Photo credit: Logan Family It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Chief William “Bill” Logan, Jr., a cherished community leader, board member, and beloved friend of the YMCA in Evanston. He passed away on July 21. Please read the obituary. Chief Logan was an active member and supporter of the Emerson Street Branch YMCA until its closure in 1969, a result of the Y-USA’s nationwide desegregation efforts. A noted athlete, he participated in Emerson Y sports teams and learned to swim there. He later joined the McGaw YMCA. Reflecting on his experience with the Emerson St. YMCA, he remarked in an interview, “I’ve never stopped to reflect on things that had an impact upon me when I was young, and you know [the Emerson Street] Y, it was one of the main ones that did that.” Read more about the Emerson YMCA’s history. Chief Logan had […]

Eight McGaw YMCA Swim Team (MYST) swimmers competed in the YMCA National Long Course Championship, the highest level of competition among YMCAs across the nation. EVANSTON, IL. — Eight swimmers from the McGaw YMCA Swim Team (MYST) recently competed in the 2024 YMCA National Long Course Championship in Ocala, FL, achieving top finishes and setting both team and personal records. This elite competition brought together over 1,000 of the nation’s most talented young swimmers, representing 98 YMCA teams from across the country. After months of dedicated training under the guidance of Coach Michael Fleming, the MYST swimmers showcased their talent and perseverance, emerging as strong contenders in various swimming disciplines and securing 20th place overall. Rayburn Kohl finished with five Team Records and five Top 6 finishes in the 50-100-200 backstroke, 100 butterfly, and 100 freestyle. Nina Gatchell reached the finals in the 50-100-200 breaststroke. Additional team records were set