HCY Stingrays Scoop - 2.18.26
๐ HCY Stingrays Scoop - 2.18.26
๐ NEW Family Referral Incentive
Help us grow the Stingrays family! For each new swimmer you refer who registers for the team, your swimmer will receive one FREE Speedo item of their choice โ including options like a kickboard, goggles, pull buoy, snorkel, and more.
When families sign up for tryouts, they can list your swimmerโs name in the โReferred Byโ section.
Invite friends, grow the team, and earn some new gear while youโre at it!
๐โโ๏ธ Stingrays Swim Team โ Spring Tryouts
The Stingrays Swim Team is excited to host Spring Tryouts at Deer Path YMCA for swimmers ages 6โ18 who are interested in joining our year-round competitive swim program.
There is no cost to attend โ just come ready to swim and have fun!
Tryout Dates & Times
โข March 17 | 6:15 PM
โข March 18 | 6:15 PM
โข March 24 | 6:15 PM
โข March 25 | 6:15 PM
What to Bring: โ Swimsuit โ Goggles โ Towel
Our experienced coaching staff focuses on skill development, strong technique, and building confidence in a positive, team-first environment where every athlete can grow and succeed at their own level.
Register here:
https://www.ymcarivercrossing.org/events/stingrays-try-outs
๐ Season Wrap-Up & Spring Transition
As we head into the final stretch of the season, itโs time to lock in, race tough, and finish strong. Championship meets are where all the hard work pays off โ letโs bring great energy, support our teammates, and close out the season with fast swims and proud performances for our Hunterdon County YMCA Stingrays!
Little Stingrays โ Season concludes at 8 & Under Champs on February 28, followed by their break
J1 & Older โ Season finale at the River Crossing Finale Meet on March 29 (new date)
๐ Team Banquet
Friday, March 27 (Friday night this year!)
๐ Hawk Pointe Golf Club
๐ธ Spring Schedule
Team Break: March 29 โ April 12
Spring Practices Begin: April 13
Practice times remain the same through the end of the school year
๐ณ Billing Reminder
There are no swim team payments scheduled for March. Monthly payments will resume in April. We understand many families take time off between seasons โ if your swimmer will be participating in other activities and you need to pause payments, please contact Coach Lou directly so we can help.
Letโs make these last meets count and finish the season fast, confident, and together โ Go Stingrays! ๐โโ๏ธ
๐ 2026 Swim Team Banquet โ Award of Excellence Nominations (Weโre Doing It Again!)
Back by popular demand, weโre excited to continue the tradition in 2026 and once again recognize the heart of our team at the YMCA of the USA Stingrays Swim Team Banquet with our Award of Excellence.
Each year, this special award honors one boy and one girl from every age group who truly represent the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. What makes this award even more meaningful? Teammates nominate teammates.
We encourage every swimmer to submit at least one nomination. You may nominate across multiple age groups and genders, but please submit only one swimmer per age group/gender.
When nominating, include a brief explanation and specific examples of how your teammate demonstrates leadership, sportsmanship, and positive character.
๐ Nominations are due by March 1
The coaching staff will review all submissions and select this yearโs recipients.
Letโs celebrate the swimmers who make our team stronger โ in and out of the pool!
Click here for a link to nominate your teammates
๐ฅ 12 & Under Championship Meet โ Ready to Race!
Itโs time to gear up, race hard, and swim fast at the YMCA 12 & Under State Championships!
Finals Format
โข 11/12 age group โ Top 16 advance to Finals
โข 9/10 age group โ Top 8 advance to Finals
Swimmers should arrive 20 minutes before warm-ups each session and come prepared to compete. This is championship season โ rest up, fuel well, and be ready to bring your best speed to the blocks!
Session Schedule
Friday
AM Prelims/Timed Finals โ Warm-up 9:00 AM | Start 10:25 AM
PM Finals โ Warm-up 4:30 PM | Start 5:30 PM
Saturday
AM 11/12 Prelims โ Warm-up 7:30 AM | Start 8:30 AM
Midday 10/U Prelims โ Warm-up 11:40 AM | Start 12:40 PM
PM Finals โ Warm-up 4:30 PM | Start 5:30 PM
Sunday
AM 11/12 Prelims โ Warm-up 7:20 AM | Start 8:45 AM
Midday 10/U Prelims โ Warm-up 12:10 PM | Start 1:10 PM
PM Finals โ Warm-up 4:30 PM | Start 5:30 PM
Letโs bring the energy, support each other, and finish the season fast. Go Stingrays! ๐โโ๏ธ๐ฅ
๐โโ๏ธ 12 & Under Silver/Bronze Meet โ NJ Swimming
Weโre excited for the NJ Swimming 12 & Under Silver/Bronze Meet this weekend!
Coaching Coverage
Coach Alecia will be on deck Saturday
Coach Chris will be on deck Sunday
Families, please watch for an email with timing assignments for the weekend.
Session Times
10 & Under
Saturday & Sunday Warm-up: 7:00 AM (Doors Open: 6:45 AM)
11โ12
Saturday Warm-up: 11:40 AM
Sunday Warm-up: 1:10 PM
๐ Parking Reminder
Parking is available in the lots and on surrounding streets where curbside parking is permitted. Do not park on Linden Ave, even if spaces appear open. Vehicles parked illegally may be ticketed or towed. Please also avoid blocking crosswalks or driveways.
Letโs bring the Stingrays energy, cheer on our teammates, and finish the season strong with fast swims!
๐ NJ YMCA 8 & Under Championships
- New Date: February 28
- ๐ Ocean County YMCA, Toms River, NJ (1088 West Whitty Rd)
- โฐ Please arrive 20 minutes prior to warm-up
- Schedule: TBD
Volunteers Needed โ Special Olympics Swim Meet
We are proud to host the 30th Annual Special Olympics Area 4 Swim Meet on Saturday, March 21, 2:00โ6:00 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
๐ฑ Stay Connected with GroupMe
Join your swimmerโs 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
๐ Meet/Event Schedule
๐จ Important Practice Updates ๐จ
February
Thursday 2/19: No dryland for J2 and Pre Senior
Friday 2/20: J2 and Pre Senior will swim combined 5:30-6:45 PM
Saturday 2/21: J2 and J1 will be canceled for meets,
Senior and Pre-Senior will have practice at Deer Path 7-9 AM
Saturday 2/28: Senior and Pre-Senior will have practice at Deer Path 7-9 AM
Saturday 3/7: Senior and Pre-Senior will have practice at Deer Path 7-9 AM
๐ก Tip: Please mark your calendars nowโthese changes impact multiple groups, especially during meet weekends.
See you on the pool deck,
Coach Lou & Coach Ruby
