Who are these boosters?
The New Hartford Swimming and Diving Boosters, Inc. was established in 2025 by Justin and Holly Wadsworth, with the support of the New Hartford Swimming and Diving coaching staff and the New Hartford Central School District administration.
The organization was founded in response to the increasing demands placed on both coaches and parents to provide the resources and coordination necessary to ensure a rewarding and memorable experience for student-athletes. During their oldest daughter’s four-year tenure on the Varsity team, the founders recognized the need for a structured organization dedicated to supporting the program’s ongoing success.
Following approval from the coaching staff and school administration, the formation of the booster club began with a clear focus on establishing a strong organizational framework, defined objectives, and sustainable support for the program. The Boosters are committed to enhancing the overall experience of New Hartford’s swimming and diving athletes through community engagement, program development, and the promotion of school spirit and excellence.
Please refer to our Mission Statement below for more information about our purpose and guiding values.
Justin Wadsworth
Board Director and President
Justin has been with swim for about 14 years now, with his first daughter swimming club, and going on to varsity, then his middle daughter is following right in her sister’s footsteps.
Ryan Luley
Board Vice President
Ryan has been involved in swimming for 14+ years.
Holly Pelnik-Wadsworth
Board Treasurer
Holly has been with swim for about 14 years now, with his first daughter swimming club, and going on to varsity, then his middle daughter is following right in her sister’s footsteps
Julie Drake
Board Secretary
Julie has been involved with the youth swimming organizations for over 9+ years.
Erin Knight
Board Coordinator
A graduate of New Hartford and former Spartan swimmer, Erin swam for the Hamilton College Continentals, graduating in 2003. Erin began coaching for New Hartford Aquatics in 2002, and served as the head coach for NH Aquatics from 2006 to 2009.
Mark McFarland
Athletic Advisor
Mark is head coach of the New Hartford Boys (2010-2016, 2019 to present) and Girls (2022 to present) Varsity Swim Teams, Mark has led the New Hartford Spartans to ten Section III Championship titles. A graduate of Utica University, and a former Utica Pioneer Swimmer, Mark is currently a mathematics teacher at New Hartford High School.
Scott Wanner
Athletic Advisor
Scott is a graduate of New Hartford High School and an alumni of New Hartford Aquatics. He has been a Water Safety Instructor with the Town of New Hartford for 10 years, and most recently was the Pool Director for the Town of New Hartford Parks and Recreation Department. After graduating from Utica College, he was hired as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Utica College Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Team under Head Coach Erin Knight. Scott is currently a Special Education Teacher at Holland Patent Middle School as well as the Assistant Swim Coach of the New Hartford Girls and Boys Varsity Swim Teams.
Tara Van Cauwenberge
Athletic Advisor
Tara is currently a Health and Physical Education Teacher at Central Valley Academy, and brings with her over 30 years of experience in athletic training, and track and field. An Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) registered diving coach, Tara began coaching at the AAU level in 2011. After becoming the Diving Coach for both the New Hartford Girls and Boys Varsity Teams in 2014, Tara has grown the team substantially, leading the team to multiple Section 3 top finishes, NYS State Championship Qualifications, and New Hartford Spartans School Diving Records for both the Boys and Girls Varsity Teams.
Core Values
Our Mission
The mission of the New Hartford Swimming and Diving Booster Club is to provide organizational, financial, and moral support to the New Hartford Swimming and Diving Program. The Booster Club is committed to promoting excellence in athletic and academic achievement, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship, and enhancing the overall experience of all student-athletes. Through responsible stewardship, community engagement, and collaborative partnership with coaches, administration, and families, the Booster Club seeks to ensure the sustained growth and success of the swimming and diving program.