State College YMCA Celebrates Longtime Swimmer’s a hundredth Birthday

The State College YMCA held a shock social gathering on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 for Maynard Kohler, who turns 100 on Jan. 24 and has been swimming on the Y each weekday morning for greater than 20 years. Photo by Evan Halfen | StateCollege.com

The State College YMCA celebrated its oldest lively member Friday morning with a shock birthday gathering honoring Maynard Kohler, a Ferguson Township resident who has spent a long time swimming practically each weekday morning on the facility on West Whitehall Road.

Kohler, who turns 100 on Saturday, has been driving himself to the YMCA to swim each Monday by Friday for 22 years. Staff members, fellow swimmers and associates stuffed the foyer Friday with gold balloons, a do-it-yourself banner and birthday cake as they mirrored on Kohler’s impression on the neighborhood.

“We have a lot of people coming into our pool; we have a lot of people that have been coming for a long time. Very, very few people have been coming to our pool for longer than Maynard has,” Zach Smith, a YMCA aquatics employees member mentioned. “We know we’re gonna have Maynard here in the morning. We look forward to seeing him. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sour face after Maynard walked by or has a word to share with him. So we look forward to seeing him every day, and we’re looking forward to continuing to see him every day.”

Kohler started swimming in 1967 across the time Penn State’s McCoy Natatorium first opened, following suggestions from his physician and longtime Penn State baseball coach and athletic coach Chuck Medlar. What began as eight laps per session finally elevated to as many as 36, about 1 mile. Over time, Kohler step by step lowered his distance and now swims 4 laps, or roughly 200 yards, nearly each day.

“A football field is what, 100 yards? And four laps are 200 yards, so that means that every day I swim the length of a football field and back, so when you look at that, you realize that that’s no short distance,” Kohler mentioned.

Cindy Lupton, govt director of member companies, mentioned Kohler’s perspective and consistency have made him a supply of motivation for employees and members alike.

“He never comes in negative. He never comes in having a bad day, so I think that would inspire anyone who walks through our doors,” Lupton mentioned. “Being 100 years previous and being right here, nonetheless coming, undoubtedly conjures up everybody… I imply, how many individuals right here have celebrated their a hundredth birthday? Not too many individuals. 

“I have never talked to Maynard any day that he didn’t have a smile on his face, a joke for all of us and again, just to be able to share his humor and his talents in the pool,” Lupton continued.

Kohler studied artwork historical past at Penn State starting in 1943 earlier than leaving to serve within the U.S. Army in 1945. After returning to State College, he remained within the space and constructed a life rooted in the neighborhood. He credit swimming with serving to preserve his well being and outlook as he aged.

“First of all, you do it because you like it and you love it. Then you develop this habit,” Kohler mentioned. “But in swimming, and I’m sure with other exercises too, there’s something called endorphins… Your body gives you feedback…There’s a certain gain in perspective. Age goes up, and so does your view of things in terms of their inclusiveness.”

Kohler mentioned the bodily and psychological advantages of swimming change into clear after every session.

“I’ve come out to swim here, the Natatorium, or any place, and didn’t really feel good,” Kohlner mentioned. “’Why am I here?’ I’d think. So then I swim, then I know why I’m here after. Boy, do you feel like a different person because your blood has been circulated. You peak your systems and so forth. It’s really wonderful.”

Friday’s celebration marked the second time the YMCA has formally honored Kohler. In 2024, the group named a pool lane after him throughout a celebration for his 98th birthday.

“It’s unbelievable,” Kohler. “One of the nicest things here at the Y, to put a mirror up to those people working here, is that they’re always kind and supportive. By the time you think they’ve done too much for you, they do more.”

Sue Mazza, a YMCA member who donated Kohler’s birthday cake, mentioned his affect extends past the pool.

“I have known Maynard for a long time,” Mazza mentioned. “He helped me raise my kids, actually. He’s been a great part of my life, and I am very thankful for him. I appreciate him, and he’s an inspiration to all.”

Former YMCA member Heidi Wright, who met Kohler 20 years in the past by swimming on the Y, even traveled from Portland, Oregon, to attend the celebration.

Reflecting on his life, Kohler emphasised the worth of studying from expertise.

“If you’re willing to admit it, what you do all throughout your early life, and all your life really, is that you make mistakes, and that you learn by those mistakes,” he mentioned. “I probably, in retrospect, wouldn’t change anything, but there are always a few things that you wished you’d done better.”

Kohler hopes to subsequent have a good time his a hundred and fifth birthday along with his YMCA household and mentioned he plans to proceed swimming for so long as his physique lets him.