The J.Fred Corriher, Jr. YMCA is a very special place.  We are blessed with many talented staff members dedicated to serving our members and the community.

It is with pleasure we spotlight one of our brightest STARS-  Mr. Gene Sloop.

After graduating from college in 1973, Gene found himself teaching in Rowan County, where he was born and raised.  As a “water” person, with lifeguarding and “WSI” training, he decided to teach water safety courses. Looking for a summer job, he applied at the Salisbury YMCA where he worked during the summer of 1974.

During the next 20 years Gene continued to work at several private pools and other odd jobs from teaching summer school to construction.  Missing the water, he decided to apply at the new South Rowan YMCA in March of 1995. Since 1995 Gene has been at the South Y as a swim and lifeguard instructor, along with helping Aaron Crowe, Aquatics Director take care of the pool.

Gene's willingness to help all Rowan County branches with life guarding, swimming lessons and pool care needs has made him an invaluable asset to the YMCA of Rowan County Asssociation.