Coudersport swim team honors veteran coaches

Cindy Capatch coaches from above.

Two volunteers who have helped hundreds of boys and girls learn about swimming and diving, while instilling discipline and a sense of teamwork, were recently honored.

Coudersport Swim Team paid tribute to coaches Cindy Capatch and Don Kudrick for 13 and 12 years of selfless dedication.

Capatch has sacrificed her lunch breaks and countless evening and weekend hours as a coach and as the Tri-County League president. She has also been busy setting up meet schedules and taking care of other organizational responsibilities.

Kudrick, who always puts in a busy day as owner and operator of the Coudersport Service Center, has often gone straight from work to the pool to coach the swimmers or organize Coudersport's home meets.

Parents, swimmers and supporters gathered to say farewell to Capatch and Kudrick, who announced that they are stepping down. The two were quick to praise many others who have helped out with the swim team. Patti Hau has assisted Capatch with the afternoon practices and setting up the schedule for the younger swimmers. Don's wife, Kim Kudrick, has helped behind the scenes, including concession stand duties for the home meets. Coudersport Swim Team has put out a call for coaches who are educated in the freestyle, breast, butterfly, and back strokes. The dive team will also need a coach.

Currently, practices are Mon- day through Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. and evenings from 7:00 to 8:30. Dive team practices Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00. These times may can be altered to accommodate new coaches. The season runs from the beginning of June until the last weekend in July.

Swim Team has benefitted many young people in many ways. Two team alumni, Stephanie Kudrick and Nick Keagle, have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.

The program has also provided direct benefits to the pool itself, including bleachers, lane lines, lane dividers, starting blocks, swim fins, and other equipment used by lifeguards.

Anyone willing to volunteer time in support of Coudersport Swim Team is encouraged to contact Cindy Capatch at 274- 0568.