For Bluffton FINS swimmers, lessons extend far beyond the water

Looking back on his time with the Bluffton FINS, Logan Grissom wouldn’t trade it for any other experience.

Grissom, who began swimming at age 7, is among thousands of swimmers who have passed through the program since it began in 2005.

“I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for this team,” said Grissom, a rising senior at May River High School. “This sport is very difficult, but it is so much better with the right environment, which is what FINS gives you.

“You grow many friendships through those around you, and the coaching is incredible. They will guide you through the ups and downs but, most importantly, make you the best version of yourself you could possibly be.”

Head coach Yorlliry “George” Moreno, a professional triathlete, has watched the team’s numbers fluctuate, ranging from more than 100 swimmers to the current group of 75 who train at the Bluffton Pool. He also serves as the head coach at Bluffton High School, where he once held nearly every individual swimming record.

The FINS’ season began in late October and will conclude in early August. Bluffton High’s season begins in August and ends in October. This season, the FINS had nine swimmers qualify for postseason events.

For Moreno, who was one of the program’s original swimmers, it has been a year-round commitment that has fueled him professionally and personally.

Moreno has helped many of his swimmers continue their careers at the collegiate level. Club swimming plays a prominent role in that path.

“It’s never a dull moment,” Moreno said. “We have a lot of ambitious kids, and they are a very tight-knit group that supports each other.

“The kids prioritize their club swimming. Colleges recruit from clubs.”

Moreno said the majority of the team’s current swimmers are 14 and younger. Over the years, the program’s numbers have fluctuated.

“Some years we will have more older kids in the program,” Moreno said. “It is a cycle. There have been years when many kids qualified for postseason events. Some programs in the state have more than 200 swimmers. Our numbers fluctuate. Some seasons they’re higher, and some seasons they’re lower.”

Moreno, who is a Venezuela native and also swam at Pfeiffer College, knows he has found his calling in coaching and competing as a triathlete.

“It’s a passion,” Moreno said. “The team is built on discipline, integrity and belief in the process. We have a lot of kids who are passionate about the sport, and we strive to keep them working diligently.”

Amorette Chapman, a rising senior at Beaufort High School, has swum for the FINS since her freshman year. She is grateful for how the program has helped shape her life.

Grissom finished 19th in the 100-meter backstroke, while Chapman placed sixth in the 50-meter freestyle and eighth in the 100-meter backstroke at the senior state meet in Duncan this past weekend.

“This program has absolutely shaped my character,” Chapman said. “Having to commute an hour to practice every day has taught me discipline and patience. The coaches have really helped guide me in building my confidence and understanding that hard work truly pays off and beats talent any day. I attribute 100% of who I am today to club swimming with FINS and the discipline it has woven into my life.”

Jeff Moeller has covered high school, collegiate, and professional sports for the past 42 years. He also is an avid runner and a frequent half-marathon participant.