Background

I think I should start by writing down the West YMCA's mission statement :

The mission of the YMCA of Dane County, Inc., is to respond to needs of families through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The National YMCA's core values number four:  Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility.

Our family became members of the Y in -- I think -- 2007.  We joined in Shane Ryan's second year as a coach there (at the Madison West Y -- MWY -- this was before the merger; More on that later), and we joined for one reason:  The son was joining the swim team there.  He has been a member of the Y ever since.

Shane Ryan is an excellent coach.  He was nominated as the YMCA Coach of the Year in 2010, he was invited to speak at the USA Swimming Age Group Coaches' Summit in 2011, and the YDC Team won 5 straight state titles (Short Course) under his leadership.  My son has thrived under Shane's tutelage (and under the tutelage of the other fine coaches at the Y:  Michael Hanson, Michael Rudie, Jimmy Graves and Sam Davy).  He has represented the YMCA of Dane County well at local, State, and National Meets.

For most of my son's time at the Y, I've been a USA-certified Stroke/Turn judge.  I've been to almost every meet the team has sponsored, working to ensure a fair and equitable meet for the swimmers.   The Y team also has 4 or 5 Y- and USA-certified Starter/Refs, and a couple Admin Refs.  These are all volunteers helping the team as needed.  I only mention this to point out there is no shortage of parent volunteers to make sure meets run.