Lynbrook swimmers make a splash

Some fear sharks in the water, but this summer there is a new competition in the waves!

Look out Lynbrook, for your very own swim team just showed off their swimming muscle with a win by 2 points over Manorhaven at the Nassau County Swim Division 2 Championship Meet on last Thursday at Nassau County Aquatic Center. And they have already set their sights on division one. They are continuing on a busy mission to prove to themselves and the world that they are a force who want to make it to the top.

With their eyes on the prize, their almost nine year championship record since 2002 with Head Coach Peter Ninivaggi continues to be on the rise. For boys and girls age 6-16, the team has won the division championships on several occasions in earlier years: 2004 in division four, 2007 in division three, and now have won for another time with this last recent win after getting first place in the regular season dual meets this year.

A day before the championship meet, Mayor Brian Curran bestowed well wishes for the group during a swim practice. “Congrats to all the boys and girls,” he said. “I wish them good luck for coming in first place in the division.” In addition, Village Board Trustee Alan Beach offered encouraging words. “It is a great accomplishment that they have achieved [already,]” Beach said. “The hard work of Peter is appreciated. I am very proud of them.”

With all their triumphs, the coaching staff that includes two assistants, David Ostermann and Alyssa Moody, follows a formula for success. The team focuses a lot of attention on their actions and agility, in and out of the water. Ninivaggi, who is in his ninth year with the team, teaches water strokes - butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle- in addition to lessons to stroke their self-image.

“I encourage, cheer on, and work with them,“ Ninivaggi said. “I teach the kids about commitment and being responsible for their themselves and their teammates. To have respect for each other. There is lots of leadership the kids take on. I teach them that hard work is great because you get better.”