Hard work and supportive volunteers are behind young swimmers' success

It is the first time that Westmount will be hosting the event, and parents are getting ready to receive swimmers and their families. “This is a volunteer-intensive sport,” said volunteer Catherine Rosenstain. “Some of the children will be getting here early, so we have to make sure that we have muffins and juice ready at the crack of dawn,” she said. "We have a great crew of bakers, cooks, and screamers.”

Ross Fraser, another volunteer, agrees. “It is a real team effort," he said. "A lot of families are involved in this swim team. We are so well organized that the other teams are surprised.” “We seem to have a reputation,” volunteer Oliver Sugden said of the Dolphin parents' well-known enthusiasm. “We want the event to go smoothly. We have so many parents involved that there’s no doubt that it will be really successful,” said head coach Zach Glassman. “Since we found out that we would be hosting the sectionals, people volunteered,” he said. “The parents are key to the success of the organization in general. The volunteers help us succeed.”

Bruce Stacey, a coordinator with Westmount's Sports and Recreation Department, said that the parents basically run the swim team. “We are not involved; a group of volunteers, mostly parents, run the team,” he said. “This year the Dolphins are doing really well; they are undefeated,” Stacey added.

Since Zach and Leah Glassman became head coaches, the Dolphins have improved dramatically. “We have a chance to do really well this time. It should be a good day all around,” Zach Glassman said. “The kids have been working really hard, and it shows.”

Yesterday, the Dolphins were scheduled to face the formidable Valois swim team. “Valois is our hardest competitor and next Wednesday’s match will determine which team has the most points leading to the sectionals,” Fraser said last week.

The Dolphins have been training all summer to be in top shape. “They’re in the swimming pool every day and so far they’re doing great,” said volunteer Natalie Lowell.

The Dolphins have 140 swimmers this year, and some of the age groups are full to the maximum. “There’s a great team spirit; all our kids cheer for all their friends,” said Sugden. “Our main goal is to provide a great summer for the kids; when kids have fun they do better.”

The Dolphins indeed seem to be having fun while they’re swimming their way into the sectionals — with their cheering parents right behind them.