After a two-season break, the Kingfisher Stingrays have officially returned to the pool.
The Stingrays are a Kingfisher County-based summer competitive and recreational swim team with a history that stretches back long before many current participants. Over the years, the program has been guided by many dedicated individuals, yet it has remained a lasting tradition in Kingfisher.
One of those individuals was Lori Johnson. Many swimmers had the privilege of swimming under Lori, including some who were part of the program as kids and teenagers. She helped shape the program for many swimmers and made an impact that continues to be remembered. Lori deserves a story of her own, and more will be shared about her in the future.
After the first two meets were canceled, the Stingrays finally kicked off the season on Saturday, June 13, at the Westwood Aquatic Center in Norman. While the roster includes 21 swimmers this year, summer schedules can be hectic. Between other sports, vacations, camps, and kids simply enjoying their summer break, not everyone is able to attend every meet.
The Stingrays are proud to have swimmers representing multiple communities, including Cashion, Dover, Okarche, and El Reno, bringing together athletes from across the area to be part of the Kingfisher Stingrays tradition.
For the season opener, the Stingrays had just four swimmers competing. But this program has never been about quantity. It’s about mentality. It’s about remembering what was learned in practice, stepping up to compete, having fun, and continuing to improve.
The Stingrays’ season is a 10-week program featuring 12 meets across two leagues, the OKC League and the Rose Creek Country Club League. This year’s team is led by coaches Maitland Woody, Vanessa Jaramillo, and Melissa De La Torre, who are helping guide these swimmers through competition, growth, and the traditions that come with wearing the Stingrays name.
As the program rebuilds and grows, these swimmers have the opportunity to represent the Stingrays name, a name that has served different generations of Kingfisher swimmers and families for many years. This program is bigger than one season, one coach, or one group of swimmers. It is a tradition built by everyone who has worn the Stingrays name, stepped onto the blocks, and been part of the journey.
Here’s to the return of the Kingfisher Stingrays and a great season ahead. Photos by AAK Maitland Woody.
