MONROE, Conn. — Swimmers from Masuk High School compete in butterfly, backstroke and freestyle competitions every year, while the Panthers’ divers work hard to perfect their form, while spinning and twisting through the air.
The dreams for many of these athletes began in feeder programs offered by the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department.
“We have swimming lessons coming up at Masuk pool and the third session for our diving program is in March,” Director Missy Orosz said.
Orosz, who was a recreation supervisor two years ago, before being promoted to director in January of 2019, said there was a time when the town didn’t have a diving program.
“We have a diving board at Masuk with the proper depth to safely have a diving program, so I said, ‘let’s do this,’ to the previous director,” Orosz said of Frank Cooper. “There’s a winter class now and we do one in the fall.”
Now, she said the spring diving program is coming up with six class nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, from March 23 through May 4. There will be no class on April 13.
Masuk diving coach, Jessica Konkol, will teach the basics of springboard diving, help aspiring divers develop skills and technique, and work on competition dives to prepare students for middle and high school teams.
The class costs $75 for residents and $85 for nonresidents. For information or to register, visit monroerec.org, send an email to [email protected] or call the Parks and Recreation Department at Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road, at 203-452-2806.
Swim lessons
Orosz said children in the town’s swim programs often go on to join the Shelton-Monroe Rapids Swim Team with swimmers from age 6 to 18, where they can get their first taste of competitions.
Monroe Parks and Recreation is offering swim lessons for youths and adults this spring.
Session 4 will be held at Masuk pool Mondays from March 16 though April 20 and Session 5 will run from May 4 through June 8. Check out the department website for specific times and levels offered.
Under the instruction of American Red Cross water safety instructors, students will learn the fundamentals of safe swimming with a focus on proper stroke mechanics and techniques. Classes are taught with clear and concise instruction in a safe, supportive and fun environment.
For information or to register, visit monroerec.org, send an email to [email protected] or call the Parks and Recreation Department at Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road, at 203-452-2806.
