Stringrays Team Wins Conference, Moves Divisions

The Huntley Park District Stingrays swim team has won the conference championship, earning the team a spot in the “A” division in the North Central Illinois Swim Conference (NCISC).

“I was ecstatic,” head coach Laura Strebler said. “Last year we came really close to winning, so we were more strategic this year in how we approached the meet. I couldn’t have asked for more. It was a great way to end the season.”

The Stringrays team has been in the “B” division since its creation 10 years ago. But this conference win bumps the team up to the “A” division, knocking the lowest placed “A” division team to the “B” division.

Strebler described the “A” division as being more competitive than the “B” division.

“We will be swimming against top notch teams so that is very exciting,” Strebler said. “The team is ready for more competition.”

Other members of the NCISC include teams from Crystal Lake, Algonquin and Cary. 

The Stingrays team is comprised of 140 swimmers, both males and females. The ages of the team members range from five to 18.

“We have a lot of competitive swimmers, and a lot people who are out there for recreation swimming too,” Strebler said.

Strebler created the team when she was 19, after moving from Rolling Meadows to Huntley. She has been the head coach throughout the team’s 10 years of existence.

“I really just want people to know it is so much fun,” she said. “We have so much fun in season, and it is a collaboration of parents and kids. “

Registration for the Stingrays swim team will be open first for current team members. Then registration will be opened up to the general public to fill the remaining spots. Look for registration details in the Huntley Park District Winter Brochure.