Muskingum Rec Center offers swim program for middle schoolers

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The Muskingum County Rec Center’s swim program for middle schoolers kicks off next week, but it’s not too late to sign up.

The middle school swim program is the first ever for the Rec Center. Any sixth through eighth grade student in Muskingum County and counties with schools in the Muskingum Valley League are eligible to participate. Libby Hardwick, the Aquatic and Sport Manager at the Rec Center, said this gives the students an opportunity to learn more about the sport.

“Our community really doesn’t have anything for the middle schooler in the area of competitive swimming. You know, we’re just coming to the conclusion of our high school swim season and we thought this would be an avenue to get the younger young adults interested in the sport of swimming.”

Hardwick said the students will be coached by high school swim coaches and high school varsity swimmers. The goal is to help strengthen the student’s swimming abilities and prepare them to compete at the high school level.

“They need to be able to swim at least one length of the pool unassisted. And through the program they’ll learn various strokes that swimmers use during competitive meets. And hopefully build their endurance, and strength, and stamina to be able to tolerate longer distances.”

Hardwick said the Center has reached out to swim coaches from other districts to find competitors for their swimmers.

“We’re inviting everyone from the Eastern District in the state of Ohio. So we can invite Martinsville, Perry, Steubenville, Cambridge. All of the schools on the eastern side of the state that would want to participate in the program.”

The cost to participate is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. That price includes practice time, swim meets, and a t-shirt in the student’s school colors. There’s an additional fee for a team suit and cap for their school.