July 2026 Mission Monday
A newsletter for volunteers, employees, and friends of the YMCA of Wichita Falls
Greetings from the Y!
As summer begins to wind down, I can't help but reflect on what an incredible season it has been at the Y. Over the past several months, our facilities have been filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories as hundreds of children participated in Summer Day Camp and Swim Lessons. It is our hope that our youth made a new friend, learned a new skill, and will start the school year with confidence, knowing that they are capable of achieving great things. Thank you to our families for trusting us with your children and allowing us to be a part of their summer.
While our campers have been making memories, our team has also been hard at work preparing for the next exciting chapter in the life of our YMCA. We are now just a handful of weeks away from opening the Vicki and Jim McCoy Aquatics Center. This transformational addition will allow us to serve even more children, families, and our community for generations to come. We can't wait to welcome you through the doors. Our official opening date will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Behind the scenes, our leadership team has taken on another important effort that has been underway all summer. Our team has been working diligently toward Praesidium Child Protection Accreditation, the gold standard in child abuse prevention. This comprehensive process is strengthening our policies, training, and facilities to ensure we provide the safest possible environment for every child entrusted to our care.
As a result, you may begin noticing changes throughout our facilities, including more clearly defined youth-only spaces and adjustments designed to strengthen supervision and access. These enhancements are intentional and reflect our unwavering commitment to creating environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive safely.
We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we implement these improvements as we grow our Dillard Early Learning and Youth Academy footprint on the Bill Bartley YMCA campus this fall. Child protection is not simply another initiative as it is one of our highest responsibilities. Thank you for partnering with us as we continue building a stronger, safer YMCA for every child and every family we serve.
Have a wonderful week, and thank you for being part of our Y family!
With gratitude,
Jon Dearolf
President and CEO
BRINGING HANDS ON LEARNING
TO THE CLASSROOM
A Safari adventure was in full swing in our Kindergarten classroom!
Our young explorers grabbed their binoculars, followed clues, and went on an exciting Indoor Safari Hunt to discover animals hiding all around the classroom. Along the way, they practiced observation skills, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while having a wild time learning!
Learning is always an adventure at the Y, and today our Kindergarten students proved that curiosity can take you anywhere!
OUR NEW AQUATICS DIRECTOR
AT THE YMCA!
Help us welcome as our new Aquatics Director, Øyvind Zahl!
Øyvind Zahl is an accomplished aquatics professional and leader with nearly three decades of experience in competitive swimming, athlete development, and program management. Originally from Norway, Zahl developed a strong foundation in aquatics through club swimming before coming to the United States as a foreign exchange student at Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, with a minor in History, from Texas Tech University. During his college years, he further expanded his expertise in aquatics as a lifeguard supervisor and swim instructor, reinforcing his lifelong commitment to water safety, skill development, and community engagement.
Zahl began his coaching career in Texas with positions in Olney and Megargel before joining Wichita Falls ISD in 1998. Over a distinguished tenure spanning 28 years, he built one of the region’s most successful high school swim programs. His teams captured 18 district championships, produced multiple Regional Swimmers of the Year, and made 14 appearances at the state meet, highlighted by a 4th-place state finish in 2023. In recognition of his leadership and consistent excellence, he was named District Coach of the Year 22 times.
Now serving as Association Aquatics Director at the YMCA, Zahl brings a proven track record of program development, staff leadership, and athlete success. He is passionate about expanding access to aquatics, promoting water safety, and creating inclusive, high-quality programs that serve swimmers of all ages and abilities. His vision centers on building strong community connections while fostering a lifelong appreciation for aquatic sports.
Outside of his professional work, Zahl is a dedicated family man. He is the proud father, and is engaged. He values time with his family and continues to share his passion for aquatics both at home and in the community.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
LIVESTRONG GRADUATES!
Let's celebrate your strength, determination, and resilience. Over the past 12 weeks, you've shown what it means to persevere, support one another, and embrace every step of the journey. Your courage has inspired us all, and we are honored to have been part of your path to healing and wellness.
The journey doesn't end here, you're forever part of the YMCA family. Join us in congratulating our newest LIVESTRONG graduates and celebrating this amazing accomplishment!
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GOBBLE WOBBLE REGISTRATION
OPENS AUGUST 1st!
2026 GOBBLE WOBBLE
5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26th
REGISTRATION: August 1st - November 22nd
LATE REGISTRATION: November 23rd - November 26th
DOWNTOWN YMCA | 1010 9TH STREET
Get ready for a fun family run Thanksgiving morning! We will start our race at the Downtown YMCA at 1010 9th Street. All proceeds will go to support family programs at the YMCA. T-shirts FOR ALL! Donate non-perishable food and receive a special THANK YOU gift.
Prizes for TOP FINISHERS! Kids FUN AREA available.
START TIME: 8:45am for 1 Mile, 9:30am for 5K
REGISTRATION FEE: $30 for 5K, $15 for 1 Mile
LATE REGISTRATION FEE: $40 for 5K, $25 for 1 Mile
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