Montclair Dolphins Girls Smash Bests to Qualify for Top Regional USA Swimming Meet

Montclair Dolphins Girls Smash Bests to Qualify for Top Regional USA Swimming Meet

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Montclair Dolphin swimmers Kayleigh Surichaqui and Vicky Sluk smashed their personal bests at the AGUA Martin Luther King Jr. Invitational three-day swim meet in New York City over the long weekend to qualify for the top regional USA Swimming meet at the end of the season in March.

It was a busy weekend for the Dolphins with swimmers racing in two meets. As well as the New York event, the team took on Westfield and Meadowlands YMCA in a three-way competition hosted at the YMCA of Montclair on January 14.

Kayleigh Surichaqui took a huge 7.79 seconds off her best time in the 100-yard fly to finish in 1 minute 14.14 seconds, swimming in the over 13 age group. The time was inside the 1 minute 14.99 qualifying time for the Sunkissed National Championship event in Charlotte, North Carolina, in March.

Qualifying for Sunkissed meet over the winter season is the ambition of many competitive swimmers from more than a dozen East Coast and Midwest states that attend.

“Kayleigh had a breakthrough swim, that puts her among our fastest swimmers,” said Dolphins Head Coach Alex Boutov.

Under-12 swimmer Vicky Sluk came third in the 50-yard freestyle and 50-yard backstroke events in New York. Sluk beat her personal best in the 200-yeard backstroke by 4.26 seconds to finish in 2 minutes 29.26 seconds, well inside the Sunkissed qualifying time of 2 minutes 32.99 seconds.

Sluk also beat the Sunkissed qualifying time by over three seconds with a new personal best in the 200-yard fly.

The Dolphins had 18 swimmers in the New York meet hosted by the Asphalt Green United Aquatics club.

At the tri-meet in Montclair, Sawyer Beaubouef came first in the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke events for the 9-10 year-old boys. Jane Determann won the 100-yard freestyle event for the girls in the same age group.

Emma Britt won the 100-yard fly for the 15-18 year-old girls.  Nead Kojic took the top spot in the 200-yard individual medley for the 15-18 year-old boys, clipping 4.32 seconds from his personal best to qualify for the Sunkissed. Kojic also won the 100-yard breaststroke, while Leo Powers took first place in the 100-yard fly.

This weekend is another busy one for the Dolphins with swimmers competing at a dual meet on Jan 29 against Westfield YMCA and also at the Madison Area YMCA Winter Storm meet on Jan 30.

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The YMCA of Montclair Dolphins swim team offers a year-round opportunity for competitive swimming in both YMCA and USA Swimming competitions as well as seasonal instructional clinics for aspiring competitive athletes. The team is comprised of girls and boys from age 6 through high school. Around 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels, based on their skill set.

 

 

 

 

Dolphins Excel at Winter Classic Swim Meet

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Montclair Dolphins’ senior swimmers Nead Kojic and Leo Powers took first and second place in the 100-yard breaststroke at the Winter Classic swim meet in Ocean County, and Powers also took top spot in the 200-yard fly as the Dolphins excelled in all age groups, led by new coach Alex Boutov.

Powers finished on the podium in six events at the meet contested by eight New Jersey YMCA teams and hosted at the Ocean County YMCA in Tom’s River on December 17-19.

Dolphin Vicky Sluk had top three finishes in the 100 fly and 100 and 200 backstroke events for the 11-12 years olds.

Sam Holbech came in third in the 50 backstroke for 11-12 year-old boys.

The Dolphins sent a team of 49 swimmers to the event. They came away with a haul of 22 qualifying times for the Sunkissed Invitational Event, which takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the climax of the short-course season in March.

In addition to the top-three finishers, other swimmers that qualified for Charlotte were seniors Emily Cadogan, Ellen Last, Ryan McMahon and Katie Song. Of the 13-14 year olds, Sefina Morrison, Stella Bourne and Laruen Espiritu notched up Sunkissed times, while 11-12 year olds Charlotte Roeland and Jonas Foung also qualified.

Boutov was appointed the Dolphin’s head coach in September and has already guided the team to strong results in several meets.

The YMCA of Montclair Dolphins swim team offers a year-round opportunity for competitive swimming in both YMCA and USA Swimming competitions as well as seasonal instructional clinics for aspiring competitive athletes. The team is comprised of girls and boys from age 6 through high school.  Up to 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels, based on their skill set.

Submitted by Simon Webb

Message to Members Regarding Montclair Township Mask Mandate

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UPDATED February 17, 2022

Due to the continuing fall in the number of positive COVID19 cases in our community, and steady rise in vaccination rate, the YMCA of Montclair is adopting the Montclair Township Council’s recent update to the mask mandate (Township Resolution R-22-13) and will exempt mask wearing for those who find it inhibitory for indoor athletic activity.

Please remember, per the town ordinance, that indoor mask-wearing is still required as you enter the building and move through its spaces including locker rooms. Also, if anyone using our facility is unvaccinated mask-wearing is required at all times, even while exercising.

We strongly recommend vaccination/boosters for COVID19 to help end this ongoing crisis.

 

UPDATED February 4, 2022

The YMCA of Montclair is continuing its policy of requiring masks to be worn at all times at our Park Street Facility. We are encouraged that the Omicron wave continues its downward trajectory in our community.

On February 18, if the numbers remain low, we will adopt the Montclair Township Council’s recent update to the mask mandate (Township Resolution R-22-13) and exempt mask wearing for those who find it inhibitory for indoor athletic activity.

We strongly recommend vaccination/boosters for COVID19 to help end this ongoing crisis.

 

UPDATED January 20, 2022

At this time, the YMCA of Montclair is continuing its policy of requiring masks to be worn at all times at our Park Street Facility. We are aware that the Montclair Township Council’s recent update to the mask mandate (Township Resolution R-22-13) included an exemption for indoor athletic activity, however, the YMCA of Montclair will continue to require masking due to the high rates of transmission in our community. We will reassess this requirement in two weeks based on current COVID trends and health department guidance, and will issue an update to our members on February 4th. This policy is intended to help protect the health and safety of our members and our staff during this Omicron spike.

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Dear YMCA of Montclair Community,

Yesterday, we sent a communication regarding our mask policy and a message of encouragement to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status because of the current spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Tonight, the Montclair Town Council passed a resolution requiring a mask mandate for all indoor public spaces regardless of vaccination status. The resolution takes effect immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL RESOLUTION

Beginning tomorrow, December 22, the YMCA of Montclair will require masks at the Park Street Y regardless of vaccination status. Please plan on bringing and wearing your mask when you visit Park Street for the duration of this mandate. If needed, masks will also be available in the lower lobby.

We recognize that this may be difficult for some members, however, the Omicron variant is proving to be highly transmissible and the safety of our staff and members is our priority.

There is good news. Vaccines + booster are proving effective in minimizing symptoms of COVID. New treatments for COVID are about to be approved. We anticipate, like last year, that cases will begin to decrease after mid-January. We do anticipate that with vaccination and therapies, better days are ahead.

We want to thank you for doing your part to keep each other safe and healthy during this time.

Sincerely,

Buddy Evans
President and CEO

Message to Members Regarding Mask Wearing at Park Street Y

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Dear YMCA of Montclair Community, 

 

I hope you and your families and friends are well during this holiday season. 

 

I want to take this time to talk about where we are in the COVID-19 pandemic and the health of our YMCA community.  

 

Like last year, the Thanksgiving holiday — where families traveled and gathered, and college students returned home — precipitated a rise in COVID infection rates. Our state has gone from yellow (moderate levels of virus) to orange (high levels of virus). And like last year, we can expect with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays that the infection rate will continue to rise until sometime after mid-January. 

 

 

Throughout the pandemic, we have told you that safety is our priority. Our Y follows the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and New Jersey public health guidelines and abides by all Montclair Department of Health requirements. We continue to distance our exercise equipment, rigorously clean our facility, and limit class size. Our mask policy is that if you are unvaccinated, you must wear a mask in our facility. If you are vaccinated, wearing a mask is a personal choice.  

 

This summer, we saw cases rise in response to the Delta variant. And now this winter, Omicron — a variant that is highly transmissible — is causing breakthrough infections. Recently, the state of New Jersey issued new guidelines encouraging vaccinated persons to wear a mask in indoor settings. We have required our staff to wear masks for their safety and yours. We strongly encourage our vaccinated members to wear a mask at our Park Street Y during this rise in cases, but we will not require it, at this time. 
In the coming weeks, if you would like to temporarily take advantage of our hold policy, please call our membership team at 973-744-3400. We will be here for you in 2022. 

 

Getting the COVID-19 vaccines + booster is the best way to avoid serious illness resulting in hospitalization. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are sick, stay home.  

 

We appreciate your care and respect for your fellow Y members as we continue to work together to maintain the safest environment possible. 

 

On behalf of the YMCA of Montclair Team, we thank you for being part of the Y community, and we wish you a safe and joyful holiday and new year. 

 

Buddy Evans 
President and CEO 

YMCA of Montclair Hosts Geyer Family Y Playground Ribbon Cutting Event

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Montclair, NJ — On September 14, 2021, the YMCA of Montclair hosted a ribbon cutting event and reception to thank supporters and present the new Rainbow Playground at the Geyer Family Y to the community.  Young music students from Montclair Early Music led by Julienne Pape, President and Founder delighted those present with a performance prior to the official ribbon cutting.

Councilwoman Lori Price Abrams presented a Township of Montclair Proclamation extending congratulations on the completion of the playground and its benefit to the community.

YMCA of Montclair Chief Volunteer Officer Izumi Hara joined supporters Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President of Rao’s Homemade and David and Bridget Placek in cutting the big red ribbon at the playground’s entrance.

The playground was originally scheduled to break ground in the summer of 2020 but was delayed by COVID-19. “We are pleased to complete this long-awaited playground at the Geyer Family Y,” says Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “The pandemic underscored for us the importance of having ample space for children to play and learn in the fresh air. I’m so glad to have this playground ready for the start of the school year.”

The playground, designed in partnership with Montclair State University, will provide a safe, fun, outdoor environment for children of diverse abilities.

This project was only possible thanks to many donations from the community, including a challenge grant from two lead supporters, Rao’s Homemade and The Placek Family. “As a member of the Montclair community for 3 years, Rao’s Homemade is committed to supporting initiatives that make this wonderful town an even better place for its residents to live.  Rao’s is delighted to have helped bring to life the YMCA of Montclair’s vision for this community playground,” said Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President, Rao’s Homemade.

“Our family is very excited about the opening of the playground at the Geyer Family Y,” said Dave and Bridget Placek. “We know that so many families in the community will benefit from having this colorful new playground in their backyards, and look forward to seeing it be used for many years to come.”

Other lead supporters include: The Geyer Family, Izumi Hara and David Koschik, Rose Cali, Susann and Jim Connors, Investors Foundation and The Provident Bank Foundation. “I am incredibly grateful to all of the supporters who made this playground possible,” said Buddy Evans.

Parents at the Learning Enrichment Community, the remote school program held at the Geyer Family Y for the 2020-21 School year, also came together to support the playground in honor of the Y staff working with their children. A bench in the playground is dedicated to the staff for their efforts during the pandemic.

Due to supply chain issues in procuring turf floor, the playground will open for play in October.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

YMCA of Montclair Reimagines the 38th Annual Montclair Run

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Registration is open for this family-friendly event on Saturday, October 9 that includes a USATF certified 10K Grand Prix and a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk.

Montclair NJ — On October 9, the YMCA of Montclair will host the 38th Annual Montclair Run. Historically, the Montclair Run occurs on the second Sunday of June but in 2020 and 2021 the Montclair Run was postponed due to the COVID pandemic. With the availability of the COVID vaccine, the Montclair Run was reimagined as a fall event that included a costume caper theme.

“We are so excited to bring back the Montclair Run to our community,” said Buddy Evans, President & CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “The event is a great way for individuals, families, and runners of all abilities to support an active lifestyle while giving back to the community. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center returns as this year’s 10K Run presenting sponsor. “The hospital is happy to continue an active partnership with the YMCA,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “The Y is a great place for people to proactively improve their health, a perfect complement to the mission of our hospital.”

Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton returns as this year’s 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk sponsor. “We are thrilled to be a part of this great community event,” said John Fette, President of Fette Auto. “We look forward to seeing individuals and families out in the fresh air, enjoying the run/walk and each other. It’s all for a good cause.”

All runners must register online by October 4 at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Montclair/TheMontclairRun

Race day in-person registration at the YMCA of Montclair, Park Street Branch at 25 Park Street is available on Saturday, October 9 from 6:30-7:30am for the 10K and 8:30-9:30am for the 2-Mile.

Funds raised make it possible for the YMCA of Montclair to fulfill its mission to strengthen individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s chronic disease programs. The YMCA of Montclair offers financial assistance for childcare, summer camp, membership, and other programs to ensure opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive.

Race Day Schedule

• 6:30-9:30am Race Check-In
• 8am USATF certified 10K Grand Prix starts
• 10am 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts

Awards ceremony immediately following each race. Awards will also be given for best costumes. Costumes are not required but encouraged.

The races begin and end in front of the YMCA of Montclair, 25 Park Street, Montclair.

The Montclair Run is seeking volunteers to assist with the race. Volunteers help set up for the race, hand out water, direct traffic and clean up.

For further information about the Montclair Run and to sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.montclairymca.org/montclair-run/.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.