Sullivan swim team growing by laps and bounds

Poznachowski, 17, had a variety of activities to choose from while at Shelbyville High School, including playing football in the fall, but was particularly excited to find an opportunity to join the Sullivan Blue Dolphins swim team.

He had spent more than six years swimming in Poland and wanted to see how it would compare. Joining the team has allowed Poznachowski to test the boundaries and try more than just the long-distance events he had done in Poland.

“I had never done it,” Poznachowski said about the shorter races. “It's been cool to find out what I'm really good at.”

Blue Dolphins Coach Jason Drury is glad Poznachowski decided to join the club. It's the first time Drury can remember having a foreign exchange student on the team.

Having Poznachowski on the team has been a learning experience for both him and his teammates, Drury said. It's the type of experience that the swimmers will remember for years to come, Drury said.

“They've met a lot of kids,” Drury said. “There is a strong tie with swimmers. They'll certainly remember the kid from Poland they swam with.”

Charlie Goss, 16, a junior at Sullivan High School, has learned about the cultural differences between the countries and enjoys talking with Poznachowski.

“He's a real fun guy,” Goss said. “He's never super serious and can be good for a laugh.”

Poznachowski has relatives in New York, but until coming to Shelbyville for the school year, he hadn't been this far west.

Poznachowski hadn't swam competitively in over a year, but after a few races to start the season, he was back in shape and competing at the state level for both the school and club teams.

“It takes a couple races,” Drury said. “The taste for it again can be reinvigorating.”

Drury hopes being a part of the Blue Dolphins can be a valuable experience for all members of the club, no matter their motivation for joining it. The group has been a part of the Sullivan community for over 50 years, he said.

“It has taken a long time to build this team up,” Drury said.

He said being able to use the Sullivan Civic Center has contributed to the ability for the club to sustain its growth and maintain its interest level in swimming year-round.

Just over a decade ago, Drury said the oldest team members were 9 or 10 years old, so developing a program that includes older, high school-aged children has been important. The team now has over 60 members, both girls and boys, ranging in age from 5 to 17, Drury said.

“Starting young can be an advantage,” Drury said.

The team primarily draws members from Sullivan, Okaw Valley and Shelbyville, although Drury said it has welcomed swimmers from other parts of Central Illinois.

Tyler Homann, 16, a junior in high school from Effingham, joined the Blue Dolphins this year and has noticed the support from the community.

“I've always liked swimming and this is a good program,” Homann said. “The interest in it shows the benefit the program has for the town.”

Goss said he joined the Blue Dolphins after moving with his family to Sullivan when he was in fourth grade. The friendships Goss has developed is part of what keeps him motivated.

“It got us more involved in the community,” Goss said. “We're pushing each other to the limits even on the days we don't want to be here. We're here for each other.”

Goss is hoping swimming opens up opportunities as he and others on the team look ahead to college.

Drury said several former Blue Dolphin team members have gone on over the years to swim for their college teams and at other higher levels.