WINTERSVILLE — Indian Creek High School swimming coach Sarah Houser earned accolades as both the All-East District girls and boys Coach of the Year following the inaugural All-East District Team Awards in March. More than 20 East District coaches were asked to nominate honorees from a different team and two more votes decided the coach of the year.

“When I found out that I received both the girls and boys Coach of the Year, I really couldn’t believe it. Being nominated by your peers is a humbling experience,” Houser said. “In the past seven years, I have asked for and received help from many other coaches. They took the time to notice my coaching when I am still learning, and it means the world to me.”

She and assistant coach Janna Olesky have headed the team since it was established in 2016. Houser said ICHS Athletic Director Joe Dunlevy began open swims but couldn’t coach basketball and swimming. At that time, her daughter Madison signed up as a swimmer.

“When he saw her name on the list, he asked me if I was interested in coaching. I had never coached before and we obviously didn’t have a swim team when I attended Indian Creek. Two days later, I met Coach Janna and the rest is history,” Houser recalled.

This year, the team included a total of 38 swimmers with 19 boys and 19 girls plus a student manager. She cited the great talent as well as the leadership of its 12 senior members. Both teams had successful seasons and boasted records of 19-4 for the boys’ team and 14-7 for the girls. Both teams took part in 14 meets this year including at Big Red, Beaver, Brooke, St. Clairsville, Wheeling Park, Linsly and Dover. Among the matchups were the St. C. Invitational, Buckeye 8 Meet, OVAC Championship Swim Meet, Big Red Invitational and the East District Sectional Swim Meet. Some swimmers qualified for the OHSAA District Swim Meet at The Ohio State University in February.

“Qualifying for the OHSAA District Swim Meet is very special. The kids put in so much hard work and the goal is to advance as many swimmers as possible, whether it is in a relay or individual events. This year, we had 13 swimmers, including two alternates attend the District Swim Meet,” she said.

Among the girls who qualified were Gabby Boyuk, Emma Doerr, Emma Morrison and Lindsey Zifzal, with alternates Leah DiNofrio and Trista Simeral. The boys’ qualifiers included Sy Howell, Colin Krantz, Logan Mayle, Franklin Mazzaferro, Brayden Medley, Hunter Rusnak and Tyler Smith. The swimmers qualified for 11 out of 22 events, although none advanced to the OHSAA State Meet.

“That is a goal for the team. We take one step at a time and we are definitely moving in the right direction,” Houser noted.

However, the team has earned some hardware for the school trophy case with runner-up nods for the boys at the Buckeye 8 Meet and Big Red Invitational and both teams in the 4A division during the OVAC Championship Meet.

Meanwhile, she has taught at ICHS for 17 years including Geometry, math and English. Houser has been married to her husband, James for nearly 23 years and both of their children, which also includes son Marshal, have been members of the high school swim team. Madison graduated in 2019 while Marshal is currently a sophomore. Houser was grateful for all of the support she’s received along the way.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped our team get where we are today. It all started with Coach Dunlevy giving Janna Olesky and I a chance to lead these athletes. Janna was a swimmer at Big Red, has turned into an awesome coach, and the kids love her. I want to thank her for everything that she has taught me. I wouldn’t be able to do this without her.”

She also cited the many coaches who have guided her including Wendy Tucker at Big Red, Nick Levy of Linsly, Gretchen Yanssens and JoAnn Stagani of Edison, Maria Parfitt of Beaver and Ernie Banks of St. Clairsville.

“We have had so many questions over the years and all of these coaches take the time to help. They have always been very accommodating to us, especially this year with our large team. Sometimes, it’s very difficult to get every swimmer in a meet. These coaches allow us to swim our kids with few exceptions. However, my husband, kids, and my parents, Fred and Marijo Young, should receive the biggest thank you. My family never really complains and are very supportive. They just know it’s swim season.”