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YMCA SEAHORSE SWIM TEAM
HISTORY
Originally known as the Hickory Seahorse Swim Team, the team was
founded in 1957 by Henry Brown, Director of the Hickory Foundation
Center. Gene Miller, Assistant Principal at Hickory High School,
directed the team. Elmer and Mary Ann Troutman became volunteer
coaches for this Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) team, which operated
summers only.
Year round swimming was established in
1960 when the indoor pool was built at the Hickory Foundation
Center. During the 60s, the team gained strength and in 1978 a full
time coach was hired. In the 70s and early 80s the team enjoyed 15
consecutive years as summer league champions. In 1986, the indoor
program moved to Lenoir-Rhyne College when the foundation’s
indoor facility closed.
In the fall of 1992, Jon Jolley was
hired as full time age group coach. His enthusiasm and coaching
skills contributed greatly to the team and in June 1996 he became
Head Coach.
It was in January 1995 that the
Hickory Seahorse Swim Team merged with the YMCA of Catawba Valley
and underwent the name change to the YMCA Seahorse Swim Team, or
YSST in order to reflect our newer, wider diversity.
In the Fall of 1999 the new
Millholland Aquatic center opened at the YMCA of Catawba Valley.
This indoor 25-yard pool is home to the YSST short course
season. Additionally, the 50-meter outdoor pool hosts
colorful slides, which are a popular recreation to the swim team
during the hot summer.
YSST PURPOSE
STATEMENT
YMCA Seahorse Swim Team (YSST), a
program of the YMCA of Catawba Valley, is an organization providing
a comprehensive year round swimming program for children of all
ages and levels of ability. With professional coaching, the goal of
the team is to maximize individual potential and to promote
swimming in the community at all levels.
YSST VISION
STATEMENT
YMCA Seahorse Swim Team (YSST) strives
to be the finest competitive aquatics program in western North
Carolina. Our commitment to excellence begins with a professional
coaching staff fully supported by an active parent organization. We
are nationally recognized as providing quality programs from
“learn-to-swim” to elite levels of competition. These
programs are designed to maximize each individual’s
potential. Our swimmers set an example of integrity and
leadership while representing the community in highest
form.
YSST MISSION
STATEMENT
YMCA Seahorse Swim Team (YSST) seeks
to actualize its vision by maintaining a structured, multi-level
program that fosters participation at all ages and ability
levels. The coaching staff is provided opportunities and
experiences that further each coach’s professional
development in the areas of technical knowledge, leadership, and
administration. Parent involvement opportunities are broad ranging.
An active parent organization supports both the developmental
growth and fiscal responsibilities of the program.
YSST promotes physical and mental
fitness in a safe and fun environment. Our swimmers develop a
positive self-image through discipline, commitment and
perseverance. The professional coaching staff teaches technical
swimming proficiency, proper body conditioning, goal setting,
motivation and sportsmanship. The athletes’ active
participation in competitive events instills the ability to deal
with success and failure, self discipline and the adherence to
rules, respect for others, team spirit, and other invaluable life
lessons. This is all accomplished in a family
oriented setting that creates an atmosphere of fun, social
interaction and fellowship.
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