Blue Raider Aquatic Club Home of Region's Budding Swimmers

Members of the Blue Raider Aquatic Club meet at the Doris and Bob Holloway Health
& Wellness Center.

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- The Lindsey Wilson College Doris and Bob Holloway Health & Wellness Center has made a big splash with a group of area children.

More than two dozen area children from ages 6 to 16 are charter members of the Blue Raider Aquatic Club. The club, which meets and competes at the Holloway Health & Wellness Center, is designed to encourage members to be lifelong swimmers.

"All of the kids aspire to be competitive swimmers. We have some really good swimmers," said associate head coach Sheila Lynch of Adair County, who has been swimming for six decades. Five of Lynch's grandchildren are members of the club.

The club -- which is open to members and non-members of the Holloway Health & Wellness Center who are ages 6-18 -- competes against other swim clubs in the region and also enters statewide meets. The club accommodates all levels of experience and ability, Lynch said.

In addition to Lynch, LWC swimming coach Alicia Kemnitz serves as the club's supervising coach.

The coaches place competitors into groups based on the competitor's level of motivation, dedication to the team and to the sport, Lynch said. Others factors are respect, speed and ability.

"Good swimmers are motivated from within to work hard, are open-minded to new ideas and enjoy themselves in all aspects of life," Lynch said.

Taylor Smock of Columbia said she enjoys the swim club because her family no longer has to transport her to Russell County, the home of her former swim club.

"I really like being in the water and doing something instead of sitting around," said 13-year-old Taylor, who will be an eighth-grader this fall.

Reese Pearson, 13, of Columbia, said he's always enjoyed swimming. Joining the Blue Raider Aquatic Club has allowed him to enjoy one of his favorite activities while pursuing a long-term goal.

"I want to try to use this to get a college scholarship," said Reese, who will be an eighth-grader in the fall. "It's just an exciting thing that (Lindsey Wilson) is doing this to support the swim team."

For more information about the Blue Raider Aquatic Club, contact Kimnetz at kimnetza@lindsey.edu or (270) 384-7343.