Lawrence Lightning has Another Successful Season

The Lawrence Lightning swim team, a program of the Lawrence Township Department of Recreation, recently concluded its 2010-2011 season with a swim meet at Lawrence High School against the Lawrence Stingrays, a local water polo team.

One of only a handful of municipally-operated recreational swimming programs in the state, the Lightning’s five-month season begins every October and consists of five meets versus area YMCAs and other swim teams. Membership on the team is open to township children ages 5 through 15.

A total of 153 eager swimmers took part in the recently-completed season, under the direction of Head Coach Mary Jo Nagy and Assistant Coaches Wes Price and Dana Meth.  Nagy has been head coach for the Lightning since the program’s early days over 15 years ago, while Price and Meth have been with the team for the past few seasons. 

Split up into two groups, Lightning swimmers had four nights of practice per week in the pools at Lawrence High School and Lawrenceville School.

“Lawrence Lightning is primarily a feeder program for the high school swim team,” said Nagy, who used to be a diver herself.  “If you look at the names on the wall of Lawrence High School’s pool, almost every boy swam in this program.”

Assisting Nagy, Price and Meth this past season were three Rider University swimmers who donated their free time to help coach the team. Rider students Scott Mitchell, Alicia Fimple, and Katlyn Andrews all brought their own expertise and techniques to the pool.

 “Our volunteers from Rider add a fresh perspective and have the ability to bring different elements to the kids from their college swimming experiences,” Price said.

Price actually started his swimming career with the Lawrence Lightning when he was 12 years old.  He said he’s seen the team grow from having just enough kids to fill one practice to now having over 150 participants.

The team’s coaches assist swimmers both in the water and on the sidelines. Stroke techniques are worked on, and team members are encouraged to do the best they can do during meets.

“We encourage our swimmers to try everything, but we never put them in an event where they would get disqualified,” Price said.

At each of the meets, there are usually about 50 events with multiple heats to ensure that all members get a chance to compete.  Parents are required to work three meets during the season, Nagy said, stressing that swimming for Lawrence Lightning takes both dedication and a significant time commitment.

“It’s truly rewarding,” Nagy said of coaching. “We’re here to teach them to be the best swimmers that they can be.”

Meth’s son and daughter are both swimmers for Lawrence Lightning.  “My children were so excited to join the team.  They had been watching practices and meets for a long time,” the assistant coach said.  “It’s something we can all enjoy together as a family.”

When asked her favorite part of coaching the Lightning kids, Nagy said, “To see them grow not just as a swimmer, but to see their confidence grow is wonderful.  Their sense of well-being improves, and they make new friends.  I get to watch them blossom into young adults.”

Sign-ups for next season will take place in September, and more information will be available through Lawrence Township Recreation Department’s webpage.