52 years and counting: Sharon Wenrich’s lasting affect on Special Olympics swimming – Pottsville Republican Herald

Swimming has at all times been an integral a part of Sharon Wenrich’s life.

From working at Pottsville’s JFK Pool and instructing swimming classes, to her 52 years of involvement with Special Olympics, the game has remained a real love and fervour.

That ardour was instilled in Wenrich at an early age. Her mother and father have been each swim instructors, volunteering at an area orphanage and instructing kids to swim on the nation membership.

“My mother probably taught half of Pottsville how to swim,” Wenrich mentioned with a chuckle.

A 1968 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, Wenrich went on to attend Kutztown University, the place she dual-majored in particular training and elementary training. After commencement, she taught on the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit, the place Special Olympics was simply getting its begin within the county.

Wenrich initially volunteered earlier than entering into the top coach position in 1974. A retirement had created a gap for the job.

“The IU is a very close-knit staff,” she mentioned. “Everyone volunteered.”

While many members of the unique group have since retired, this system has continued to evolve. A decline in volunteers as soon as led to a dip in participation, however new households, volunteers, fundraisers and native enterprise assist have helped hold this system shifting ahead.

“A lot of families and parents are getting involved now. So are younger people, which makes me happy,” Wenrich mentioned. “We pushed really hard to get things rolling and have the kids get as much exposure as they could.”

The program has additionally benefited from the dedication of returning athletes and supportive households. Wenrich mentioned lots of her swimmers come again yr after yr, whereas mother and father of longtime athletes usually assist new households really feel comfy once they first be part of.

‘Meet the standards’

The group travels to competitions in Shamokin and Reading, in addition to a regional competitors at Kutztown University and the state video games at Penn State. For Wenrich, preparation begins lengthy earlier than meet day.

Practices are held twice every week in Schuylkill Haven, and swimmers should full at the very least eight weeks of observe earlier than they’re cleared to compete.

Wenrich’s strategy is agency, however she believes that construction helps her athletes attain their potential.

“We have to make sure that they’re able to do what they have to do and meet the standards that are set,” she mentioned.

Practices often encompass a warm-up, drills, kick units, pull units and competitors simulations with the purpose of accelerating their talent degree every week.

“I run practice just like I would my high school kids, and they get better and faster and have fun,” she mentioned.

One of the elements Wenrich appreciates most about Special Olympics is its inclusivity. The program is open to athletes starting at age 5, and there’s no higher age restrict.

Over the years, Wenrich taught swimmers starting from younger kids to athletes of their 50s, who all be part of forces to make up her group of about 12 swimmers.

“It’s always so good to see the kids do something that some would have never done,” Wenrich mentioned. “It gives them something to do outside of work. Sometimes it’s the only outlet they have other than work, and they need that.”

Some of Wenrich’s swimmers have been together with her for years. Others are former college students she first taught in a classroom or by way of swimming packages and continued swimming into maturity.

Special Olympics swim meets resemble conventional highschool meets, though the occasions differ.

There is a 200-meter swim for each stroke, an 800-meter swim, and developmental levels for individuals who want flotation gadgets or assisted swimming. There are additionally unified occasions and relays.

“I’m pretty hard on my kids,” she mentioned. “I want them to get as much activity and experience as possible.”

‘I don’t know how you can cease’

Wenrich’s dedication to swimming extends past Special Olympics.

She has served as the top swimming coach at Schuylkill Haven Area High School since 1999, and continues to assist with youth swimming packages, conserving her poolside from November by way of June.

Looking forward, Wenrich hopes to see elevated alternatives each out and in of the pool.

“I would love to see development in other sports, like the winter sports,” she mentioned. “We had kids skiing and skating, and I’d like to resurrect those more exotic sports. But I’m happy right now with how well everything is being run; it’s going really well.”

After greater than 5 a long time with Special Olympics, Wenrich’s dedication has by no means wavered.

“I just keep going because I don’t know how to stop,” she mentioned.

For Wenrich, that dedication finally comes again to the game that has been a part of her life since childhood.

“I enjoy swimming so much,” she mentioned. “It’s such a good activity for everyone, all children. I think all children should know how to swim.”