By Thomas Smith
The Mount Airy News

DOBSON — Swimming with dolphins is a dream for some, but in Dobson it’s an everyday occurrence.

For members of the Dobson Dolphins swim team, which began its 2009 season Monday, summer pool time isn’t only for fun, it’s for sport.

The team is home to aspiring competitive swimmers from ages 4 to 18, offering all children of different skill levels an opportunity to compete and contribute to a team.

The team has had its successes over the years and Chris Stanley, the Dolphin’s coach, said she is looking forward to coaching not only an experienced group of older swimmers but a crop of new ones.

“I am excited especially for my older kids, this is their fourth year with me and a lot of my 15-18 kids have been swimming since they were four or five and I am also excited because we have a lot of new kids this year,” Stanley said.

The Dolphins’ team consists of 80 to 100 swimmers and competes in the Blue Ridge Swimming League, which includes teams from Elkin, Mount Airy, Carroll County (Va.), Galax (Va.), Wilkes County and Statesville.

The Dolphins and the Dobson pool (which is owned by the team) are completely non-profit organizations, relying on contributions and fundraisers to stay afloat.

While speaking to the parents of this seasons’ swimmers, Stanley made it clear just how important the involvement of parents and the community is to the livelihood of the organization.

“We don’t get anything except for what you guys bring in,” she said. “What we raise is what we get to keep. Everything we raise belongs to this swim team and that’s why we fundraise, fundraise, fundraise, because if you don’t think it takes a lot to run a pool, let me show you just one chemical bill.”

Stanley, whose daughters have participated on the team and who also coaches the Central Middle School swim team, said she coaches the team for “pure enjoyment,” running a tight ship which has allowed the Dolphins to be successful.

“I try my best to get the love in their hearts so that they can continue,” Stanley said. “We’ve got kids now that are getting scholarships. Morgan Robertson got a scholarship to NC State last year and she has been swimming here since she was 5. This is just a starting point for bigger and better things. I know that she started here and that’s what I want, I want these kids to have opportunities they might not have other places.”

The Dolphins will start their season June 13 at Wilkes County at 8:30 a.m. and will have their first home meet June 16 at 5 p.m. against the Statesville Seahawks.

Practices are held Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Registration is still open for at least two more weeks. Contact the Dobson pool at 386-8756 for more information.