Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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JETS Swim Team Holds Annual Swim-a-thon Fundraiser

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA JETS Swim Team held its annual Swim-a-thon fundraiser at the Galowich Family YMCA on Sunday, November 12. Each swimmer had one hour to complete as many laps in the pool as possible, and the 54 participants (51 athletes, three coaches) combined to to swim 5,764 laps – a total of more than 81 miles!

The Y would like to thank everyone who made this event possible and congratulate the individual swimmers who won prizes for completing the most laps in their swimming age group:

Zeppelin – Kolin Linko (113)
Glider – Aurelia Watson (136)
Stunt Pilot – Olivia Eager (156)
Mach 1 – Jackson Tunno (128)
Mach 2 – Thomas Zbranek (179)
Mach 3 – Johnny Halloran (196)

So far the JETS have raised nearly $11,500 and donations will continue to be collected through Tuesday, November 28. Donate today by visiting their fundraiser homepage.

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
[email protected]

You can also see additional updates on the JETS Facebook page.

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JETS Swimmers Compete at Illinois YMCA Swimming Long Course State Championship

The JETS Swim Team had an incredible showing at this summer’s Illinois YMCA Swimming Long Course State Championship! The boys team placed third overall while the girls team placed fifth, and the combined team finished fourth overall. In total, the team took home 178 Top-10 medals with the following swimmers topping the podium as state champions:

Evan Johnson (8U Boys 200 Meter Freestyle, 50 Meter Backstroke, 50 Meter Butterfly, and 200 Meter IM)

Ryan Bates (21U Boys 100 Meter Freestyle and 200 Meter Freestyle)

Ion Siminoi (12U Boys 100 Meter Butterfly)

Levi Carlisle, Evan Johnson, Logan Despojo, and Rocco Nazerian (10U Boys 200 Meter Freestyle Relay, 200 Meter Medley Relay)

Jaelyn Habon, Evan Johnson, Logan Despojo, and Aurelia Watson (10U Mixed 200 Meter Medley Relay)

FULL MEDALIST LIST

“The kids work hard day in and day out to get better and to reach their goals for the end of the season, so it’s an extremely satisfying feeling when hard work pays off,” Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden said. “Our team has a lot of young kids who enjoy being around each other, enjoy working hard together, and are starting to see what’s out there for them to achieve, and they’re getting really motivated to reach new levels. After competing really well at the state level, our next step as a team is achieving at the national level.”

We are so proud of all 45 swimmers who competed during the championships, and we wish them well during the upcoming fall season! 

Swimmers interested in joining the JETS are encouraged to attend one of the team’s Fall Clinics. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the team and to meet our coaching staff. Throughout the week, coaches will be evaluating swimmers for team placement. A YMCA membership is not required to participate in the clinic, but swimmers must have a YMCA Facility Membership to join the team.

Cost: $25

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Ages 6-10
Dates: August 28-30
Time: 5-6 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY (Wait list only)

Ages 11-17
Dates: August 28-30
Time: 6-7 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY 

Galowich Family YMCA

Ages 6-17
Dates: August 29-31
Time: 5-6 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
[email protected]

You can also see additional updates on the JETS Facebook page.

 

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Register Today for JETS Swim Team Fall Clinics

The Joliet Y JETS swim team offers a range of practice groups, from beginner to advanced, based on age, skill, speed and commitment. To be placed on the beginning level of the team, swimmers must be able to swim freestyle for one length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping while demonstrating the ability to comfortably swim at the surface with arms reaching forward over the water, their face in the water, and taking breaths to the side. They must also swim 25 yards of backstroke without stopping, showing they are comfortable floating on their back while maintaining a rhythmic, supportive kick.

A member of both YMCA and USA Swimming, the JETS prepare for and participate in a variety of meets throughout the year, although competition is not mandatory. The team practices from 3 to 6 days per week, depending on group placement, at both the Avery and Galowich YMCA branches. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practices and work hard, however 100% attendance is not required.

If you’re interested in joining the JETS, please join us at one of our upcoming Swim Clinics. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the JETS and to meet our team and coaching staff. Throughout the week, coaches will be evaluating swimmers for team placement. A YMCA membership is not required to participate in the clinic. Registration is underway for Facility Members and opens on July 31 for Community Members.

Cost: $25

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Ages 6-10
Dates: August 28-30
Time: 5-6 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY 

Ages 11-17
Dates: August 28-30
Time: 6-7 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY 

Galowich Family YMCA

Ages 6-17
Dates: August 29-31
Time: 5-6 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
[email protected]

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Helpful Tips from the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Aquatics Team

At the Y, members are always welcome to make a splash in our Lap Pool and Family Pool Facilities. And, as we prepare for our busy spring and summer seasons, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s incredible aquatics leadership team of Aquatics Director Cindy Moss and Aquatics Manager Felicia Rezek have six tips on programs and activities available at the Y. 

1. YMCA Swim Lessons

Cindy says: “Swim lessons at the Y can help swimmers of all ages and experience levels learn this important life skill. Our dedicated swim instructors will help you or your child improve, and our swim lesson stages are tailored to your family’s needs and schedule.” 

Learn more about swim lessons by clicking here. 

2. YMCA Water Fitness Classes

Felicia says: “Water fitness classes are a great way to get an aerobic workout with minimal stress to your joints and tendons. Our experienced fitness instructors will help you get your heart pumping and you’ll have a great time!”

View our YMCA group fitness schedules by clicking here. 

3. Family Time in the Waterpark

Felicia says: “The Family Pool is the perfect way for families to spend time together. You can go with the flow in the water vortex, play around on our splash pad, or take the plunge on one of our waterslides!”

Learn more about the YMCA Family Pool by clicking here.    

4. JETS Swim Team

Cindy says: “The JETS program not only helps kids improve their swimming skills, it teaches them how to be good teammates and leaders. Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden and his coaching staff do an awesome job of guiding young athletes to their best performances, while also ensuring every practice and meet is filled with fun and memorable experiences.”

Learn more about the JETS by clicking here. 

5. YMCA Masters Swim Team

Felicia says: “Friendly competition doesn’t have to come to an end as an adult. The YMCA Masters Swim Team gives members a chance to swim against teams from across the state and qualify for national meets. Most importantly, being on the team provides opportunities to stay fit and make new friends.” 

The Masters Swim Team practices on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. To learn more, please call the Y at (815) 267-8600.

6. YMCA Lifeguards

Cindy says: “We take pride in ensuring that our members and guests have the safest experience while using our pools, and we invite anyone interested in supporting our community to join the Y team. We train all of our lifeguards on-site, and we also have opportunities for kids under the age of 15 to volunteer through our junior lifeguarding academy.”  

Learn more about YMCA lifeguarding classes by clicking here. You can also apply to become a YMCA lifeguard by clicking here. 

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Register Today for JETS Swim Team Spring Clinics

The Joliet Y JETS swim team offers a range of practice groups, from beginner to advanced, based on age, skill, speed and commitment. To be placed on the beginning level of the team, swimmers must be able to swim freestyle for one length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping while demonstrating the ability to comfortably swim at the surface with arms reaching forward over the water, their face in the water, and taking breaths to the side. They must also swim 25 yards of backstroke without stopping, showing they are comfortable floating on their back while maintaining a rhythmic, supportive kick.

A member of both YMCA and USA Swimming, the JETS prepare for and participate in a variety of meets throughout the year, although competition is not mandatory. The team practices from 3 to 6 days per week, depending on group placement, at both the Avery and Galowich YMCA branches. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practices and work hard, however 100% attendance is not required.

If you’re interested in joining the JETS, please join us at one of our upcoming Swim Clinics. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the JETS and to meet our team and coaching staff. Throughout the week, coaches will be evaluating swimmers for team placement. A YMCA membership is not required to participate in the clinic.

Cost: $25

March 21-23
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Ages 6-10 (5-6 p.m.) – Register Today

Ages 11-17 (6-7 p.m.) – Register Today

March 22-24 
Location: Galowich Family YMCA

Ages 6-17 (5-6 p.m.) – Register Today

Ages 6-17 (6-7 p.m.) – Register Today

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
[email protected]

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Meet Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden

The Joliet Y JETS Swim Team, one of the area’s most historic youth swimming clubs, is a year-round competitive swimming program that offers instruction and training for swimmers, ages five and up. Back at the helm of this incredible program is Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden. Dave has been connected to the Y for more than two decades, and we are very excited to officially welcome him back to the JETS family! You can learn more about Coach Dave by reading the Q&A below:

Q: Can you describe your background with the JETS swim team?

I swam with the JETS from age 11-18, and then started coaching. I coached the JETS for 18 years before moving to New York in 2017, and now I’m back!

Q: Why are you passionate about the JETS program?

Swimming is a great sport because it allows everyone to participate and work towards individual goals and improvement, yet at the same time firmly set within a team environment where teammates help push each other to new levels.  Through the natural ups and downs of the sport, there are countless teachable moments to develop the type of character that helps kids be successful in their life outside of swimming.

Q: What are the most important things young swimmers should know if they are thinking about joining the team? 

If kids love being in the water, and they’re interested in developing strong bonds with teammates and gaining confidence in themselves by learning new skills and working towards goals, that’s our main purpose. For younger swimmers, practices are offered 3-4 times per week for about an hour and 100% attendance is not required. As kids get older, practices are longer and are offered more often, and attendance should be aligned with the goals they set. There is room for kids to do multiple sports and activities and still participate with the JETS.  

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time outside the Y?

I play piano, bass, and guitar, and I write and record music.  Over the past few years, I’ve also gotten into coding and App development.  I also like to spend time with my wife hiking, camping, skiing, and dancing.

Q: What’s coming up with the JETS in 2022?

I look forward to developing relationships with all the swimmers and seeing them improve and reach their goals.

If you have any questions about the JETS swim team, you can contact Dave at (815) 782-0805 or [email protected]

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