The Newton Bluefish swim team completed its summer season with a perfect 10-0 record in the Summer Suburban League and topped that off by winning the league championship on August 12 in Dedham. The 197 team members all hail from Newton, with ages ranging from 6 to 18.
Mary and Scott Polhman have led the team coaching staff for the past 43 years, starting in 1980. The team also has a very popular winter program that begins in October, with the number of participants recently reaching the 250-member cap set by the league.
Mary Polhman expressed pride in the program and pointed out, “Cities and towns in Massachusetts struggle to find lifeguards; many of Newton’s lifeguards got their start swimming in the Bluefish program. We have a very diverse team. Some kids can only get to practice by bike due to the limited means of their families. The program keeps kids busy and engaged, and helps them build self-confidence.”
This will mark the last outdoor season for the team in Newton’s old Gath Pool, which has operated for 58 years. The pools is scheduled to be renovated before next summer.
[Photo by Sanford Lui]
