Lee wins Gold at SES Short Course Championships

Kyle Lee earns Gold Medal at Southeastern Swimming Championships

March 20, 2005……The top swimmers from the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Tennessee converged on Nashville this past weekend for the annual Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championships. By taking home a Gold Medal, 17 year old Hendersonville resident Kyle Lee made a loud statement that swimming was alive and well in Sumner County. Joining Lee at the Short Course Championships from the Excel Aquatics/Sumner County squad were Brittany Zobl, Nikki Fulps, Hannah Ray, Bryce Anderson, Kathryn George, Haley George, Katie Mize, Mary Catherine Binkley, and Chelsa Messinger.

Lee, participating in the Boy’s 17&Older category took home a SES Championship in the 1,000 Yard Freestyle, turning in a 9:54.01. Lee also placed in the 200 Yard Individual Medley (8^th Place), 500 Free (6^th Place), and the 200 Yard Breaststroke (3^rd Place). “Kyle cut significant times in 3 of his 4 events, and has done great this Short Course season as a whole. As he heads into his Senior year of High School he’s set the foundation for further improvements.” Assistant Coach John Barnes noted. “He’s a true two-sport athlete. He is one of the top Cross-County runners in Middle Tennessee, and is one of the top Swimmers in the Tennessee/Alabama area.”

Messinger placed in the Top 16 in 5 of her 6 17&Older events during the meet, despite pitching 6 games during the weekend for her High School Softball Team. “Chelsa pitched on Thursday night, swam Friday morning, pitched Friday afternoon, swam Saturday morning, pitched Saturday afternoon, and swam Sundary morning.” Coach Barnes noted. “I could tell that she was exhausted, but she gutted it out and still gave it all she had. I’m proud of that effort, not too many people now a days are mentally strong enough to do that.”

Among other Top 16 Finishers in the meet from Excel/Sumner County was Katie Mize placing 4^th in the 15&16 Girls 200 Yard Butterfly, 13^th in the 400 Yard Individual Medley, and 10^th in the 200 Yard Individual Medley. Zobl placed 10^th in the 11&12 Girls 100 Yard Backstroke. Fulps placed 12^th in the 11&12 Girl’s 50 Yard Breaststroke. Kathryn George placed 13^th in the 11&12 Girl’s 200 Yard Individual Medley, and 10^th in the 100 Yard Butterfly. Binkley placed 14^th in the 17&Older Girl’s 500 Yard Freestyle.

“As coaches we’re proud of all of these kids, all of them have worked hard this season to get to this Championship meet.” Coach Barnes stated. “Bryce and Haley dropped times in their events, and Hannah was participating in her first SES Championship meet. Hannah swam well in her individual event and then had a remarkable performance in her relay leg. All of our kids from Hendersonville and Gallatin have a lot of heart and stepped up when asked to.”

Excel Aquatics will be offering a Spring Tune Up for swimmers from the local Summer League swim teams located in Sumner County. Dates will be from April 5^th until May 7^th. Visit www.ExcelAquatics.org for more information or contact your local summer swim club. Excel Aquatics and Sumner Regional Health Systems will be hosting the annual Tennessee School for the Blind Swim Meet on April 9^th at the Gallatin Civic Center.