Leaders in and out of the pool

When everything is seems to be going smoothly for a team, it can be difficult to get the true measure of the effectiveness of the captains on the roster.

In times of commotion, and it’s fair to state that due to the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, there has been and continues to be turmoil, a captain’s true leadership skills emerge to the forefront.

Will Danaher and Dan Jackson, the senior captains for the Warwick Valley boys swimming program, have demonstrated their leadership abilities this season.

The guidance that the captains provide to their fellow swimmers is certainly noteworthy.

“Every day in the pool I would observe Dan and Will taking the younger swimmers aside and speaking to them about their strokes, turns, and/or starts off the block,’’ Warwick Valley head coach Christine Mahon said. “They always showed an interest in them and were invested in getting them to improve their strokes.

“They have both become role models for the younger swimmers. They are highly respected by the other swimmers and they treat everyone with respect. They were the leaders of this team and led them through the entire season with confidence and integrity.’’

Both captains, along with their teammates, have had some milestone times in the pool this year.

“Will, Dan, Jesse Abramson and Youssef Moustafa broke the school record for the 200 medley relay in the Section 9 final meet,’’ Mahon said. “Dan, Will, Michael Kelly and Jesse placed third overall in the Section 9 final meet in the 400 freestyle relay. Dan broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke and the 200 individual medley. Will placed third overall in the Section 9 final meet in the 100 butterfly.’’

The Wildcats placed fifth out of 14 teams at the Section 9 Championship. Quite importantly, Jackson and Danaher are very fine students.

“Will has been scholar athlete for three years; one of which when he was in eighth grade,’’ Mahon said. “Dan has been a scholar athlete the past two years.’’

During these trying times, the swim team united to make the best of the situation.

“The entire team came together very quickly and all contributed to the success of our season,’’ Mahon said. “We had a very short season due to COVID. The boys all followed every COVID regulation to ensure that we were able to continue swimming. I never heard a complaint from any of them. They were just thrilled to be back in the pool representing the Warwick Valley boys swim and dive team.

“The boys swim team was a role model for all sports. We were the first to start and were able to get through the entire season with no issues or incidents. We made sure to keep six feet apart in the water, temperature checked every day before entering the pool deck, marked lockers six feet apart so the boys could quickly change in the locker room, and they did this all with a smile because they were finally able to get back in the pool and swim. It should also be noted that the team would not be where they are today without the years of dedication and commitment from John and Antoinnete Quinn who coached both boys and girls varsity swim teams from many years.’’