Sunday, May 29, 2005

Stars and Stripes Swim Meet

Kyle Lee Excels at Stars and Stripes Swim Meet

May 29, 2005……In a fitting tribute to Memorial Day Weekend, 520 Swimmers from 28 teams spreading over 4 States converged on the annual Excel Aquatics’ Stars and Stripes Meet in Brentwood TN. Leading a contingent of 12 swimmers from Excel’s Sumner County training squads, Kyle Lee, a rising Senior at Hendersonville High School, placed in the Top 8 in 7 of his 8 events entered.

Lee took First Place in the Men’s Senior 400 Meter IM. He also placed 2nd in both the 200 Meter Breaststroke and 400 Meter Freestyle; 3rd in the 200 Meter IM; 4th in the 100 Meter Breaststroke; and 6th in both the 200 Meter Freestyle and 200 Meter Backstroke. “Kyle has had a series of successful meets dating back to the State High School Meet in February, and Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championships in March.” Assistant Coach John Barnes commented. “He’s getting interest from colleges who are interested in his versatility, he’ll have another four years of swimming in college ahead of him if he keeps focused and on track.”

Four Girls in the 11&12 Year Old Category were part of the Excel contingent, Kathryn George, Nikki Fulps, Brittany Zobl and Logan Sorrells; and all continued to improve on their successful short course season performances.

Kathryn George of Gallatin placed in the Top 8 in four events, and improved in 5 of 6 events. A notable performance was turned in while swimming in the Senior Division for the 200 Meter Butterfly where she turned a 2:39.61. Nikki Fulps, of Hendersonville, had three Top 8 finishes, and improved in 6 of her 7 events. Zobl, of Hendersonville, turned in two Top 8 finishes and improved in all six events. Sorrells, of Gallatin, also succeeded in improving in all three of her events. All 4 girls train with Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan.

In the Girl’s 10&Under category, Gallatin’s Hannah Ray and a student of Coach Andreea’s, dove in and improved on all 3 of her events, while placing 8th in the 100 Meter Freestyle.

Nathan Fulps, a rising Freshman and future teammate of Lee’s at Hendersonville High, improved in 6 of his 7 events. “Nathan had a good meet, he swims for Coach Andreea and has stepped up lately in his practice efforts.” Coach Barnes noted.

Madison Kolbe, a 9 year old Hendersonville swimmer competing in her first Long Course meet, showed considerable heart and courage as she swam in 8 events, and showed great determination, excellent stroke technique and competitiveness. Kolbe trains with Coach and Hendersonville resident AJ Miley.

In the 13&14 Year Old Girl’s category, rising Sophomores Brittany Henderson of Gallatin High School and Haley George of JPII took to the water. Henderson had time drops in 3 of her 5 events. Haley George had considerable time drops in her 400 Meter Individual Medley (8th Place) and 800 Meter Freestyle (5th Place).

In the Senior Girl’s category, Katie Mize, a rising Sophomore at JPII HS, and Mary Catherine Binkley, a rising Senior at JPII HS represented Excel. Mize placed in the Top 8 in 4 events and improved in 6 of her 10 events. “Regarding Mary Catherine (MC) Binkley, I want to note that she has responded very well to a heavy academic workload this past month and stepped up on Sunday and turned in some gutsy performances in the 200 Meter Back and 50 Meter Free. They were not personal best times, but were close and it is a good indicator of how competitive she can be when she puts her mind to it.” Coach Barnes explained. “I am proud of all of our swimmers this weekend, across all age groups. The younger ones continue to improve in their stroke work, while the older ones are on path to accomplish their goals for this long course summer season.”

For more information on Excel Aquatics, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org.