Stingers 2024
Hello Stinger Nation,
I hope the holidays have treated you and your families well. I wanted to reach out and advise you of a few things that are going on with the team. Unfortunately, I must confirm the rumor that the City of Willoughby has decided not to open the Euclid Ave pool for the summer of 2024 and foreseeable future. The last few years the pool has needed significant maintenance and repairs to be operational. This year that cost, combined with low attendance and staffing issues have resulted in the closure. Attached to this email is a letter from the city that was sent to pass holders.
We are saddened by this news, but the Stingers Parent Board is working with the city to ensure the Stingers’ future. Here are some quick answers I have to the questions I have received in the last few weeks.
- Yes, we will have season. The City of Willoughby is working to make Osborne capable of hosting meets and becoming the home of the Stingers full time.
- The city has said we will have the same amount of pool time at Osborne as we had between 2 pools in the last few years. That goes for practices and meets.
- The city is working to provide transportation to Osborne from Euclid Ave Pool for morning practices.
I know this is not the way we wanted to start off season and adjustments will need to be made. I do not know the future of the Euclid Ave pool location. The forthcoming move of the police station will leave a large city owned area on Euclid Ave. The team’s perspective is we are disheartened to lose our historic home pool but are very appreciative of the city’s willingness to accommodate our needs at Osborne. I will continue to monitor the city’s ideas for that location by attending council meetings and keeping in contact with Parks and Rec and the mayor. I will keep you updated and if the Stingers Parent Board feels the need to rally support, we know we can count on Stinger Nation. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me.
Moving forward, here are some important dates for the 2024 season and defense of the Championship.
Championships will be hosted by Pinegate and Mentor July 27th and July 28th 2024. At our last league meeting we were told due to issues securing 8 pool lanes on Sunday, the 8&unders will swim on both Saturday and Sunday. Please plan accordingly.
Tentatively we will look to start the season June 3rd, host Black and Gold June 8th and have our first dual meet on June 15th. As I get more information on practice times and pool opening, I will pass it on.
The first fundraiser for the 2024 season has begun with Superbowl Squares. $20 a square, with half the proceeds going to minimize yearly costs to the team. Instructions, rules etc are on the squares’ website. Feel free to share the link below with family and friends, just make sure their square name and number are in the description in their venmo or paypal payment.
https://superbowlpoolsite.com/contest/523825?p=SwimFast1
Thank you for taking time to read this email. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Stay Warm and see everyone soon!
Pat Conway
