Sports : Small-Town Dedication, with State-Level Success: VAC’s Remarkable Swim Legacy

Group photo: Mason City Regional Swim Meet

Bottom Row: Anderson Purdy, Ivan Fleege, Hannah Gingrich, ainsley Miller, Addison Taylor, Gage Torres, Laiken Ohde, Morgan Flores, Raelynn Harrison, Lilly Wilson, Callum Ohde, Dave Happel- Head Coach, Asst Coach Whitney Bohen.
Second Row: Asst. Coach Matt Purdy, Maci Torres, Brynn Stainbaugh, Finleigh Bunz, Natalie Harrison, Juniper Kelly, Gage Torres, Owen Sexton
Third Row: Asst. Coach Elizabeth Stainbaugh, AlexisFleege, Paisley Steele, Braxton Steele, Olivia Bohen, Vinney Bohen, Houston Taylor, Doug Lutz, Hunter Atkinson

By Matthew Purdy - VAC Assistant Coach

Small-Town Dedication, with State-Level Success: Vinton Aquatic Club's Remarkable Swim Legacy

In the heart of small-town Iowa, a quiet but powerful legacy has been building for decades. The Vinton Aquatic Club was founded in 1958, & has become a beacon of dedication, athleticism, and mentorship - thanks in no small part to many devoted swim coaches and volunteers whose passion for the sport has created ripples far beyond their pool lanes.

This year, the Vinton Aquatic club is sending an impressive 11 youth swimmers, ages 11 to 16, to the Iowa State USA Swimming Championships, having qualified in 44 individual events and 2 team relays - This number would be admirable in any large metro club, but has become something of a norm for this small town program. One of the coaches even said: "I often get asked by the other coaches and referees at our meets. What is Vinton doing to get so many kids to their program?"

Behind these accomplishments is a deep commitment from the club's volunteer coaches - all of whom juggle full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities. Yet year after year, they pour their time and energy into early morning practices, late evening workouts, and weekend meets. Their reward? Watching young athletes grow into state qualifiers, college swimmers, and most importantly, disciplined, confident individuals.

The club currently boasts around 70 swimmers, ranging in age from 5 to 17, and draws participants from across the region, including Vinton, Center Point, Dysart, Garrison, Laporte City, Marion, and Urbana. These families drive from neighboring towns to be apart of something special - a swim culture built on encouragement, grit, and a long-standing tradition.

Since its founding, the club has relied on the outdoor Vinton Aquatic Center, located in Riverside Park. Originally constructed in the 1950s and rebuilt in 1988, this pool has seen generations of swimmers dive in for their first lap and emerge years later as confident competitors. For year-round training and competition, the club also utilizes the indoor pool at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School (Currently owned and managed by Hobart Historic Restoration), a partnership that began in 1985 with the support of the and continues to this day with three evening practices per week and regular weekend meets.

The success of the Vinton Aquatic Club is not merely measured in medals and state qualifications, though those are growing each year. The deeper impact lies in how swimming connects kids with lifelong friendships, personal discipline, and opportunities beyond the borders of their hometown. As parents of the club, we frequently get photos from other sporting events with our swim kids from 3 seperate schools happy to see one another in the off season. Several of our alumni have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, a testament to the quality of coaching and the values instilled early on.

What started over six decades ago as a modest community program has blossomed into a regional powerhouse. And at its core, it remains a reflection of the quiet strength of small-town Iowa: hard work, consistency, and heart.

As the 2025 state competition approaches, Vinton will be well-represented by a team of young athletes carrying the dreams of their coaches, families, and community with them - and making waves wherever they go.

Best of Luck this weekend to our championship swim team! 2025 Summer Championship Team: Luke Wilden, Eli Trudell, Calvin Flores, Finleigh Bunz, Hannah Gingrich, Juniper Kelly, Laiken Ohde, Callum Ohde, Raelynn Harrison, Maci Torres, Brynn Stambaugh.

For information on the club, please visit: www.swimvinton.com