GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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.

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]