Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Cole Sisters Rock at Stars and Stripes Meet

Young Swimmers Make Their Mark at Swim Meet

May 29, 2007……The Cole Sisters of Hendersonville led a contingent of nine Sumner County residents in competing at the Excel Aquatics Stars & Stripes Long Course Swim Meet in Brentwood TN this past weekend. Joining Caroline and Kathryn Cole from Hendersonville were Jimmie Joe Boone, Madison Kolbe, Paige Scheriger, and Brittany Zobl. From Gallatin were Schuyler Daniel, Kathryn George, and Katie Mize. All nine compete for nationally recognized Excel Aquatics.

The Long Course format is swam in a 50 Meter Pool, the same pool dimensions as the Olympic Games.

Caroline Cole, a rising 5th Grader from Indian Lake Elementary, and swimming for only the second time in the Long Course format had time drops in 7 of her 8 events, with notable drops in the Girl’s 10&Under Year Old 100 Meter Freestyle and 100 Meter Breaststroke. Caroline’s highest finish came in the 200 Meter Freestyle where she placed 13th overall. Younger sister Kathryn, a rising 4th Grader, had time drops in 6 of her 8 events, including a notable 7 second time drop in the Girl’s 10&Under 100 Meter Breaststroke. Kathryn’s highest finish came in both the 50 Meter Breaststroke and 100 Meter Breaststroke with a 17th place finish in each.

“The Cole sisters swam very well in this meet. Their first Long Course format meet was only 3 weeks ago, and they had some nice time drops in that short of a span of time. That shows that they are adjusting well to the new format, and with continued focus and hard work in practice we should see them start moving up in placing.” Excel Aquatics/Sumner County Site Coordinator John Barnes noted.

“Some of the other swimmers who were more experienced in this format were focusing on obtaining some Southeastern Swimming Long Course Championship Meet Qualifying Time Standards.” Coach Barnes added.

Among those who obtained new time standards were Kathryn George (Girl’s 13&14 100 Meter Breaststroke, 13&14 200 Meter Breaststroke, 15&16 200 Meter Breaststroke, and Senior 200 Meter Breaststroke); Brittany Zobl (Girls 13&14 100 Meter Freestyle and 200 Meter Backstroke); and Paige Scheriger (Girl’s 11&12 50 Meter Backstroke, Senior 100 Meter Breaststroke).

Several other swimmers are very close to obtaining their first Long Course Qualifying Time Standard. Schuyler Daniel is 1.32 seconds away in the Girl’s 10&Under 100 Meter Backstroke, Madison Kolbe is 1.43 seconds away in the Girl’s 11&12 50 Meter Breaststroke, while Jimmie Joe Boone is 1.63 seconds away in the Boy’s 11&12 50 Meter Backstroke.

“Overall our kids swam great, these kids had a tremendous amount of fun at the meet, while applying all their coaches have taught them. We have a few more Long Course meets left this summer, with the next one being at the end of June in Nashville. In between our meets, these kids will be swimming in Summer League meets for various teams in Hendersonville and Gallatin. Seven of the nine swimmers who were in this meet as teammates, will turn around and compete against each other when Cages Bend Swim Club hosts Indian Lake Swim Club on July 10th.”

For more information on swimming opportunities for all Sumner County residents, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org. Excel Aquatics is a USA Swimming Silver Medal Club of Excellence for the past 5 straight years.

Friday, May 4, 2007

Excel Awards Presented

Gallatin Swimmer Receives Swim Team Award

May 4, 2007……Sumner County resident and Union Year Round Elementary 3rd Grader, Schuyler Daniel was recently awarded the prestigious “Excel Award” from Excel Aquatics for their achievements this past Short Course Swimming Season.

The Award is given annually at the Excel Spring Banquet to a select few recipients in each training squad, and is based on Good Sportsmanship, Dedication, Positive Attitude, and Leadership within the squads. Out of 350 swimmers over three training locations, only 14 swimmers were selected to receive the Award.

“As a 9 year old Schuyler has stepped up this year and really set the pace during practice. Her work ethic is outstanding; she listens to her coaches and implements the stroke techniques and strategies that are teaching her.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes stated. “We’re proud of Schuyler and what she has accomplished as one of the leaders within her training squad.”

For more information on competitive swimming visit www.ExcelAquatics.org