50°
RYE, N.Y. -- Paul and Fritzi McClintock must have chlorinated water in their veins after decades of volunteer work with the Westchester County Swimming and Diving Association, and some of that water flowed as tears Thursday when the Thornwood couple was honored with the Presidents Award for outstanding service at the 86th Westchester County Swimming Championship at the Rye Playland Pool.
This honor means a lot because these are all people I care a lot about, said Paul McClintock, who is in his 15th year as president of the WCSDA and is faced with the fact that Rye Playland may have hosted its last county meet.
I was a swimmer here, he said. This place is magical, so many great years. The last thing I want to do is see this thing end. Id rather be here 15 years from now than get a Presidents Award.
Fritzi MClintock, who has worked stroke for stroke alongside her husband and children over many years in amateur swimming, accepted the award quietly, going back to duties on the committee stand.
I like to stay in the background, said Fritzi McClintock, who shed a tear or two when surprised with the honor. Paul was my swim coach way back when. Thats where we met and we brought up our kids around a pool. Weve enjoyed it thoroughly, its been an honor.
Despite the surprise honor, the McClintocks moved the meet quickly along through the final events and relays, completing the final nights races 35 minutes ahead of schedule.
The four-day championships were delayed by rain Monday, but with some rescheduling and a staff of volunteers helping, the McClintocks presented the awards. Greenburgh took home the team trophy with Chappaqua and Lake Isle placing second and third.
This place holds so many memories and this year the kids will look back and remember the fun they had swimming in the rain, McClintock told the crowd. The parents and spectators may have gotten soaked, but we got through it.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mount Pleasant and receive free news updates.
