Stingrays Scoop 2.11.26

🏅 YMCA Bronze Championships

What a fantastic weekend! Thank you to everyone who helped make the YMCA Bronze Championships such a success.

It truly takes a village to host a meet of this size, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and teamwork from our coaches, officials, timers, volunteers, and families. From early set-up to late clean-up, organizing entries, running smooth sessions, and cheering on every swimmer, so much happens behind the scenes. Your willingness to step up and support one another is what makes Stingrays events so special.

Together, we hosted a welcoming, well-run meet that gave swimmers across the region a great championship experience. We’re proud not only of how our athletes performed, but of how our entire team represented our YMCA community.

In the water, the hard work paid off — 8 swimmers achieved 12 new YMCA Silver qualifying standards, a true testament to their dedication and the support of their coaches and teammates.

Thank you all — we couldn’t do it without you!

 

💙 Coaching Update – Little Stingrays

At the conclusion of this season, Coach Chris Feinthel will be stepping down as our Little Stingrays coach.

We are incredibly grateful for the three years he has dedicated to leading our youngest swimmers. Chris has created a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment that has helped so many athletes build confidence, skills, and a love for the sport. We have been fortunate to have him as part of our coaching staff.

As his daughter ages out of the group, Chris is looking forward to cheering on the team from the stands and watching our program continue to grow. Please be sure to thank him for all he has given to the Stingrays during his time with us.

Beginning this spring and continuing through the summer and next fall/winter season, Coach Ruby will lead the Little Stingrays group.

Thank you, Coach Chris, for everything you’ve done for our swimmers and families! 🐟

 

📅 Season Wrap-Up

• Little Stingrays: Season concludes at 8 & Under Champs – Feb 28, followed by their break
• J1 & Older: Season finale at the River Crossing Finale Meet – March 29 (new date)

🎉 Team Banquet

Friday, March 27 (Friday night this year!)
📍 Hawk Pointe Golf Club

🌸 Spring Schedule

• Team Break: March 29 – April 12
• Spring Practices Begin: April 13
• Practice times remain the same through the end of the school year

 

🏊 NJ YMCA Silver Championships – Meet Schedule & Reminders

Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled warm-up time, ready to go. Most sessions have one warm-up only, and events begin immediately after.

Friday – February 13

Session 1 | 11–12 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 9:20 AM | Start 10:00 AM | Finish ~11:47 AM

Session 2 | 13–14 + 13–18 1000 Free (Timed Finals, 10 lanes)
Warm-up 12:00 PM | Start 1:00 PM | Finish ~3:44 PM

Session 3 | 15–18 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 4:00 PM | Start 4:40 PM | Finish ~6:11 PM

Saturday – February 14

Session 4 | 9–10 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 7:50 AM | Start 8:30 AM | Finish ~10:27 AM

Session 5 | 11–12 (Timed Finals, 10 lanes)
Warm-up 11:10 AM | Start 11:50 AM | Finish ~1:49 PM

Session 6 | 13–14 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 2:30 PM | Start 3:05 PM | Finish ~4:57 PM

Session 7 | 15–18 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 5:30 PM | Start 6:05 PM | Finish ~7:57 PM

Sunday – February 15

Session 8 | 9–10 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 7:30 AM | Start 8:30 AM | Finish ~10:24 AM

Session 9 | 11–12 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 11:05 AM | Start 11:40 AM | Finish ~1:18 PM

Session 10 | 13–14 + 13–18 1650 Free (Timed Finals, 10 lanes)
Warm-up 1:50 PM | Start 2:25 PM | Finish ~5:05 PM

Session 11 | 15–18 (Timed Finals, 8 lanes)
Warm-up 5:15 PM | Start 5:50 PM | Finish ~7:33 PM

Good luck Stingrays — race fast and represent with pride! 💙

 

🏆 NJ YMCA 8 & Under Championships

• New Date: February 28
• 📍 Ocean County YMCA, Toms River, NJ (1088 West Whitty Rd)
• ⏰ Please arrive 20 minutes prior to warm-up
• Schedule: TBD

 

Volunteers Needed – Special Olympics Swim Meet

We are proud to host the 30th Annual Special Olympics Area 4 Swim Meet on Saturday, March 21, 2:00–6:00 PM at the YMCA.

This meet provides athletes the opportunity to advance to Sectionals and the Summer Games, and we need volunteers to help make the day a success.

This is a great way for our swimmers to earn service hours, and parents are welcome to volunteer as well.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old.

Sign up here:

https://portals.specialolympics.org/event-details/?id=16ea2402-efa2-f011-bbd3-00224809f6b8

 

 

Spring/Summer Tryouts:

We have set the following dates for tryouts for the Spring/Summer team. More information to come!  If you know anyone interested in swimming with our team please share our tryouts dates/info. If you know any potential athletes who are interested right now, please have them reach out to Coach Lou or Coach Ruby ***Existing Stingray swimmers do not need to re-tryout.  They all have a spot on the team***

• March 17th  and 18th @ 6:15pm at Deer Path YMCA
• March 24th and 25th @ 6:15 at Deer Path YMCA

 

📱 Stay Connected with GroupMe

Join your swimmer’s GroupMe chat to stay updated. We recommend both parents and older swimmers join:

• Seniors: Join Here
• Pre Seniors: Join Here
• Junior 2: Join Here
• Junior 1: Join Here
• Little Stingrays: Join Here
   

 

🏅  Meet/Event Schedule

 

🚨 Important Practice Updates 🚨

February

• Saturday 2/14:  All practices will be held as normal at Deer Path
• Saturday 2/21:  J2 and J1 will be canceled for meets,  Senior and pre-Senior will have practice at Deer Path from 7:00-9:00 AM

💡 Tip: Please mark your calendars now—these changes impact multiple groups, especially during meet weekends.