Door County YMCA Doorfins Nationals Update

It was a very memorable year. From the 8-under girls winning the YMCA State Championship, 6 state records, 14 Individual and Relay State Champions, to 19 YMCA National Championship cut times, and 4 National relay cut times. We had great hope for a superb national meet, and it certainly was exciting.

Our first race at Nationals was the 200 Breaststroke. Max placed 6th in the Prelims, and moved up to 4th in the Finals at night with a personal best time of 2:02.0. He was just out touched for 3rd by 1/10th of a second. Our 200 Free relay also swam, placing 17th, 1 spot out of Finals. It was our best time of the year.

Our 400 free relay placed 23rd, and our 200 Medley swam beautifully, but disqualified on a false start. The time would have placed us 11th going into finals.

Macoy Neinas had a tremendous meet, swimming all 3 relays with best times in every race. Macoy and Max teamed up for a great start in the 200 medley, Macoy swimming his best time in the back and Max swimming the fastest split in the meet (24.77) in the breast. 

Ryan Ehlinger had a great meet with best times in the 200 butterfly, placing 51st with a 1:56.4, and 111 in the 100 butterfly with a time of 53.06.

Our best swim was on Thursday night in the 100 Breaststroke. Max McHugh was seated 2nd going into finals against the 200 Breast National Champion. This was also the Wisconsin High School State Champion in the 100 Breaststroke.  I know, it is odd that Wisconsin has the 2 fastest breaststroke swimmers in the nation.  The race was very quick, with 6 swimmers posting faster times than Prelims.  Max led from the start of the race, swimming the fastest front 50 and fastest 2nd 50 for a 54.89. He dropped over 1 second from prelims. His time is the 5th fastest time in history, with Conner McHugh having the top 2 times and National Record. Max is also 15, the youngest Men’s National Champion in history. The next 15 year old swimmer placed 39th. No brothers have ever repeated as National Champions back-to back in history. Interesting story. 

We also finished  in the 100 butterfly with Jared Klika ( 42nd-51.42)and Ryan Scripp (65th-51.89). Ryan Scripp also placed 64th in the 200 free. We placed 18th as a team for the meet.

A Note From Our CEO

Greetings, 

This weekend the Christian world will celebrate the Easter holiday. Over the many years that I have been involved with the YMCA as both a volunteer and staff member, I have thought often about how Christian values, which guide our programming and work, might not only survive but thrive in an ever changing and complex world. I continue to believe that the need for the YMCA and our mission based and values driven programming has never been more important!

The Easter season is a time of new beginnings and hope for a better tomorrow. Years ago, it was suggested that the YMCA is "an island of hope in a sea of opportunities in many communities". I believe that this is especially true in Door County. The Christian values which are at the very foundation of our organization require that we accept and welcome all individuals and families regardless of the color of their skin, the religion they choose or their financial ability to pay. I have maintained my faith in this good organization because the Y should be and is, the one place where the playing field is leveled and all are welcomed.

In this season of hope, our board and staff want to be a regular part of your life. Your YMCA is so much more than a "rec center". We care for the very young in our two child care facilities and work with the most senior of our citizens to provide programs like memory and balance classes. Our LiveSTRONG at the Y program for cancer survivors offers those challenged by the ravages of cancer a new outlook on life. In mid-May, we will welcome more than 300 dads and their daughters to our annual "Father - Daughter Ball" providing memories for a lifetime to young girls who seem to grow up too fast. The list of programs could go on and on....

We join you in looking forward to the coming Easter weekend and the advent of warmer spring temperatures. We also welcome back our many seasonal visitors and we hope that you will continue to use and enjoy the YMCA in the months ahead.

Best wishes to you and your family for a safe and blessed Easter weekend. We look forward to serving you and seeing you often this spring!

No Classes: April 4 & 5

YMCA is Closed : Easter Sunday, April 5