YMCA hires new Swordfish director

HARDYSTON — The Sussex County YMCA has hired a competitive aquatics director who has amassed an impressive record over his 17-year coaching career.
Raymond V. Gaffney, rated a level three coach by the American Swimming Coaches Association, last worked at the Hunterdon County YMCA, where he sent numerous swimmers to state and national meets.
“Ray has the skills and friendly, motivating personality to help our swimmers achieve their personal best," said Sussex County YMCA Executive Director Jennifer Gardner. “His passion for swimming is infectious and his priority is to develop swimmers who can enjoy the sport for a lifetime.”
Gaffney swam competitively growing up in Orangeburg, N.Y., compiling a 72-1 record at Tappan Zee High School. He earned a Division I swim scholarship to Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City, where he was honored for overall outstanding swimming performance his freshman year.
While working in network operations at AT&T, Gaffney returned to Tappan Zee High School as coach to both the boys and girls swim teams. He coached 12 All American swimmers, a National Gold medalist, and two Olympic Trail Qualifiers, and the team won two state championships. Over 15 years, more than 25 swimmers advanced to Division I colleges on scholarships.
“I believe in the core values of the YMCA and hope to help instill in our Swordfish Swim Team honesty, caring, respect and responsibility," said Gaffney, who lives in Hamburg with is wife, Suzanne. The father of four enjoys traveling and is a lifelong Yankee and Giant fan.