Polar Bear Swim Club makes splash with new fundraising event

View more photos from the meet here CASTALIA — The Polar Bear Swim Club recently sponsored its first fundraising swim meet between the Margaretta alumni and current student swimmers.The Nov. 25 meet at Margaretta High School drew about 50 graduates.Altogether — with concessions, admission fees and alumni entry fees — the event raised almost $13,000 for swimming-related activities.The money will cover costs for new record boards for swimmers of all ages, new lane lines and new starting blocks. The blocks were paid for with a donation from ABJ Equipment.While the coaching staff was excited for the amount raised, "the ultimate goal was for all of the alumni to have fun and come back for the next year," swim coach Marnie Szymanski said.The alumni certainly seemed excited for the event. Old friends reconnected and goofed around as if they had never left.Ross Wriker and Tim Hanes, both 2006 graduates, returned for the meet. Between them, they held eight school swim records at one point, all of which have been beaten in recent years."It's exciting, and really good to see everyone," Wriker said.Added Hanes: "I'll definitely plan on coming back next year."It was clear to see that Margaretta swimming had a deep impact on all alumni in attendance."I would not be the same person I am today without Margaretta swimming," 2014 graduate Trent Baulduff said. "I wanted to give a little something back.""We're a family," 2012 graduate Cameron Swartz said.Margaretta alumnus Chase Grealy competes during the Polar Bear Swim Club alumni fundraising meet at the high school in Castalia on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Polar Bear Swim Club members cheer on their teammate on Friday during the first ever alumni fundraising meet at Margaretta High School in Castalia. Alumni and current varsity swimmers compete against each other on Friday for the first Polar Bear Swim Club alumni fundraising meet at Margaretta High School in Castalia. Polar Bear Swim Club alumni Tim Haynes and Chase Grealy cheer during introductions before the first ever alumni fundraising meet on Friday, Nov. 15, 2016 at Margaretta High School in Castalia.