Games People Play by Joe Rossi

Kevin Gill says his Ocean City boys’ swimming teammates work hard and are fun to be around.
The Seaville resident led the Red Raiders to the Cape-Atlantic League National Conference title. He won the 400-meter freestyle at the Frank Forde Memorial CAL Meet and placed 13th in the Meet of Champions 500-yard freestyle.
“I was happy and surprised about winning the CAL National, said the 5’-10” 145-pound junior. “As a team we wanted to improve our record from last year. It had been a long time since Ocean City won this title.”
After not having won a league crown since 1993, Ocean City went 7-0 in conference competition and finished 12-3 on the season.
The son of Mark and Joanne Gill, Kevin trains year-round, eight times a week, totaling about 20 hours of pool and dry land workouts.
“During the high school season my schedule includes practices and meets,” said Gill, who also swims for the Egg Harbor Township Seahawks club team. “My biggest challenge is staying completely focused during my swims, especially the long-distance swims.”
Gill, who has two older brothers, Christian and Ryan, grew up playing soccer. An Upper Township Beach Patrol member during the summer, he started in the pool as an 8-year-old with the Ocean City C Cerpants.
The 17-year-old complements his workouts with plenty of carbohydrates and protein in his diet. He also makes sure he stays hydrated.
Shane McGrath just completed his first season at the helm of Ocean City swimming. A former U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Rowan University assistant coach, McGrath is also in his first year teaching Health and Physical Education in the community which bills itself as The World’s Greatest Family Resort.
“Our team philosophy is built upon four pillars we discuss often as a team throughout the season: pride, responsibility, respect and encouragement,” said McGrath, who also serves as Ocean City’s strength and conditioning coach. “I try to lead by example and live by these pillars in my own life.”
McGrath, who is also a basic swimming and aquatics survival instructor, said Gill is determined and possesses self-motivation.
“He loves to compete,” said McGrath, an Avalon resident and Washington Township native. “His ability to go out fast and maintain his speed and endurance throughout his swims is what he’s improved upon most.”
McGrath, who swam for Rowan and Washington Township High School, has been around the sport his entire life. He realizes who a swimmer like Gill can impact his teammates.
“Kevin leads by example and through his actions in the pool,” said McGrath. “Attention to detail such as turns and mechanics are the finer points that successful swimmers like Kevin work on.”
As a person with significant background in the sport he coaches, McGrath can prepare his young athletes for what they will face in high-level meets.
“I let them know what kind of competitions they are up against and how to swim smartly in their races,” said McGrath. “Kevin wants to continue to drop time in his 200 and 500 and become a top contender in the state in those events.”
Gill said his coaches worked well with the team and that everyone was responsible for and shared in the Red Raider success this winter.
“I enjoy the challenge of swimming,” said Gill, who is exploring college choices with an eye toward possibly studying physical therapy. “I love to be in the water and I enjoy being part of a team. Everyone improved and played part in our success.”