Cyclone end season

The Fort Frances Cyclone Swim Club put the cover on their final pool session of the season Saturday with a team wind-up at the Memorial Sports Centre.
Fifth-year coach Debbie Murray reflected on what she found to be another successful and, more importantly, fun year in the pool.
“Overall, we’ve grown very close together as a team,” she said. “The kids have learned how to swim technically and have taken that learning to the competitions, and there’s been huge improvements overall across the board.”
Murray has a team of 33 swimmers aged six-17, 10 of which compete regularly in district competitions.
But she also made it very clear she doesn’t play favourites, stressing everyone on the team—whether they are there to compete against other teams or just for the recreation—are treated equally.
“We are very club-orientated, making everyone feel welcome with the club, so we get together for barbecues and toonie swims just for fun throughout the summer,” Murray explained.
“There’s so much to do at practice [during the winter], so we want to make sure we stay connected over the summer months away from the pool and grow together.”
The team’s last swim meet was scheduled for Dryden in late April, but was cancelled by a spring snowstorm.
“That was really disappointing because the kids were excited to go and swim well to end the year,” Murray noted. “We don’t compete in May, it’s just kind of a wind down month for us, but I’m excited for next [season].”
Many of the swimmers’ parents showed up Saturday to help with the wind-up barbecue and clearly showed how much they appreciate having the club available for their children.
Assistant coach Sean Murray also was presented with an honourary star for his work as he leaves for Lakehead University in Thunder Bay in the fall.
“It’s just been a great way to connect with the kids, and I couldn’t have asked for a better or more supportive person to coach with,” Sean Murray praised.
“We’re lucky to have Debbie, and the leadership shown by her and the rest of the parents really rubs off on the kids.”
The club expects 10-12 new memberships when the next swimming season starts in September.