The Sun City Stingrays Swim Charter Club recently channeled the ultimate spirit of American grit to honor the nation’s historic semi-quincentennial.
The club launched an aquatic challenge on April 25, rallying its members to collectively swim and water-walk a monumental 250 miles. Crushing that initial milestone with waves of enthusiasm, the determined athletes refused to slow down, instantly resetting their sights on a second goal.
Nancy Cihlar, club vice president, said, “We doubled our effort and swam over 500 miles as a club. We will honor this achievement at our club meeting.”
Beyond honoring national milestones, the Stingrays thrive on a year-round friendship and competition.
Linda Kucera, President of the Stingray Swim Club, said, “Irene Camp and Nancy Cihlar routinely create dynamic, fun challenges that keep members motivated and the entire club eagerly embraces. Previous adventures have seen swimmers track their progress to conquer the virtual swim of the Fox River challenge, while others have tested their endurance by virtually swimming across the massive width of Lake Michigan.”
Going forward, the team is already focusing its momentum on a meaningful new initiative.
Kucera said, “Our next challenge honors past president Bill Roth. Bill was a lifelong swimmer and devoted coach. He taught and coached at Culver Academics High School in Indiana. Bill served as president of the Stingray Swim Club and enjoyed workouts with his teammates. The challenge will include his favorite strokes, the back and breast stroke.”
Considering how far the group has come, the club’s leadership takes great pride in its friendly atmosphere and deep roots within the community.
Kucera shared, “The club started with twenty members in 2002. Four original members, Joannie Koplos Sandy Sterling, Lisa Yost, and Margaret Liedtke, are still in the club and participate in swimming and our social events. We have members who didn’t know how to swim and have progressed to become avid swimmers. We also have members who just enjoy walking in the water.”
The club is more than a group of swimming enthusiasts.
Cihlar said, “We are also a social group who enjoy making new friends and having fun.”
While the club’s achievements in the pool are great, its vibrant life out of the water is what cements its tight-knit community. To keep that bond strong, the organization has a lively social calendar.
Kucera said, “The Social Committee co-chairs, Pam and Mike Winberg, along with a dedicated group of 13 other Stingrays, routinely plan group events and activities. We have pizza on the drive, dinner, concerts, group trips to educational/entertaining places, festive holiday gatherings, and sunny summer picnic.”
The Stingrays community supports its members both in and out of the water. When hardship strikes, the team instantly rallies to lighten the load for families in need.
Lucera said, “When a member of our Stingray family faces illness, the team rallies with compassion. Whether organizing meals or checking in, these gestures remind families they are not alone. We step in to support each other and ensure every newcomer feels instantly at home.”
The club warmly welcomes new members and has established a wonderful ambassador program, led by Joyce Konczyk and Randy Biagioni. This helpful network is further strengthened by an outstanding leadership team on the pool deck.
Cihlar said, “We also have a great team of coaches. Len Lencioni, who coached us for 14 years, continues to be part of the Saturday morning coaching rotation. Marilyn Kulak runs our Wednesday clinics.”
