The North Central West Virginia Summer Swim League (NCWVSSL) is thrilled to announce the 2024 Summer Swim League Championship, proudly presented by Healthy Harrison. This highly anticipated event will take place on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, at the Upshur County Recreation Park, located near Buckhannon Upshur High School.

 

Twelve competitive swim programs from across North Central West Virginia will come together for this championship event. Participating teams include Bridgeport Country Club, Bridgeport Swim Team, Buckhannon Swim Club, Clarksburg Country Club, Clarksburg Swim Team, Doddridge County Swim Team, Elkins Swim Team, Fairmont Field Club, Grafton Swim Team, Lake Floyd, Morgantown UAC, and Shinnston Swim Team. Notably, six of these teams hail from Harrison County.

 

The championship will feature a diverse group of swimmers, ranging in age from four to eighteen years old, competing across six age divisions for both males and females: 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-18.

 

The 2023 championship saw nearly 400 swimmers, and this year promises to be even larger, with high hopes for an increase in participants. Each team is supported by dedicated coaches, many of whom are former NCWVSSL swimmers who have returned to the pool deck and help contribute to their communities. Additionally, a devoted league board ensures the smooth operation of the championship, from scheduling to officiating.

 

This event would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and organizations. Donations fund ribbons, medals, trophies, the Christopher R. Sprenger award, pool rental, athlete bag tags, and more. This year, NCWVSSL is honored to have Healthy Harrison as the Title Sponsor. Healthy Harrison is committed to improving the health and wellness of Harrison County's citizens, making this partnership a natural fit.

 

Ashley Cilento, President of NCWV Summer Swim League, shared her excitement: “This organization has been around for a long time. I had many childhood friends who were swimmers, and I always knew, the third weekend in July, unless I was going to Stealey to sweat and watch swim, I wouldn’t be seeing them. This is my seventh summer swim season as a swim mom and needless to say, it is my favorite time of year. I love getting to watch all of the area athletes compete. They are all courageous and competitive. They dive in, go hard for personal best times, and in between swims hang out with their teammates, that have turned into family. It’s the good stuff.”

 

John Paul Nardelli, Executive Director of Healthy Harrison, echoed this enthusiasm: "The partnership is exciting. Healthy Harrison is striving to improve the health and well-being of the State and swimming is an integral part of that. The most valuable component to summer swimming is that it is for all ages."

 

Healthy Harrison Board President, Amy Haberbosch Wilson stated, "We are honored to be associated with such a prestigious community event and look forward to showcasing many of the coaches on our podcast over the next month." 

 

Healthy Harrison Treasurer, Dr David Hess stated “WVU Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of West Virginians and we know that healthy adolescents become healthy adults. It is critical for our youth to be involved in healthy activities. Swimming is an amazing form of exercise but is also helpful in relieving stress through the summer months. WVU Medicine United Hospital Center is in full support of the NCWV Swimming Championship and is proud to work with Healthy Harrison to sponsor this event.”

 

Whether you're eager to witness fierce competition or see the youngest swimmers kick their way across the pool, join us on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, for an unforgettable event. The 2024 NCWV Summer League Swim Championship, presented by Healthy Harrison, is an event not to be missed!

 

For more information, please contact Ashley Cilento at acilento85@outlook.com. 

 

Editor's Note: Along with various local youth swimmers, the adults pictured include Ashley McCauley Cilento, president NCWV Summer Swim League; John Paul Nardelli, executive director Healthy Harrison; David Hess, treasurer Healthy Harrison; Amy Haberbosch Wilson, President Healthy Harrison; Andrea Burns, treasurer NCWV Summer Swim League; Tristan Knapp, coach Bridgeport Swim Team; Lauren Moore and Logan Lehosit, coaches Bridgeport Country Club Swim Team; Sonia McGrady, Shinnston Swim Team coach; Laura Foster, Clarksburg Country Club Swim Team; and Tracy Leon, Coach of Lake Floyd Swim Team.