Rising Tide Aquatic Club hosts meet at CHS
Swimmers dive into the pool at CHS during the Rising Tide home meet on July 10. Jen Jones | Beacon
COSHOCTON – A large crowd gathered at Coshocton High School’s pool on Wednesday, July 10 for the only home meet for the Rising Tide Aquatic Club for the year.
Coach Audree Murray said the club has about 30 swimmers, ages 8–17. Children ages 6–18 are welcome to join the team. “I started swimming with Rising Tide when I was a kid and it’s awesome to be able to be on this side of the club.”
“The kids develop a love for swimming and make so many friends. They learn to be on a team. And they learn you have to work hard for what you want – the harder you work, the better the outcome,” said Murray.
The club is part of the United Way and has seven to eight meets a year. Most of the meets are away and they have travelled to Canton, Massillon, Wooster and Alliance. They have swimmers who are just learning to advanced students who swim on their high school teams. All children are welcome and the club even has a member that lives in Cambridge. A child with autism is also part of the club.
“The summer season is pretty laid back. We keep track of their time and they try to improve it. They work on bettering their times and their strokes,” said Murray. “These kids work so hard and they are so much fun to work with.”
“I fell in love with the sport because of the coaches I had. If I can help one kid to fall in love with it like I did, it will be a great accomplishment for me. It’s all about the kids,” said Murray. “The kids are from all over the county and when they compete against each other in high school, they are excited to see each other and cheer for each other.”
Allison Hammond is a Rising Tide Board Member and a parent of a swimmer. She believes being part of Rising Tide teaches young people about being part of a team and supporting each other. “Swimming also helps bring shy kids out of their shell. It’s an individual sport, but they are part of a team and they love encouraging each other.”
Dannon Stewart, 12, has been swimming with Rising Tide for two years. “I love to meet new people and I learn so much. Overall, it’s fantastic and I just love being here.”
