Lakeside Sharks begin fourth season with coach Suzanne Mayette
By John M. Benson
July 13, 2007
Coach Suzanne Mayette and her Pawling Lakeside Sharks begin their fourth season this summer, the swim team sponsored by the Town of Pawling and the Pawling Recreation Department.
Mayette and assistant coach Kevin Walsh have more than 50 swimmers on the team again this year, all ready to continue the success the Sharks began to enjoy in the summer of 2006.
Pawling managed their first victories during that season, defeating Redwing by 311-223, Millbrook by 334-231, and Tymor by the lopsided score of 366-129. The two losses last year were to Freedom Park by 403-213 and to Beekman by 324-291.
In defeating three teams, the Sharks moved into the upper division of competition, and have set their sights on catching Beekman this season, and challenging Freedom Park for the league championship.
It is so clear, watching the kids swim, how they have become more confident and more disciplined and technically sound in the water. Their growing mastery of the four strokes, freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke, is evident at every age level.
Mayette makes certain that every child on the team swims in at least three races in each meet.
Pawling has one home meet on the schedule this summer, and away meets at Freedom Park, Millbrook, Redwing Park, Tymor Park, Stamford and Beekman Park, with the championships to be held this year on August 2 at Beekman Park.
The Town Board and the Recreation Department established the venue three years ago, and installed the 14 flip-turn boards for seven lanes.
Mayette thanked Supervisor Beth Coursen, the Town Councilmen, and Recreation Director Melissa Smith and assistant Robyn Woolley when she said, “We really want to thank Melissa Smith and Robyn Woolley at Pawling Recreation. They do such a great job of organizing and arranging the water time for all the people who want it. And we also want to thank Supervisor Beth Coursen and the Town Board for their support. We are very grateful to all of them for making us part of the Lakeside program, and allowing us to swim.”
With money the kids and their parents raised at their own fundraisers, the team began last summer with all-new uniforms and lane ropes. Parent Dave Stenton designed the logo that is featured on all the suits and caps.
The swimmers have all developed in their technique, conditioning and stamina, all through the lively practices and the work of Mayette and assistant coach Kevin Walsh.
Mayette says the parents of these youngsters have been critical to the success of the program, encouraging their children, organizing and supporting the fundraisers that have provided funds for the team uniforms and the colorful lane ropes, working as timers and scorekeepers and everything else needed at home meets, and generally supporting all the efforts of the kids and coaches.
With coach Mayette leading the way, the Sharks have truly developed into a close-knit community, supporting one another in the practices and competition, and working together as families to build up this program.
For information, call the Pawling Recreation Department at 855-1131. |
