Heater's Pond hosts final meet

OGDENSBURG — “It's a Heater Pond miracle. We won! Go get your coach!” announced Michelle Nardini on July 26, at the last 2017 Ogdensburg Otter Swim Meet of the season. The Otters competed against Lake Tranquility.
Not only was it the last meet of the season, it was also the last meet directed by Anthony and Laura Nasisi. The couple has directed the Otters for around six to seven years.
Before the miracle, six Ogdensburg Otters sang the “Star Spangled Banner” over the PA System; plus, Anthony and starter's gun boomed, “Take your mark. Bang!”
Swimmers — under six through 18 years-old — swam four strokes: butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke, and free style, in 44 events: 25, 50, 100, and 200 meter relays.
After the win, cheerful Ogdensburg Otters threw their Coach Alexa Batelli into Heater's Pond, screaming, “Get her! Get her!”
Batelli said, “OK, you guys got me.”
They had been planning on the throw even before the last 200 meter relay was completed.
Anthony said he will miss the kids' joy. He added, “It's competitive, but it's not aggressive. Kids cheer other kids on.”
Laura said she will miss seeing all the kids get better and better — and develop their swimming skills.
As the tasty smell of Italian meatball subs meandered throughout Heater's Pond, Laura could be seen faithfully serving hot food for sale.
Anthony said, “We're looking for someone to carry the baton.”