Making a Splash
Swimming is considered one of the best exercises for your body.
It helps develop flexibility, exercises the upper and lower body at once and offers aerobic benefits without the jolting that can come with running.
But two Butler County swimmers also point out that swimming is a skill that can be used throughout life, and it can teach life lessons while also being fun.
That may be the biggest reason swimmers flood teams in the summer and sign up for high school/YMCA teams in the fall — it is simply a good way to make friends.
Stephanie Karwoski, a guidance counselor in the Slippery Rock School District, began swimming at age 4 at SEBCO (Southeastern Butler County) pool, in Jefferson Township.By her teen years, Karwoski, whose maiden name is Dawson, found that swimming and the swim team were a great way to spend her time. The same was true for her swimming at Knoch High School.
In winter, like many county youths, Karwoski would join the Butler County Family YMCA team. The late Olympian Eric Namesnik, a Butler native who captured silver medals in the 400 individual medley at both the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the 1996 Atlanta games, came through that program."I like the sport and the competitiveness, how swimming is an individual sport, but you are also part of a team," Karwoski said.She earned a place on the Westminster College team in New Wilmington, where she swam sprint freestyle 50, 100 and 200 yards."I walked into college with 40 friends — the other members of the swim team," she said. "I think it made it easier.
"We all had the same 5 a.m. practice and then classes, followed by practice and studying. They supported you because they knew what you were going through, because they were, too," Karwoski said.One of the most important skills she learned as part of a team is time management."That's a skill I'll have for the rest of my life," Karwoski said, and it is a skill she puts to use now.A guidance counselor by day, she originally taught after graduating with a degree in elementary education. Now she spends her evenings coaching swimmers at the Butler YMCA and Knoch as well as swimmers at the Penn Hills Pool in Penn Township in the summer."The thing about swimming is I'll be able to swim for the rest of my life. There aren't many other sports that you can say that about," she said.<BR><BR>
Amy Brennan might have gotten a late start as a swimmer, but she is making up for time lost as aquatic director of the Butler YMCA.Brennan didn't find her way to the pool until her freshman year at Indiana (Pa.) University.After learning to swim, pupil became teacher, helping young and old alike at the Indiana YMCA learn water skills. That led to a job."I really like the 'Y' and its philosophy, and when they offered me a job, I said 'yes,'" she said.Now at the Butler YMCA, Brennan helps coach the swim team, and teaches water aerobics and swimming classes.Swim team begins in October and runs until March, competing against other YMCA teams. The season culminates in a state tournament. Parents serve as volunteers with fundraising and other pool duties.For the 2006-07 season, Brennan said there are 91 swimmers from the 8 and under age group up through 18.She echoed Karwoski's views on the life skills swimming offers."Once you learn, you take it with you forever," Brennan said.
