Wharam named new SMAC coach

The Waynesboro Family YMCA announced on Wednesday that Doug Wharam will be its new director of competitive swimming and leader of the Shenandoah Marlins Aquatic Club.

“There are tons of success stories of small towns that turn out national-level swimmers and I think SMAC is on its way, too,” Wharam said.

Wharam replaces Ryan Sprang who left SMAC after three years.

After graduating from the University of Virginia in 2005, Wharam coached in Northern Virginia and Wilmington, N.C. Wharam currently is the head age group coach for Seacoast Swimming in Providence, R.I., and also is a volunteer coach for Brown University.

“Doug’s going to bring continued energy and enthusiasm to an already fired up team,” Waynesboro YMCA Executive Director Jeff Fife said in a news release. “He has a great knowledge of the sport and a proven track record of developing youth – not just as athletes but as character rich individuals.”

Wharam said that Waynesboro was an easy choice since it was close to his family home.

“To be able to be back close to my family in Waynesboro is an excellent opportunity for me,” he said.

In his first months as SMAC’s coach, Wharam said that his toughest job would be helping the athletes adjust to him. Sprang helped the team become one of the top organizations in the state and also renewed community involvement.

“I think any time an outgoing successful coach leaves it’s a big adjustment for the athletes and families,” he said. “Easing that transition from Ryan to myself is going to be a hurdle.”

Every summer the SMAC team hosts the Commonwealth Games at War Memorial Pool at Ridgeview Park. Wharam said that SMAC’s involvement with the meet would be essential to what he wants to accomplish.

“I think that is great opportunity for the SMAC and the Waynesboro community to showcase what we bring to the table,” he said. “I think that event is critical to bring the SMAC name not just to state level but on the eastern seaboard.”

Wharam will host a swim clinic on Saturday at the Waynesboro YMCA at 11 a.m.