April 27, 2011
2011 Joy Junction Aquathon 
Photo Gallery
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico swimming head coach Tracy Ljone has high standards for her athletes. Whether it’s in the weight room, the pool or the classroom, she expects her team not only to perform, but excel.
While her swimmers consistently shine academically, and continue to improve in the water perhaps the biggest impression they’re leaving is in the community. Last year the team participated in eight different community service projects throughout the course of the 2009-2010 school year.
The 2011 season has been no different as the ladies of the Lobo swim team have taken part in eight projects, with the ninth approaching. They have logged more than 430 hours of service, an accomplishment Ljone is proud of.
“”I believe in giving back to our community and I think my swimmers continue to do a fantastic job all year long serving different groups in Albuquerque,” she said. “I am very proud of all their efforts this year in the community, not only do they give back, but they give back with smiles on their faces and with great spirit.”
Below is a list of the wide variety of service projects the team has done this spring:
1. Gave swim lessons to the UNM NAVY ROTC
2. Participated in Run For Relief – An annual UNM Student Lettermen Association event to raise money for childhood cancer victims
3. Were Pen Pals with students of the Southwest Intermediate Learning Center
4. Held a Swim Clinic for students at the Southwest Intermediate Learning Center
5. Helped with Toy Distribution and Games for Toys for Tots
6. Held a physical fitness class & question/answer session about college atThe Montessori Elementary School
7. Participated in the Student Lettermen Easter Egg Hunt
8. Participated in Spring Storm – A UNM Campus Wide Community Service Day. The swimmers performed trash pickup at Cibola High School on Albuquerque’s West Side.
Ljone says that she can often see how helping others effects the team.
“The swimmers really get into the activities whether it’s teaching swim lessons, doing a physical fitness class for kids or picking up trash, and that’s great to see,” Ljone said.
The swimmers will conclude their community service projects this Friday with an Aquathon and clothing/hygiene/food drive for Joy Junction, a homeless shelter providing both emergency and long term food and aid for homeless women and families in New Mexico. It is the largest shelter in the state with an average of 300 people being helped daily.
“Sophomore swimmer Maureen Abeita picked this shelter and challenged the team to collect as much clothing, food and hygiene products as possible for the shelter. I think that having her (Maureen) challenge them was a great idea that really gave some purpose to our race,” Ljone said.
The Aquathon might be the last project of the year for the Lobos, but their efforts throughout the year have shown. The team will give it their all to help a cause.