Sports Saturdays: Every Swimmer Finds a Lane at Mountainside Pool

The Mountainside Community Pool serves as an entry point for swimmers of all levels, from children just learning to cross the pool to those preparing for championship meets. On any given practice day, swimmers ages 6 to 17 move through the water at different speeds, working on different skills—but united in a program philosophy that prioritizes improvement and personal growth over winning and losing.

Union County Life covers Mountainside community programs and the recreational opportunities that connect residents across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Head Coach Jack Wargaski oversees this work. A rising junior at Rutgers University studying exercise science, Wargaski is in his sixth year working at the Mountainside Community Pool and his first as head coach. His journey with the pool reflects the kind of connection the program builds: he joined the team at age six, later became a coach-in-training during his sophomore year of high school, and has now taken the lead role. He knows the pool not just as a coach but as someone who grew up there.

The regular season runs for about six weeks before two postseason championship meets. Practices follow a progression designed to build both skill and confidence. Wargaski begins with technique work—the foundation—then adds more distance as swimmers regain endurance. Later in the summer, the focus shifts toward sprint work, preparing swimmers for the intensity of competition without losing sight of the fundamentals that matter most.

Wargaski's coaching philosophy is direct: "A successful season is me seeing improvement in all the swimmers. I want to leave them a better swimmer at the end of those six weeks." That emphasis on improvement over winning extends to his work with swimmers who struggle mentally. He often addresses negative self-talk that holds young swimmers back, working with them behind the starting block to break down mental barriers and build confidence.

The pool operates as a community gathering place, drawing not just swimmers but parents who volunteer extensively. During meets, eight or nine parent volunteers are typically needed as timers, ribbon writers, scorers, and announcers. Beyond competition days, parents help organize ice cream socials, tie-dye activities, and the end-of-season picnic—events that transform the pool into a social hub.

The twin Iannotta brothers—Luke and Matthew—embody the kind of long-term connection the pool fosters. They joined the Mountainside swim team at age six and continue their involvement today. Luke now serves as an assistant coach, lifeguard, and swim instructor. Matthew works as head lifeguard while training year-round; he qualified for YMCA Nationals in breaststroke and backstroke. The pool didn't just teach them to swim—it became part of how they grew up.

Sabrina Ruban's path reflects similar long-term engagement. She learned to swim at the pool through lessons, joined the team, and now serves as the pool's office manager, overseeing registrations and front desk operations. People who swam at the Mountainside pool often return to it, finding roles that keep them connected to the place.

The pool staff includes lifeguard Sloan Lynn, in her second year at the facility. Lynn was recently named Employee of the Week and received a $25 Mosaico gift card—a recognition from a hometown restaurant that recently took over the snack shack after the borough selected it based on its proposal, references, and annual fee.

For families new to Mountainside or considering recreational options for their children, the pool offers something specific: a place where young swimmers can start at whatever level they're at and improve at their own pace, supported by coaches and volunteers who care about the person, not just the times on the clock.

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FAQ

Q: Does Mountainside have a community pool swim team?
A: Yes. The Mountainside Community Pool offers competitive swim team programming for children ages 6–17, with practices and meets throughout the summer season.

Q: What is the coaching philosophy at Mountainside Community Pool?
A: Head Coach Jack Wargaski emphasizes improvement and personal growth over winning. He focuses on technique, builds endurance, and works with swimmers to break down mental barriers.

Q: How long is the swim team season?
A: The regular season runs about 6 weeks, followed by 2 postseason championship meets.

Q: What age groups does the swim team serve?
A: The swim team coaches swimmers ages 6 to 17, working with children at different competitive levels and stages.

Q: What do practices look like?
A: Practices begin with technique work, add more distance as swimmers regain endurance, and shift toward sprint work later in the summer to prepare for meets.

Q: Do parents get involved?
A: Yes. During meets, 8–9 parent volunteers serve as timers, ribbon writers, scorers, and announcers. Parents also help organize ice cream socials, tie-dye activities, and the end-of-season picnic.

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 joined the Mountainside Community Pool at age six.

Q: What is Wargaski's background with the pool?
A: Wargaski has worked at the pool for 6 years and became a coach-in-training during his high school sophomore year. This is his first year as head coach.