York Suburban’s Battle to Revitalize Their Swimming Pool

Morning workouts before classes are commonplace for high school swimmers.

However, these sessions are rarely linked with practices extending beyond 9 p.m. the prior evening. That’s the situation the York Suburban swimmers have been facing since their pool closure a month ago.

A closure sign is posted at the pool entrance. A Christmas tree is situated on the pool deck, adorned with signed pieces of lane markers.

The lane markers themselves lie on the floor of an empty pool, which is bordered by vivid yellow caution tape.

A filtration issue with the nearly 70-year-old pool necessitated the closure. Consequently, the program’s swimmers have been training whenever and wherever they can secure pool time.

“None of us are satisfied with the situation we find ourselves in currently,” stated high school Principal Brian Ellis at the school board meeting on Monday night. “I genuinely admire what they have endured. I hope we can implement repairs very shortly and return our students to the pool, or we can explore alternative options.”

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Initially, the problem was a minor leak. However, once the filtration issue was discovered, the pool had to be emptied. Two firms were enlisted to evaluate the situation, but neither was willing to provide an estimate for the work.

Post-holidays, the outlook began to improve.

Facilities Director Jessica Thompson mentioned that they had obtained four estimates, and repairs were set to commence on Tuesday. She informed the board that the ideal scenario would be to avoid discovering further complications during the repairs so they can prepare the pool for the swimmers.

However, there might be additional issues that could postpone the return of the swimmers.

Thompson estimated that the preliminary repair cost would be around $15,000. This serves as a temporary fix for a facility already burdened with a multitude of issues.

Such issues have contributed to making a new pool one of the alternatives in the board’s renovation strategy. Yet, a decision regarding that proposal is not imminent, with construction of a new facility potentially years away.

Thus, board member James Sanders submitted a proposal for a $300,000 interim fund to ensure the existing pool remains functional until a more suitable resolution is reached. The motion was approved 7-1, with Nicole Hesson voting against and one member absent.

“Why can’t we reallocate general funds into a dedicated fund specifically for repairs and expenditures to bridge the gap?” Sanders questioned. “This way, we demonstrate to the athletes and the community that we value the issue.”

Sanders, a self-admitted former swimmer, was referencing the Trojan Aquatic Club and high school athletes, along with their parents and advocates, who arrived holding signs and delivering public comments in support of their pool.

The board members traversed a corridor filled with swimmers and supporters. They heard chants of “Save our pool” and observed signs proclaiming “All hands on deck” and “We don’t need a Band-Aid, we require a solution.”

The board listened as numerous individuals expressed their concerns regarding the additional problems that have arisen since they lost access to their pool.

Sophomore Jonny Allen shared about the dreadful practice schedules disrupting his sleep, leaving him fatigued and unable to concentrate in school.

Junior Mikey Foremsky discussed how this additional burden was affecting their academic workload, notably the several AP courses his teammates are enrolled in.

“Our coaches have been tirelessly working to secure us pool time, with minimal assistance from the administration,” Foremsky stated.

Principal Ellis remarked that coaches and parents have been leveraging their connections within the close-knit swimming community to find time wherever feasible.

“There are limited swimming facilities available,” he noted. “Eleven schools maintain swim programs, yet only eight possess pools. I am thankful to those schools that have extended their support: Northeastern, Spring Grove, Dallastown, and West York.”

West York utilizes the Graham Aquatic Center, which is also home to the YMCA’s aquatic programs. The Trojans have also accessed the Jewish Community Center, but its water temperature is too high for prolonged training sessions.

York College declined several…

Requests to utilize its facility have been made, but York Suburban Superintendent Scott Krauser has a meeting scheduled with officials on Wednesday to explore this option further.

York Suburban coach Miranda Jenkins has had to secure pool time whenever possible. She must navigate around other schools’ team practices and district commitments. This has resulted in a fragmented schedule.

Gina Herink made a heartfelt appeal to the board. The senior presented a photograph to each board member.

“The picture I shared with you is of me at 7 years old, wearing a York Suburban swimming t-shirt and holding a sign that reads, ‘Don’t take our pool,’” she explained. “This concern is not a recent development. The issues with this pool have been problematic for our team for years.”

She recounted going for days without being able to practice on a pool deck, describing her journeys around York County to find a place to swim.

She became emotional while discussing her aspirations of seeing her poster adorning the pool wall, having her parents escort her down the pool deck during senior night, and singing the alma mater one final time with her teammates.

“Dreams that are no longer going to come true,” she stated.

Yet, there remains a slim possibility that Herink will achieve those dreams.

No specific timeline was provided for the repairs, but they are aware of how long it will take to prepare the pool for diving.

Four days. Two or three of those will be spent filling the 131,000-gallon pool with 55-degree water, followed by one day to bring it to the ideal temperature and ensure it’s chemically balanced. Senior night is set for Jan. 23, which remains feasible with prompt repairs.

Chloe Moore is another senior eager for this to transpire. However, her motivations extend beyond Herink’s reasons. A steady practice schedule would aid her in improving her times, which could consequently reduce her college expenses.

“It has been extremely challenging to swim in one pool one day and then return the next day to a different pool,” remarked the defending District 3 Class 2A 50 free champion. “If my times improve, it could mean more financial support for my scholarship at Youngstown State. I sincerely want to return to our pool.”

“I wish to have senior night in my own pool, not at a distant facility.”

Defending District 3 200 IM champion Sarah Koller finds herself in a comparable situation.

As the youngest of five swimmers, she observed her older siblings competing for the Trojans and experiencing their senior nights. She envisioned what it would be like for her.

“I’m devastated,” she shared, struggling to hold back tears. “Seeing this lack of urgency to fix the pool is heartbreaking. I’m not improving; I’m not securing more scholarship funds. I do not have a second chance.”

Shelly Stallsmith covers York-Adams high school sports for GameTimePA and the USAToday Network. Reach her via email at mstallsmith@ydr.com or on X, previously known as Twitter, @ShelStallsmith.