The Wilton Family YMCA has named Joe Bonk as the new assistant senior coach of the Wilton Y Wahoos’ swim team. Wilton Y officials say Bonk will help the Wahoos “…to continue the long tradition of excellence in developing personal potential through swimming.”

In his new role Bonk will be responsible for the Wahoos’ junior squad of swimmers ages 13-14 years old and will assist with the Y’s national group.

“His youthful enthusiasm as well as his high level of expertise in current teaching techniques will be tremendously helpful for our organization. Coach Joe loves to create a winning environment that focuses on a team first attitude,” says Randy Erlenbach, senior director of aquatics for the Wilton Family YMCA.

“I was immediately attracted to this career opportunity,” Bonk says. “I have admired this Wahoos team and its coaches from afar since I was 14 years old when I began competing at the YMCA of Triangle Area in Raleigh, NC. I feel like my personal success in the sport has given me insight into what it takes to succeed at a high level, and bestowing that knowledge and passion onto the next generation is my main goal.”

Competitive swimming has a rich history at the Wilton Family YMCA. For more than 46 years the Wilton Y Wahoos have achieved success in both national and international arenas. The Wahoos have sent 25 swimmers to compete at Olympic Trials, including 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist Janel Jorgensen.

“By adding an excellent coach like Joe, we are convinced that the Wilton Y Wahoos will continue to have fantastic leadership and success for years to come,” says Robert McDowell, Riverbrook Regional YMCA CEO.

The YMCA philosophy holds that, “Through competitive aquatics programs, participants experience achievement, feel a sense of belonging and build supportive relationships.” The Wilton Family YMCA competitive swim programs operate year round for swimmers ages 6-18 with USA Swimming and YMCA Swimming Short Course (25 yds.) and Long Course (50m) competitions. Each year, the Wilton Y swimming program culminates in national events including the 2018 YMCA Short Course National Championship, and the 2018 YMCA Long Course National Championship.

Wahoo swim team evaluations for the 2018-2019 season begin Tuesday, Aug. 28. To get involved in competitive swimming at the Wilton Family Y, contact associate director of competitive aquatics Alex Baxter via email  or visit the Wahoos’ website.