By Anna Guido
Enquirer contributor

Lakota swim coach Dennis Beck explains an exercise to high school swimmers at the Lakota YMCA pool. (Michael Snyder photos) | ZOOM |

LIBERTY TWP. - A new pool has the future looking bright for Lakota East and West high swimmers.

This month, for the first time in the school district's history, Lakota swimmers didn't have to board a bus bound for Norwood, Middletown or Lebanon to practice in another team's pool.

Instead, they rode just minutes away to their own practice site - the new indoor pool at the Lakota YMCA in Liberty Township.

"We've waited decades for this," district athletic director Stu Eversole said. "Our kids are in the pool more and on the bus less. Success is just a matter of time now."

The savings in time also should have a positive effect on students academically and socially, Mr. Eversole said.

"Our kids are home at a good time, they can do their homework, have dinner with their family. It's a win-win situation."

Natalia Moese, 17, West's team captain and a fourth-year swimmer, said it's nice to have this convenience her senior year.

Until now, she had to manage her life around the time constraints of weekday practices - which ran from 2:30 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m., including travel time.

Lakota YMCA swim coach Brad Lovell talks with some of his swimmers Monday. | ZOOM |

"It's so wonderful to be home in the evening to do homework and have other activities," Natalia said.

The Lakota East and West teams - about 100 swimmers - practice together. Swimmers are expected to practice five days a week, and this year have the option of practicing mornings as well as afternoons.

The YMCA charges a nominal fee for pool usage. Past year's expenses for pool rental have been around $6,000.

Lakota school officials considered building a swimming pool when East and West high schools were designed several years ago, but decided against it for financial reasons.

Nevertheless, "Lakota has performed well for a team that doesn't have a pool," coach Dennis Beck said. "The girls have placed as high as second in the GMC (Greater Miami Conference) and the boys, third."

Mr. Beck said he would like to see Lakota offer the sport on the junior high level, which would help develop a better high school program.

Until that happens, though, the Lakota YMCA's new winter swim team - the Stingrays - might help to serve that purpose by introducing the sport to children, YMCA and school officials said. The Stingrays have about 40 swimmers.

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