Hufford, Dick Kershner, Edward Kander, Alan Miner, Chester Williams, Jack Semler, Jack Shook, David Stevens, Bill Waite and David Williams. … The plan is for each boy to have this part-time job on which he works 80 hours a month for $21.00 (26 cents per hour). … During his free time he is supposed to look for private employment.”
News sold to local man, Landrum Bolling. “After this issue the NEWS passes into the hands of Mr. Landrum Bolling to whom we have sold it along with all equipment and good will. Mr. Bolling will continue to publish the News and conduct the job printing business from the same building on Walnut Street.”
75 years ago: 1951
300 attend annual Vernay Lab Picnic. “Employees of Vernay Laboratories and their families — more than three hundred people in all — attended the 6th annual Vernay picnic at Bryan State Park last Saturday. Swimming, water sports and contests at Orton Pool began the festivities.”
Student plan for the village. “‘Should we plan to limit the size of our community? … Is the business area decaying? … Should by-passes around the business section be arranged for through traffic?’ were some of the questions that arose at a discussion which followed the presentation to a large group of business and professional men Monday of a planning student’s master plan for Yellow Springs.”
Conference on small communities. “The eighth annual conference on the small community came to an official end here last night with a small group remaining here for an additional three days to discuss ‘intentional,’ cooperative and experimental communities. The theme of the conference was ‘Values by Which Communities Live.’”
50 years ago: 1976
Picnic with Police. “Residents of the North Walnut St. area will be meeting Friday evening at a potluck picnic with police chief James McKee, other police officers and village officials to discuss their complaints about speeders and other problems.”
CPR training. “A heart attack victim could suffer irreversible damage in the time it takes — at least four minutes — for the emergency squad to reach him. So two members of the Yellow Springs emergency squad, Greg Hamilton and Dave Huber, have been teaching a Red Cross course in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to village residents.”
Overnight blackout. “High winds about 6 to 6:30 p.m. here Thursday sent several large trees crashing to earth in the Village and surrounding countryside and brought electrical power outages of varying lengths to an estimated two-thirds of Yellow Springs homes. … Harold Hamilton, Sr., foreman of the Village utility work crew, says that the crew began repair work about 7 p.m. Thursday and finished about 6 p.m. Friday. … Harold Hamilton, Jr., George West and Leon Battle are the other members of the utility crew. Police, some firemen and a few citizen volunteers provided important help in speeding the clean-up Hamilton told the NEWS. He extended particular thanks to Todd Van Lehn.”
Post Office Adds Boxes. “Now there are ‘plenty of post office mail boxes,’ reports Yellow Springs postmaster John Penix. 101 additional boxes have just been installed in the lobby, eliminating the long list of people waiting for boxes.”
25 years ago: 2001
Police report: “Police made contact with 15 to 20 juveniles who were running through yards in the Stafford/Dayton street area last Thursday, around 1 a.m., and sent them home.”
Three week Antioch Peace Institute. “The fifth annual Peace Institute at Antioch College will be held July 24–August 17th, featuring speakers on the theme of globalization and sustainable development. Speakers will examine the social effects, ethics and policy implications of globalization, focusing on the values of environmental sustainability, economic well-being, human rights, cultural identity and global peace and security.”
Co-ed golf team. “Yellow Springs High School students will get the chance to tee off this fall. That’s because the school board approved a proposal from Superintendent Tony Armocida for a co-ed golf team at last Thursday’s school board meeting. … Questions were also raised about the co-ed requirement. When asked if boys would have an unfair advantage over girls, Armocida said he didn’t think so because each gender has a separate tee in order to take into account differences in physical strength.”
10 years ago: 2016
College accredited. “Antioch College President Tom Manley got the word around 1 p.m. this past Monday. An email showed up in his inbox from the Higher Learning Commission, or HLC. It contained the biggest of big news. After an arduous, five-year process, Antioch College had received accreditation. For Tom Manley and other senior administrators at the College a ‘touchdown dance’ commenced, he said on Tuesday.”
Bible in a bar. “On Wednesday, July 20, police went to a local bar after an employee told police a patron wouldn’t leave. The bartender said that the man was approaching customers and reading to them from the Bible, and became agitated when asked to stop. An officer escorted him outside and served him with a signed ‘ban’ letter.”
Practice laughter yoga. “Laughter Yoga Club meets on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Mills Lawn Elementary School, at South Winter and Elm streets. Laughter yoga is practiced worldwide for health, exercise and fun, and it is also a peace movement, since ‘who can fight when you are laughing?’ Participation is free and open to the public.”
By Coaches Margi Anderson, Rob Gay and Yunus Brevik
After two Friday evenings when weather had other plans for Perry League — first rain, followed by high temperatures and poor air quality — it was wonderful to return to Gaunt Park on July 24 for a picture-perfect evening of T-ball.
The weather was comfortable, the air quality was good, and the turnout was just right: enough children to create plenty of Perry League energy, but not so many that anyone had to wait very long for a turn at bat.
And this, as it turns out, is a very good thing for certain T-ballers. Especially Jamon, 2.
Jamon was the first child on the field and appeared ready to play the instant his feet touched the grass. Once the children had lined up, sprinted to the fence for warmups, and returned to the field, Jamon was ready to hit. He orbited the tee for much of the evening, taking his T-ball responsibilities very seriously.
Occasionally, he had to leave the tee to wait on the batting bench or spend some time in the field. There were a few tears. Jamon really, really likes to hit. He also demonstrated a flexible approach to batting technique. Sometimes he was a right-handed batter. Sometimes he was a left-handed batter. At one point, Jamon was seen batting with the bat upside down.
Hey. Whatever works.
One of the great things about Perry League is that there is always something to do. Children may bat five or six times, chase balls around the field, dig in the dirt, help throw balls in, visit with friends, or simply wander off to pursue an entirely different and perfectly acceptable activity. There are no innings to wait for. No outs. No sitting out because someone else is having a turn.
On Friday, with a few coaches away, the Perry League village once again stepped up to help make it all happen.
Jacob, 7, quickly became Coach Yunus’s right-hand man, enthusiastically delivering balls to the tee throughout the evening so no child had to wait long for a chance to hit. But Jacob did not merely return balls. He delivered them with style. While serving as the unofficial ball returner, Jacob began yelling, “Reload! Coming in hot!” as he ran each ball back to the tee. And then, later in the game, Jacob went full-service. He began making sure the tee itself was positioned perfectly on home plate before each hit. He would sit down on the ground and scoot the tee this way and that, carefully inspecting its placement until he determined that it was exactly where it needed to be. Only then was the next batter ready. This was not simply ball retrieval, this was tee maintenance and coach support.
Adults and older children helped along the baselines, tossing balls back into the field so the children playing defense had more opportunities to field them. Others helped keep children moving in the right direction around the bases — which, in Perry League, is occasionally a more complicated task than one might imagine.
We are grateful for all the helping hands, especially the Perry League Plus volunteers who showed up to help!
Miles, 6, waiting on the batting bench for his next turn, became increasingly curious about the children throwing balls into the infield near first base. After learning that their job was to help ensure that fielders had plenty of opportunities to chase down balls, he appeared very interested in applying for the position. Given permission to move from the batting bench to the first-base volunteer station, his face lit up. And just like that, a new volunteer was born.
There were plenty of new faces and welcome returns throughout the evening.
Jonah, 2, made his Perry League debut after arriving with his dad and sister, Reya-the-Princess, to meet up with friend and co-princess, Pippin. The two BFFs, with matching tiaras, appeared to have important plans of their own, however, and spent much of the evening doing what little girls do when they are together in the grass.
Which, of course, is perfectly acceptable in Perry League.
Violet, 6, arrived directly from the pool, ready to transition from swimming to T-ball without missing a beat. She was joined by Ailish, who was visiting family and friends from out of town. During one of her at-bats, Ailish shared some important news: it was her great-grandmother’s 100th birthday. One hundred years is a very big deal. Coach Yunus raised his hand to get everyone’s attention, and soon the entire Perry League field was shouting: “Happy Birthday!” A very special birthday celebration, indeed.
Sarah, 8, arrived at the tee and reported that she had woken up that morning to a cat licking her face. This is the sort of information one simply does not receive at most sporting events.
Benny, who turns two next week, helped reset the ball on the tee during his turn at bat. A very practical contribution from a very small T-baller.
Zorin, 6, offered Coach Yunus perhaps the sweetest transaction of the evening. After letting Coach Yunus know that he does a good job, Zorin placed a coin in his hand. Coach Yunus explained that he would return the coin after Zorin ran the bases. Zorin said no. The coin was for Coach Yunus. After T-ball ended later, Coach Yunus tried once more to return it. Zorin was adamant. He put up his hands in refusal. A small coin. A very big gesture.
Midway through the evening, Miles, 5, came running up to the batting bench, bright-eyed and clearly needing to make an important announcement.
“Somebody just told me I am the cutest boy ever!! And I am not cute!!” He was smiling as he said it. For the record, Miles is indeed cute.
Camilla, 6, kept her fingers busy while waiting for her turn at bat, drumming them rhythmically against her bat. She had thoughtfully coordinated her teal tie-dye pants with her 2026 teal tie-dye Perry League shirt.
Perry League is always something of a fashion show.
Lily, 5, was also sporting a new look. When Coach Margi commented that she looked different from the last time she had attended, Lily correctly guessed that it might have something to do with her hair. She then proudly pointed out the obvious: Her blond hair was now a beautiful pale green.
Ahva, 6½, arrived wearing purple sparkly Crocs and carrying a brand-new, brightly colored T-ball bat for its inaugural Perry League appearance. The new bat was an immediate sensation. Ahva generously allowed friends to borrow it when it was their turn, and it was soon being admired and wielded all over the field. A very popular bat.
In the middle of the field, Ahva and friends Stevie, 6, and another companion formed a small, giggling huddle. At some point, the huddle apparently evolved into a screaming contest. The game continued without missing a beat. The Perry League background noise simply became a little more high-pitched.
Beautiful and bashful Mae, 6, grazed the ball on her first attempt, then came back with a beautiful, straight, strong hit on her second try. Her sweet little brother, Arden, 4, waited patiently on the bench with Mom and later delivered a couple of fabulous hits of his own with the fire bat.
There was plenty of action during the halftime freeze-pop break, too.
Isabel, 6, took advantage of the pause to run the bases while the other children gathered around the cooler for freeze pops. Coach Margi crouched down and began opening the brightly colored tubes as quickly as possible while a crowd of children, not quite — but very nearly — blocking out the daylight, announced their freeze-pop preferences like a flock of hungry little birds.
Ender was happy to receive his favorite flavor: “Red.”
Thanks to the Breviks for supplying this week’s freeze pops — and for the popcorn two weeks ago, which was popped and served just in time before the rain sent everyone home from the park.
Jamon, meanwhile, declined a freeze pop entirely. Instead, he used the halftime break for additional training. He was hyper-focused on hitting the ball off the tee. This 2-year-old has priorities.
While the children took a break, Coach Yunus took the opportunity to restore some order to the batting circle by rearranging the bats. Normally, bats are tossed back after each at-bat, leaving them scattered in every direction. It was a small effort toward organization. Perry League remains Perry League.
Later in the evening, Matt Raska and his convoy of children on bicycles — and baby Simone in a bike trailer — rolled into Gaunt Park, bringing several children we had not yet seen this season. Callie, 6, Jimi, 5, and Rubi, 4, arrived smiling and appeared to be inseparable at the batting bench and the batting circle, where they collectively made important bat selections.
Little Isla, 2, loitered around the batting bench in her oversized tie-dye T-shirt and adorable blue high-top Converse much of the evening. She batted once, maybe twice, with some adult encouragement and seemed to be having a great time. Her grandparents adoringly watched her every move. I do believe their smiles were the biggest of all that evening.
Josie, 8, one of our more seasoned T-ballers, spent much of the evening helping throw balls in along the first-base sideline. She also found time to take a swing or two herself. As she ran home, Josie offered an important observation: “Even if I get too old for T-ball, I will still love it!”
And that is the whole idea.
Miles, 6, selected a red metal bat. This bat had an open-ended, hollow top. Miles noticed and filled it with field dirt. During one at bat he really tested the 1,000 strike limit. We estimate he got to around 988. Before his eventual connection with the ball, he knocked the tee over at least 10 times, and had to carefully, and somewhat slowly, refill the hollow bat with dirt between each attempt.
Ender, 8, followed suit, breaking with tradition this week by selecting the red metal bat instead of his usual Tiny Wooden Bat of Destiny. Ender filled it with field dirt. Then he hit the ball. The resulting cloud of dust was, frankly, impressive. It may be the first recorded Perry League at-bat involving a self-created dirt-launching device.
Ender’s parents, Mark and Jen, helped at the batting circle throughout the evening, taking article notes and doing their best to maintain some semblance of order — a noble pursuit.
Sarah, 9, with her very long braid, came up to bat. Mark, who works at a Montessori school and is familiar with student Sarah, decided to playfully ask her name. Sarah squinted at him. With a look that suggested the question was perhaps teasing, she replied: “You know!” And Mark did. And he smiled.
Arlo, 2, was in attendance wearing swim trunks that were perhaps a little too large for his diaper-less behind, offering a glimpse of truck-themed unders as he carefully and intentionally considered the available bats while Grandma patiently hovered nearby. Bat selection is an important decision in Perry League.
Daniel, 3, made his Perry League debut wearing “truck butt” pants and a steam thresher shirt. He brought along an enthusiastic family entourage and the unmistakable energy of a 3-year-old ready to explore the entire experience.
Some children arrive at 6 p.m. Some arrive at 7:25. Some come straight from the pool. Some arrive by bicycle. Some are visiting friends. Some are visiting from out of town. Some spend the evening batting. Some spend it chasing balls. Some dig in the dirt. Some help with the bases. Some come for one swing at the very end.
Time is fluid in Perry League. T-ball is there when you arrive.
Brothers Teddy, 8, and Jory, 3, came down from the pool near the end of the evening to have a swing or two.
Bash, 3, arrived late in the game, but just in time for the final at-bat of the evening. And what a hit it was.
That’s the beauty of Perry League. You can come late or leave early or stay longer to roll down the big hill or play on the playground. You can spend the evening batting, fielding, helping, wandering, digging, laughing, or simply watching.
You can be 2 years old and still have a say in which bat you want. You can be 8 years old and discover that helping younger kids is just as much fun as hitting.
You can arrive from the pool, ride in on a bicycle, bring a friend, celebrate a 100th birthday, give your coach a coin, turn your hair green, scream with your friends, carefully reposition the tee on home plate, yell “Reload! Coming in hot!” or fill a hollow bat with dirt.
There is room for all of it.
Now in its 56th year, Perry League is open to all children regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, disability or level of skill. The league operates under a few simple and unique rules: there are no teams, no assigned positions, no batting order, and every batter gets 1,000 strikes. Perry League is designed to provide children and their caregivers with a positive, low-pressure introduction to team sports, emphasizing participation, inclusion, fun and community over competition.
There are two more Friday evenings of Perry League in the 2026 season. We will be at Gaunt Park next Friday, July 31. Please note, this is also the final opportunity to join Perry League Plus, which offers additional skills coaching for older T-ballers interested in considering moving up to the Yellow Springs youth baseball program or beyond.
The final evening, Aug. 7, will feature our traditional abbreviated play, family potluck, and cookout. We will be watching the weather beforehand and announce whether the final gathering will take place at Gaunt Park or in the Bryan Center gym. Potluck sign-ups can be made on the Perry League Facebook page or at next week’s game.
A clean space where people feel at home and at peace — that’s what Quetzal Gomez, of 111 Cleaning Services, hopes to deliver for her clients in Yellow Springs and beyond. Gomez celebrated the grand opening of the Yellow Springs location of 111 Cleaning Services on June 20.
While 111 is new to Yellow Springs, Gomez’s services have been available since she started her cleaning business in 2021.
“I got my start cleaning for the show ‘Hoarders,’” said Gomez. “They gave me my first chance as a subcontractor.”
Cleaning for “Hoarders” showed Gomez a new side to cleaning services. While the show focused on the mess, Gomez said she learned a lot about the connection between cleaning and mental health.
“I wasn’t just cleaning. I was making a difference,” Gomez said. “Some of the people struggled with their mental health; others were elderly and had mobility issues.”
After her contract with “Hoarders” finished, Gomez began taking residential and commercial clients in the greater Springfield and Dayton area.
“I had an office in Springfield, in Governor’s Manor,” Gomez said. “But my team also travels to Dayton and Kettering.”
While in Springfield, Gomez and her 10-person team cleaned homes and businesses, including McGregor metalworking. Gomez said she mainly hires women who need part-time work in order to balance family responsibilities.
“I was raised by a single mother, and I want to support women the way people supported my mother when we moved to the U.S. and she was getting started,” Gomez said. “Sometimes mothers need a little part-time job.”
Growing up, Gomez moved from Mexico to the U.S. when she was 7, and her mother worked as a caterer, eventually running her own business.
“Both of my parents have their own businesses,” Gomez said. “So it makes sense that I would want to have a business of my own, eventually.”
One thing Gomez values as she runs her business is building relationships with her clients. She said those relationships help her have a better understanding of clients’ needs and how best to maintain their space.
“Cleaning is very intimate, and you start to notice things about people,” she said. “Each client has their own patterns and preferences, and for some, the time I spend chatting and getting to know them is just as important as the cleaning.”
In Yellow Springs, Gomez currently cleans the Yellow Springs Library as a subcontractor, but is looking for more clients, both commercial and residential. She said her business model revolves around the comfortability of the client, so she uses a variety of products ranging from natural, plant-based products to industrial cleaners.
“We really focus on details, from baseboards to keyboards, to the backs of the television and computer,” Gomez said.
As far as pricing, Gomez said her rates are between $30-$40 per hour. Those rates are determined on an initial walkthrough of the space with the client, where Gomez discusses the goals of the cleaning and gives an estimate of the cost and time it will take to provide the service.
Asked about finding the space, Gomez said the opportunity to move her business came at the perfect time.
“My lease was about to be up in Governor’s Manor,” Gomez said. “I was visiting Yellow Springs one weekend and saw the sign for the space for rent.”
Despite being a new business owner in Yellow Springs, Gomez said she has always admired the village.
“I’ve loved this community ever since I was a kid,” she said about her visits to the village from neighboring Springfield. “It always felt warm and welcoming.
Gomez’s business has had its home in Springfield since opening in 2021, but she said the space in Yellow Springs — located in the Corry Street business suite — is ideal for all of her passions to come together. Aside from being home to her cleaning business, Gomez plans to utilize the space to host events and create content — other passions of hers.
“I’m passionate about bringing people together, Gomez said. “This world needs more unity.”
Whether it be cleaning a home or business or opening her own space, Gomez says she is ready to dive into creating community and helping people in every way she knows how.
More information about 111 cleaning services can be found on its website, http://www.111cleaningservices.com, or by calling the Corry Street office at 937-624-9463.
For the first time in over three years, representatives from all three local governmental bodies — Village Council, Yellow Springs Board of Education and Miami Township Board of Trustees — gathered in one room.
The goal of the two-hour meeting held Thursday, July 9, was to discuss ways the three groups could work more closely and collaboratively on matters of development, finances and, more generally, small-town cohesion.
The meeting was streamed on the Village’s YouTube channel, and can be watched here.
“We obviously draw from the same pool as taxing agencies from villagers and the township,” Council President Gavin DeVore Leonard said at the outset of the discussion.
“I think people are counting on us to collaborate and communicate — to, at least, check in once a year and to see how it’s going, what big projects are coming up, what’s going on,” he said.
Joining him as Village representatives were Council member Stephanie Pearce, Village Manager Johnnie Burns and Village Clerk Judy Kintner. Representing the Board of Education were Board President Amy Bailey and board member Krisi Myers. Representing the Township were Trustee Chair Marilan Moir and Trustee Lori Askeland, as well as Miami Township Fire-Rescue Chief James Cannell.
While all three groups conferred over their respective current initiatives —municipal infrastructure projects, school renovations and township code updates — what loomed large over the discussion was how each group and their constituents would be affected by a projected uptick in local population from the ongoing housing boom in Yellow Springs.
“The fact that we have 300-plus units in the pipeline — if we have this much housing, it’s going to affect the number of fire runs, the number of students we have,” DeVore Leonard said. “So, there’s value in checking in on the moving parts.”
DeVore Leonard alluded to the continued expansion of the Spring Meadows subdivision, the anticipated apartments near Antioch College and possibly an affordable housing project on the Village-owned Glass Farm.
“We have room to grow,” Bailey said of the school district. “If we saw a significant increase in population, then open enrollment would have to start decreasing. But our new buildings have been designed for [additional] space.”
In response to a query from Askeland, Bailey noted that YS Schools haven’t seen a “significant amount” of new students from the 80-some homes currently built in Spring Meadows.
In terms of development on the 25 square miles that surround Yellow Springs — which are governed by the Township trustees — that land isn’t as subject to the kind of residential development expected within village limits.
Burns reminded those at the meeting that Yellow Springs’ urban service boundary — the reach of municipal utilities — only extends so far, and conservation easements on much of the surrounding farmland preclude non-agricultural endeavors.
“I’m not pro-development of sprawl into the township,” Chair Moir asserted. “But I admit I don’t know enough … If by not being proactive, then we’d be letting it just happen to us, like what happened all around Columbus or Beavercreek.”
Though there hasn’t been that kind of “sprawl” into the township, Askeland noted that “the general ethos” among Township officials has changed in recent years.
“Literally, in the past, there’ve been zoning inspectors who have said ‘no’ to everything,” Askeland said, referring to such zoning matters like accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals and event permits.
“Now we think, ‘How can we make this work as long as it feels reasonable?’” Askeland said. “Farmers need a supplementary income so they can maintain their life on a farm, so we ask, ‘How can they maintain that so long as it’s not disruptive to the health and welfare of their surroundings?’ Our attitude is we want to work with people.”
All those present seemed in agreement about keeping growth at the forefront of all decision-making, and to encourage Village Planning and Zoning Administrator Nia Holt and Township Zoning Inspector Bryan Lucas to work more closely together.
How the three governmental bodies generate their dollars was another main topic at the joint meeting.
The school board members reminded those present about the ongoing statewide initiative to abolish property taxes in Ohio — a proposed measure that won’t appear on the November 2026 ballot, but possibly in 2027, and if passed, would gut the district of considerable funding.
“I think we can all agree we should fight for our public schools,” Myers said. “They are the cornerstone of our community.”
“It feels like the walls are closing in,” Bailey added.
Regardless of that possibility, Bailey said the district expects to place a levy on local ballots in 2029 to generate operating funds before Yellow Springs Schools is projected to dip below the state-required minimum cash balance.
For the Village, DeVore Leonard said no municipal levies are coming down the pike, at least until last year’s approved 8.4-mill levy expires in four years.
But more immediately, Miami Township will bring a permanent 0.8-mill levy before voters this November. Per past News reporting, the proposed levy is expected to generate more than $200,000 annually by taxing homeowners $28 per $100,000 of a home’s appraised value.
Askeland said the levy, if passed, will help cover the cost of a new fire truck.
“A few years ago, you could get a new firetruck for $250,000, but now, it’s about $1 million,” she said, attributing the higher cost to a combination of private equity racketeering, supply chain issues and rising oil prices.
Aside from a general consensus to keep each other abreast of any initiative that may ripple beyond their jurisdiction, no official decisions or resolutions were made by the meeting’s end.
The group also agreed to hold the joint meetings annually, likely in midsummer, for the foreseeable future.
On Monday through Thursday mornings during June and July, a parade of 5-18-year-olds make their way up the Gaunt Park hill for swim practice. On Tuesday, July 21, the routine changed, and swimmers gathered at the pool at 8 p.m. for an ice cream party to celebrate the completion of the 2026 swim season.
In a short ceremony emceed by head coach Kathleen Magill, swimmers were celebrated for achievements ranging from participating in every practice to winning medals at championships.
A nonprofit started in 1991, the Sea Dogs are run by a parent-board, who rent the pool from the Village, organize competitions, take photos, fundraise, and cheer on swimmers as they compete. Head coach Magill runs daily practices from 8:45-10:55 with the assistance of Claire Cutting, Luke Guisleman and a throng of high school volunteers, who earn community service hours by setting up the pool and running practice for the youngest swimmers.
Reflecting on the season, Magill shared a few highlights, including encouraging swimmers to try a new stroke, seeing some achieve personal bests.
“A highlight is always seeing kids realize what they are capable of,” Magill said. “Especially seeing the littlest kids who have never participated on a swim team before realise that it’s not that scary and they can make it across the pool, that’s probably my favorite part.”
At the awards ceremony, swimmers received medals and ribbons they racked up throughout the season. Special awards went to most improved swimmers in each age group — Eden Harstad and Calvin Wagner for 5–6 year olds; Benjamin Wagner and Nora Fisher for 7–8 year olds; James Christen and Anna Mayer for 9–10 year olds , Daphne Bussey and Isaiah Lee for 11–12 year olds, Rocket Coperthwaite and Annabel Christen for the 13–14 year olds; and Lance Guisleman and Elizabeth Hill for the 15–18 year olds.
“For ‘most improved,’ we looked at swimmers who dropped time and swimmers who made other achievements, like swimming across the pool for the first time,” Magill said.
Several returning swimmers and parents commented on their journeys as swimmers and parents. Allie Amend, a returning swimmer, said her favorite event was the 25 freestyle.
“I just love competing!” she said. “I also enjoy getting to cheer on my friends.”
Parent Kat Christen, whose two swimmers have been competing for a total of six seasons, said she appreciates Sea Dogs for so much more than the competition.
“It’s a great way for kids to spend their summer,” Christen said. “It’s screen free, it’s social, and they get to learn a skill that can save their lives.
Looking forward to next year, coach Magill said she hopes more families will consider signing their kids up for the swim team.
“I hope that every swimmer from this season had a great experience and will bring a friend next summer,” Magill said. “It’s really not scary and we have a lot of fun!”
This season’s team roster included Emmie Adducchio, Olivia Adducchio, Squally Adducchio, Allie Amend, Dilly Arwood, Alijah Bahr, Josijah Bahr, Nyjah Bahr, Urijah Bahr, Chance Brookey, Daphne Bussey, Everett Bussey, Johanna Cain, Annabelle Christen, James Christen, Huxley Cornelius, Imogene Cowperthwaite, Rocket Cowperthwaite, Eli Crockett, Milo Crockett, Arlie Edmunds, Grant Edmunds, Cooper Edwards, Grayden Edwards, Adrian Espinosa, Nora Fisher, Sydney Fisher, Elias Fleck, Alyce Fox, Lance Guisleman, Luke Guisleman, Eden Harstad, Elizabeth Hill, Ellen Hill, Ryan Hixon, Lian Holtgrave, Kai Hsu-Mazur, Miko Hsu-Mazur, Jensen Jackson, Gwen Jordan, Astrid Kelhoffer, Freya Kelhoffer, Arabella Kelley, Isaiah Lee, Keegan Longano, Reagan Longano, Helen Lowry, Konrad Lowry, Anna Mayer, Ava Miller, Bryce Miller, Greyson Miller, Chloe Moon, John Novak, Francisco Ramirez, Calliope Raska, Kelsey Reichelderfer-Wolff, Mae Schleining, Seth Scribben, Hayes Shaffer-Skiber, Stevie Sikes-Gilbert, Charlotte Skidmore, Ronan Smith, Oscar Taylor, Shaffer Taylor, Sophia Thomas, Ellie Troquille, Benjamin Wagner, Calvin Wagner, Eloise Wagner, Jack Welsh, Jimi Whitaker, Isabel Whitmore, Evie Whittaker, Luci Whittaker and Will Whittaker.
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