Piranhas Pride

BY DANA REGAN

The magnificent outdoor space known as PV Park has been home to the Pequannock Piranhas swim team for more than 65 years. Despite the resident snapping turtle, Peaches, that is gently removed from the lanes each swim season (yet stubbornly returns in the fall), this close-knit team competes every summer against local communities such as Pines Lake, Highland Lakes and Lake Mohawk.

Liat Frame, seven-year team president, describes the Piranhas as a family. Swimmers range from ages 5 to 18, they are all very close, and team attitudes are extremely positive and supportive of one another.

Frame works hard volunteering her time during what she calls an intense spring and summer full of planning alongside the town, organizing practices and running home meets. She is extremely grateful for this outdoor space in town as she recalls many swim-team members who come to practice each morning, then stay and enjoy the lake the rest of the day with family and friends. It is a great way to spend balmy summer days!

During a typical summer swim meet, many of the parents cheering their children from the stands on were once Piranhas themselves.

Katie Moore, mother of two sets of twin boys who now compete on the team, swam competitively from the age of five all the way through high school. Moore says the program has grown so much that the number of swimmers to manage and organize has become the biggest challenge— but a great one to have.

As motivated swimmers of all ages warm up before a meet against Packanack Lake, seven-year veteran Sloan Frame looks forward to the relays. “It’s a time all their friends get to work together as a team,” she says.

Third-grade twins Avery and Lacey Pires dipped their toes in the lanes two years ago. Both work hard toward championships, getting “A” times and improving their strokes. Another swimmer, Florence Boden, says the most difficult part of being a competitive swimmer is “having to compete against friends from different towns.” Ultimately, all are working toward a win for Pequannock.

This extraordinary team uses their indelible home park to make memories, friendships and champions. As each Piranha builds confidence and achieves personal goals, the community of Pequannock remains proud.