Whiz Kids of the Week: Mohican Swim Team

Whiz Kids of the Week: Mohican Swim Team

Names: 10 and Under Group: Florian Knollmann, Josh Roberts, Zach Roberts, Chris Spring, Phoebe Gurdon, Geoffrey Kreutzberg, Zak Owen, Adam Melrod, Caroline Milne, Charlotte Sienkiewicz, Allison Navarrete, Ella Hall, Bella Owen, Julia Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Sophia Chirico, Ally Melrod and Annabel Redisch 11 and Over Group: Mary Ann Robison, Lena Redisch, Griffin Kreutzberg, Tess Speiser, Sophie Spring, Alex Spring, Stefan Heller, Felix Knollman, Bjorn Knollman, Patrick Scordato, Lauren Brooks, Tess Ostoyica, Erica Robison, Cal Poche, Noah Kim, Tundi Agardy

Accomplishment: The Mohican Swim team held a swim-a-thon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) on July 22nd.  “We participated in the swim-a-thon this year largely because we have a swimmer who is currently battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,” said Head Coach Gian Polignano. “The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offered this fundraising opportunity to the teams in the MCSL (Montgomery County Swim League), so we felt a personal connection to this cause.”

Mohican raised over $2500 for the LLS.  

25 area pools participated in the LLS Swim-A-Thon this year, raising approximately $85,000.  The funds will be used to support LLS programs, including research for treatments and cures, professional education programs for nurses and other health care professionals, patient aid and advocacy programs such as the FIRST CONNECTION program for recently diagnosed patients, family support groups, and free educational materials for schools and hospitals.

Reason for Awesomeness:  Team members collected pledges before the event. During the Swim-a-Thon, they swam as many laps as they could. Afterwards, participants collected the money for the pledges. In the 10 and under group, Florian Knollmann raised the most money, while Erica Robison raised the most in the 11 and over group. 

Though the cause is serious, swimmers had fun in a supportive environment. “Swimming at a pool like Mohican gives the opportunity for an environment where 8-year-olds cheer for 15- to 18-year-olds,” said Coach Polignano.  “The 15- and 18-year-olds return the favor by teaching their younger teammates team traditions, cheers, and how to have fun while respecting the values of hard work and sportsmanship.” 

Key to Awesomeness: The team holds banquets, swim meets and rallies throughout the spring and summer, but events like the Swim-A-Thon really help the kids bond. “This event raises awareness for many kids who probably didn't know about Leukemia and Lymphoma,” said Coach Polignano.  “Seeing one of our young swimmers having to battle such a disease makes all of us realize how precious life is, and that each day is important in doing our best to make a positive difference.  What affects one of us touches upon us all.”