The kids in the group are already committed to regular exercising, swimming anywhere from three to six days a week through the six-month long competition season, said coach Mickey McNeil.
When her swimmers suggested doing something for the New Year in 1999, McNeil thought it would be a one-time thing.
To her surprise, she has had participation from about two-thirds of the group every year since and it has become a highly anticipated event.
“Every year, they’re asking ‘Where is the sign-up sheet?’ ” she said.
The kids enjoy the challenge of swimming a long distance all at once with many starting out using flippers or kickboards and working to the goal of swimming “naked,” swimmer lexicon for making the dip without using any gear.
“It’s fun to do,” said 11-year-old Aly Miller, who swam the event for the sixth time this year. “You get to see all your friends.”
For some kids, like Douglas Klang, 11, the swim is the perfect start to their own New Year’s Resolution
For 2011, Klang will be striving to “become a better person and a better swimmer.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0373 or mgildow@coxohio.com.
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