On January 8, 24 area youths, members of the Hilton Area Swim Team (HAST) swam over 42 miles in a fundraiser Swim-a-thon. These athletes, ages 8-17, swam over 3,000 laps. The swimmers decided to donate $300 of the proceeds to the Make A Wish Foundation in the name of Sammy Alimentato, a Hilton High School student who, in December of 2000, lost his battle with cancer. In addition, over 60 lbs. of canned goods were donated to the Hilton/Parma Food Bank.

Swimmers had 90 minutes to swim a maximum of 200 laps. Ten swimmers reached this limit. They were: Rachel Noel, Patrick Feeks, Gina Chinappi, Lisa Hardie, Regina Feeks, Kim Bunker, Whitney Hickey, Amanda Gowren, Amber Robinson and Chelsea Williams. Five swimmers reached 150 or more laps and they were: Sarah Noble, Jessica Stam, Shayna Robinson, Sarah Robbins and Ashley McTighe. The remaining nine swimmers all swam 100 or more laps and they were: Kayla Crumlish, Caitlin Gifford, Molly McCune, Stephanie Terpstra, Kyle Bunker, John Lewis, Mary Juergens, Maggie Johnson and George Messmer.

HAST is a member of USA Swimming, and has over 30 swimmers that regularly compete against other teams throughout Monroe County and the surrounding areas. They have competed in nearly 20 meets since October, in the four Olympic strokes, freestyle, back, breast, and butterfly. They practice three to five days a week at the Merton Williams Pool, instructed by three professional coaches. HAST is currently concentrating on the upcoming McDonald's League Championships to be held at MCC in March.

HAST is a non-profit, parent-run organization whose purpose is to provide facilities, training and encouragement for increased proficiency in competitive amateur swimming among boys and girls residing in Parma and surrounding areas. Besides goals to foster good sportsmanship and individual integrity and team play, HAST this year is adding community involvement as a focus. In addition to donations made from the Swim-A-Thon, upcoming activities include conducting a clothing drive on April 11, marching in the Hilton Firemen's parade in July and participating in Parma's Community Celebration in August.

Many local businesses made donations and were sponsors. Galaxie Auto Parts, Hilton Big M, Hahn Automotive, Applebee's Restaurants, Cutting Crew Salon, McDonalds (Hilton), HSBC (Hilton), M&T Bank (Hilton), Kodak, Ben Franklin, Forest Hill Restaurant & Catering, The Arlington Restaurant, Illusions Salon, Creator's Hand Florist, Synerfax Inc., Ryan's Big M, Tops Friendly Market (Hamlin) and Mark's Pizzeria (Hamlin).

Anyone with questions about HAST or who would like information about a free trial week can contact Laura Chinappi 392-8564, Heidi Robinson 964-2373, or Liz Thelen 392-1446.