Murphy's Grant Gets Yorktown Schools Into The Swim Of Things

YORKTOWN, NY - Yorktown High School and Middle School swimmers will notice a big change at the pool this fall. Through a $20,000 grant obtained by Senator Terrence Murphy, the two schools purchased a state-of-the-art Time System Aquatic and Scoring Board. The board will let competing swimmers verify their race times and allow the district to meet the current standards for high school swimming competitions.

"I am proud to be a partner of this important project that brought Yorktown's swimming pool into the 21st Century. This equipment will not only enhance our swim teams but will be a great asset to teach other kids the joy of swimming," Senator Murphy said as the equipment was unveiled.

Yorktown Schools Athletic Director Fio Nardone said the swimming pool is used by several hundred high school and middle school swimmers each year throughout the country, that the score board will be a great benefit to swimmers who compete and to the district in hosting swim meets.

"Having this Touch Pad Scoring System will have a positive impact on both the boys and girls varsity swim teams and the entire school community," said Mr. Nardone." It shows how serious we are about helping our athletes pursue their dreams."

The swimming pool in the Mildred E. Strang Middle School is used by all middle school students during physical education classes and for high school swim teams.

The district had made numerous mechanical upgrades to the pool and filtration system in recent years but funding was not available for electronic scoring pads. The new system was financed through Senator Murphy's grant with additional funding by the H.W. Wilson Foundation, which provides financial assistance for educational causes.

Senior swim captains Madison Townes, Kendall John and Madelana Wrubel, said they are looking forward to the fall swim season even more now that this equipment is operational.

"We can see our own times and everyone else's," said Kendall John.

"Now when we break records we will know right away!" added Madison Townes.