Mountainside Community Pool's Swim Team Runs Deep

Jack Wargaski was six years old when he first jumped in at Mountainside Community Pool. Now a rising junior at Rutgers University studying exercise science, he's in his first year as the pool's head coach—and his sixth year on staff.

The Mountainside swim team takes swimmers ages 6 to 17 through a regular season that runs about six weeks, followed by two postseason championship meets. Practices open with technique work, build toward longer distances as swimmers regain endurance, then shift to sprint work later in the summer.

A Coach's Vision

"A successful season is me seeing improvement in all the swimmers," Wargaski said. "I want to leave them a better swimmer at the end of those six weeks."

Wargaski traces his own path in the sport back to this pool. "It acts as an entry point for a lot of kids," he said. "It was my first swim team that I was ever on, and ultimately got me into competitive swimming." He became a coach-in-training during his sophomore year of high school, moved into an assistant coaching role the following year, and has been on staff ever since.

A Multi-Generational Community

Assistant coach Luke Iannotta shares a similar arc. He and his twin brother Matthew both joined the Mountainside swim team at the same age and have been connected to the pool for more than a decade. Luke now works as an assistant coach, lifeguard, and swim instructor.

"I enjoyed my time so much here that it made me want to give back to all the kids," he said. "I still remember the coaches when I was little. I idolized them."

Matthew Iannotta, a head lifeguard at the pool, trains year-round and holds an individual pool record in every age group. He qualified for YMCA Nationals in breaststroke and backstroke. His advice to younger swimmers: "They shouldn't worry about winning the race. The only thing they should worry about is getting faster. No matter where you start, just keep making progress."

From Swimmer to Staff

Sabrina Ruban learned to swim at Mountainside Community Pool, joined the team, and eventually returned as an employee. She was first hired nine years ago and is now the pool's office manager, overseeing registrations for lessons and the team, booking parties, and helping manage the front desk.

"You have those little 6-year-olds who are just trying it out, and then you have 16-year-olds who now are teaching those kids," she said. "It's honestly just a place for everybody to learn and try something new."

Lifeguard Sloan Lynn, in her second year at the pool, was recently named Employee of the Week and received a $25 Mosaico gift card for the snack shack. Mosaico, a hometown restaurant, recently took over the snack shack after the borough's previous contractor could not return.

Beyond the Team

Beyond the swim team, the pool hosts swim lessons, parties, Carnival Night, Fourth of July activities, and a World Cup watch party. Nearby camp, basketball, and tennis programs also serve the community.

Eight or nine parent volunteers typically staff meets as timers, ribbon writers, scorers, and announcers. Parents also help with ice cream socials, tie-dye activities, and the end-of-season picnic.

Union County Life covers Mountainside youth programs and community recreation as part of its ongoing coverage of Mountainside and the other 20 Union County municipalities.

Find more Mountainside events, programs, and community news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is Mountainside Community Pool's swim team?
A: It is a youth swim program for swimmers ages 6 to 17. The team runs a regular season of about six weeks, followed by two postseason championship meets.

Q: What ages can join the swim team?
A: The swim team welcomes swimmers ages 6 to 17, with programs and practice levels tailored to different ages and experience levels.

Q: What does a typical practice look like?
A: Practices open with technique work, build toward longer distances as swimmers regain endurance, then shift to sprint work later in the summer.

Q: Who is the head coach?
A: Jack Wargaski is the head coach. He's a rising junior at Rutgers University studying exercise science and has been on pool staff for six years.

Q: How does the pool develop coaches?
A: The pool trains coaches from within its community. Jack Wargaski and Luke Iannotta both started as swimmers at the pool and advanced through coaching roles over the years.

Q: What does Assistant Coach Luke Iannotta do?
A: Luke works as an assistant coach, lifeguard, and swim instructor. He and his twin brother Matthew both joined the swim team and have been connected to the pool for more than a decade.

Q: What is Matthew Iannotta's role at the pool?
A: Matthew is a head lifeguard and holds individual pool records in every age group. He qualified for YMCA Nationals in breaststroke and backstroke.

Q: Who manages pool operations?
A: Sabrina Ruban is the office manager, overseeing registrations for lessons and the team, booking parties, and helping manage the front desk. She learned to swim at the pool and returned as staff nine years ago.

Q: What other programs does Mountainside Community Pool offer?
A: The pool offers swim lessons, birthday parties, Carnival Night, Fourth of July activities, World Cup watch parties, and nearby camp, basketball, and tennis programs.

Q: Do parents volunteer at the pool?
A: Yes. Eight or nine parent volunteers staff meets as timers, ribbon writers, scorers, and announcers. Parents also help with ice cream socials, tie-dye activities, and the end-of-season picnic.

Q: Where can I register my child?
A: Contact Mountainside Community Pool or visit the registration website for swim team, lessons, and special events.

Q: What is the pool's philosophy?
A: The pool focuses on improvement and confidence-building. Coach Wargaski emphasized: "A successful season is me seeing improvement in all the swimmers."