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Boardman Tennis and Swim Club offers family fun
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Neighbors | Submitted.BTSC manager Mike Kenneally mans the grill during one of the club's family events. The club offers all kinds of family events for members each summer.
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Nicole Sahle (center) with daughters Maddie and Lia (right) enjoy some familt fun at the Boardman Tennis and Swim Club.
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Sean Johnston (left), Nicholas DiGiacomo and Jack Bresnahan (right) hang out during one of the club's picnics. The club has picnic tables and a large, shaded pavilion.
The Boardman Tennis and Swim Club is about a lot more than tennis rackets and swimming goggles. While the activities are the draw, it’s the family atmosphere that truly brings in members summer after summer.
“It gives the whole family a place to go,” said Jeff Barone, president of the club’s Board of Trustees. “We offer something for the kids and parents alike. There is tennis and swimming, but also special events for all the members. It’s one of the finest facilities in the Valley.”
The club, located at 6907 West Boulevard, Youngstown, opened in 1963. For almost 50 years now, BTSC has provided a resort-type experience right here in the Valley. The club is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, seven days a week from noon to 9 p.m. Hours are adjusted for some special events.
Club managers are Mike Kenneally and Paul Butto, with Sue Audreatta assisting. The 2011 board of directors consists of Gina Cardillo, Lori DiGiacomo, Marcy Hughes, Teresa Santilli, Kim Zeidenstein, Trent Cailor, Dave Downie, Jim Huston, Jeff Markovich, Mike Sahli and Barone.
While many adults join the club to take advantage of the swimming and tennis options, the biggest benefits may be the activities offered to youth. The youth swimming and tennis programs are top-notch and draw athletes from all over the Valley. The club sponsors a youth swim team that competes against other club teams each summer. This year, there are nine meets on the schedule, including the Youngstown Swim League championships on July 30. This league has produced numerous high school state qualifiers.
The swim program works with children as young as 4 and 5. Terry O’Halloran returns for his 38th year leading the BTSC swim program. He is assisted by C.J. Flately, Kayla Aldan and Megan Barringer.
According to the club’s Web site, the swim program is a “learn to be competitive program. Kids as young as 4 to 5 years old that are not afraid of the water and are able to swim or doggy paddle at least 10 to 15 yards unassisted. This year, 19-year-olds can swim, unless they are swimming for a college team. We teach all four competitive strokes, starts and turns.”
The tennis program offers competitive adult and youth teams, plus clinics and lessons, as well as men’s and ladies’ nights.
“We are very excited to have Joann Gardner as our adult pro and Noah Weiss as our youth pro for our tennis program,” said Barone. “The club offers three hard surface tennis courts with lights and four of the best-maintained clay courts in the area.”
The BTSC fields a a youth tennis team that competes against other clubs in the summer. This year’s slate includes eight matches, plus championships July 22-28. Ages include 10 and under up to a 15 and up division.
In addition to the swimming and tennis, the club offers other activities, including water aerobics, sand volleyball, basketball, bocce and four square courts, swing sets and a large shaded pavilion.
All these amenities are available to members only. Membership is limited to a maximum of 400 per season to avoid overcrowding. All memberships are family memberships. How memberships work is that each year there are a small number of members willing to sell their memberships to others. New members are responsible for a one-time initiation fee and all members are responsible for annual dues.
Currently, there is a waiting list for memberships. For information on buying a new membership, contact DiGiacomo at 330-565-6042. Membership can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis. For other information on the club, call 330-758-7802 or visit www.btsohio.com.