Sumner County TN Swimming Press Releases

Scheriger Qualifies for Olympic Trials!

2011-08-12T15:43:00.000-05:00

PRESS RELEASE

Scheriger Qualifies for Olympic Trials

August 12, 2011 - Hendersonville Tenn. – Paige Scheriger just moved one step from her dream – of competing as a swimmer in the Olympics.

The Pope John Paul II High School sophomore, who trains year round with Excel Aquatics, qualified for the 2012 USA Swimming Olympic Trials by clocking 2 minutes, 35.74 seconds in the 200 breaststroke Monday, 0.25 seconds below the required standard, during a preliminary heat at the USAS Long Course Junior National Swimming Championships in Palo Alto, Calif.

Previously, her best time had been 2:38.40.

Scheriger finished 17^th overall in the 200 Breast in Finals; and then took 30^th overall in the 100 Breast later in the week, clocking 1:14.69 in Finals.

The USA Swimming Olympic Trials Meet will be held next summer in Omaha, Neb., from June 25 to July 2.

"Paige is a wonderful young lady to coach," said John Barnes, her former coach at Excel/Gallatin, a competitive swim squad. "She rarely complained during practice and usually gave 100 percent day in and day out. During meets she implemented the strategies we worked on in practice; and she is a fierce competitor who loves to get up and race against whoever is in her heat."

As a freshman last season at Pope John Paul II, Scheriger took fourth in the state 100-Yard Breast.
In August 2004, Scheriger was placed into Excel/Gallatin's Silver II training squad, having already learned the basics of the sport of swimming for Hendersonville's Indian Lake Swim Club's summer swim team. Her first coach at Excel was Hendersonville's AJ Miley, who guided her to the 8&Under Southeastern Swimming championship in 2005.

From there Scheriger progressed through Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan's Silver I group, and in 2007, Paige won Southeastern Swimming's 10&Under Girl's individual High-Point Award. Ianoli-Mitrofan's is a former national champion in Romania.

In April 2009, Scheriger moved into the Gold group at Excel/Gallatin, and began training with Coach Barnes, who as the senior coach at Excel/Gallatin, had been monitoring Paige's training and progress for the past four plus years.

When Barnes retired from the sport at the end of 2009, Scheriger transferred to Excel/Brentwood to train with a former University of Tennessee All-American Kate Chronic.
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Riley Gaines is taking the County by Storm!!!

2010-02-07T15:49:00.002-06:00

Gaines Making Splash on County Swimming Scene

February 7, 2010….Weather may have postponed the annual Excel Aquatics Mardi Gras Meet by a week; however it only served to give Riley Gaines another week to prepare for the meet.

Gaines, a 9 year old swimmer who trains with Excel Aquatics in Gallatin, stepped up and added two more qualifying times to her total for the upcoming Southeastern Swimming (SES) Short Course Championships at the end of February in Nashville; while adding her first Age Group Sectional Championship cut for that meet which is held in Charlotte NC in March.

Swimming in the 9-10 year old Girl’s category, Gaines added SES times in the 100 Yard Individual Medley (1:21.04) and the 50 Yard Freestyle (0:32.16). Gaines had gained previous SES cuts in the 100 Yard Backstroke, 50 Yard Backstroke and 50 Yard Butterfly. It was in the 50 Butterfly that Gaines added an Age Group Sectional cut with a time of 0:34.88.

“Riley joined Excel this Fall, and has made an immediate impact on the county swimming scene,’’ Excel Site Coordinator Shereé Zobl noted. “She was initially in Coach Mike Ballard’s training squad where she worked to refine her stroke skills, while adding some conditioning and did very well there.”

“After Christmas, the decision was made that based on her performances to move her into Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan’s squad, and despite being 2 years younger than her new squad mates, Riley hasn’t missed a beat, and she now has 5 SES cuts total. The AGS cut was a great achievement.”

Other swimmers who made a SES Short Course Championship time cut: Paige Scheriger – Senior Girl’s 200 Yard Backstroke; Allie Riley - 11&12 year old Girl’s 50 Yard Freestyle and 200 Yard Individual Medley; Schuyler Daniel - 11&12 year old Girl’s 100 Yard Backstroke and 50 Yard Backstroke; Kathryn Cole - 11&12 year old Girl’s 500 Yard Freestyle, 50 Yard Backstroke and 200 Yard Freestyle.

In addition to Gaines, those who made Short Course Age Group Championship time cuts: Paige Scheriger - 13&14 year old Girl’s 200 Yard Backstroke; Allie Riley – 11&12 Girl’s 100 Yard Backstroke; Kathryn Cole – 11&12 Girl’s 200 Free and 100 Back.

Bradley Gillilan attained a Senior Sectional Championship time cut in the Senior Boy’s 400 Yard Individual Medley.

Event winners were Madison Kolbe in the 13&14 year old Girl’s 50 Yard Breaststroke; Bradley Gillilan in the Senior Boy’s 200 Yard Individual Medley, 200 Yard Freestyle, and 400 Yard Individual Medley; and John Mainland in the Senior Boy’s 500 Yard Freestyle.

12 Sumner County swimmers from Excel Aquatics placed in the Top 8 in a cumulative total of 63 events. They were:

Madison Kolbe: 13&14 Girl’s 50 Breast (1^st); 100 Breast (2^nd); 50 Fly (4^th); 200 Breast (4^th); 50 Back (5^th); 100 Back (6^th); 200 IM (8^th); 50 Free (8^th).

Bradley Gillilan: Senior Boy’s 200 IM (1^st); 200 Free (1^st); 400 IM (1^st); 100 Breast (2^nd); 200 Back (3^rd); 100 Free (5^th); 100 Back (5^th); 50 Free (8^th).

Paige Scheriger: 13&14 Girl’s 50 Breast (2^nd); 200 Back (2^nd); 200 Breast (2^nd); 50 Back (2^nd); 50 Fly (3^rd); 200 IM (4^th); 200 Free (6^th); 50 Free (7^th).

Kathryn Cole: 11&12 Girl’s 500 Free (4^th); 50 Fly (5^th); 200 Free (5^th); 50 Free (5^th); 200 Breast (5^th); 50 Breast (6^th); 100 Free (6^th); 100 Back (6^th).

Riley Gaines: 10&U Girl’s 50 Fly (2^nd); 100 Back (4^th); 50 Back (5^th); 100 IM (6^th); 100 Free (7^th); 50 Free (8^th).

Allie Riley: 11&12 Girl’s 100 Breast (4^th); 50 Free (4^th); 200 Breast (4^th); 100 Back (5^th); 100 Free (7^th); 200 Back (7^th).

John Mainland: Senior Boy’s 500 Free (1^st); 50 Breast (3^rd); 50 Back (3^rd); 200 Free (6^th); 100 Back (7^th).

Austin Beech: 8&U Boy’s 25 Breast (6^th); 25 Fly (6^th); 50 Back (6^th); 50 Free (8^th); 25 Free (8^th).

Bryce Anderson: Senior Boy’s 200 IM (2^nd); 100 Fly (5^th); 100 Free (7^th).

Maggie Coley: 8&U Girl’s 50 Breast (5^th); 100 IM (8^th); 25 Breast (8^th).

Schuyler Daniel: 11&12 Girl’s 200 Fly (4^th); 200 Back (8^th).

Leigh Ballard: 10&U Girl’s 100 Back (7^th).

The next meet for swimmers working to attain an SES qualifying time will be the District Championship in Brentwood on Feb 20-21. For those with SES cuts, the SES Short Course Championship is Feb 25-28 in Nashville.

For more information on competitive swimming opportunities in Sumner County, visit www.ExcelAquatics.com, or visit the Gallatin Civic Center and speak with a coach.

Zobl Makes All-Region Team!!

2010-01-30T22:40:00.001-06:00

Zobl leads county swimmers at High School Region Meet

January 30, 2010….Eight swimmers from Sumner County High Schools placed in the Top 16 at the MTHSSA Region High School Championship Meet on Friday in Nashville. The Region meet is a qualifying meet where swimmers have to attain a qualifying time standard in order to compete.

Placing in the Top 16 in their individual events were:
• Brittany Zobl, JP2HS, 2nd in the Girl’s 50 Yard Freestyle, and 4th in the Girl’s 100 Yard Freestyle.
• Kelsey Wiese, HHS, 5th in the Girl’s 100 Yard Backstroke.
• Abbie Wood, JP2HS, 5th in the Girl’s 50 Yard Freestyle.
• Bryce Anderson, MHMS, 6th in the Boy’s 500 Yard Freestyle.
• Kathryn George, JP2HS, 7th in the Girl’s 100 Yard Butterfly, and 12th in the Girl’s 100 Yard Backstroke.
• Kylie Gallerani, HHS, 10th in the Girl’s 500 Yard Freestyle, and 15th in the Girl’s 200 Yard Freestyle.
• Blaike Alexander, HHS, 15th in the Girl’s 100 Yard Breaststroke, and 16th in the Girl’s 200 Yard Freestyle.
• Alek Nochowicz, JP2HS, 15th in the Boy’s 500 Yard Freestyle.

Zobl, a Sophomore at JP2, was named to the 2010 All-Region Team for her 2nd Place finish at Regions. Zobl was the only swimmer from Sumner County so recognized as All-Region this year.

In addition to swimming for her high school, Zobl trains on a year-round basis with Excel Aquatics in Gallatin with Wiese, Wood, Anderson, George and Nochowicz.

“Brittany had two great swims, and she was not tapered at all for this meet”, Pope John Paul II Assistant Coach John Barnes noted. “She made All-Regions in the 50 Free, and missed All-Regions by only 0.04 seconds in the 100 Free. Brittany is a tough girl who is a joy to coach.”

Zobl also led the JP2 Girl’s 200 Free Relay (Zobl, Sarah Bush, Wood and George) to a 3rd Place finish in the meet; while the JP2 Girl’s 200 Medley Relay consisting of the same girls finished 8th.

The JP2 Boy’s 200 Free Relay of Sam Geist, John Mainland, Shaun David Coppock and Nochowicz finished 6th; while the JP2 Boy’s 200 Medley Relay of Geist, Nick Massa, Coppock and Nochowicz place 12th.

The Hendersonville Girl’s 200 Free Relay of Alexander, Gallerani, Sarahi Pacheco and Wiese placed 7th; and the HHS Girl’s 200 Medley Relay of Wiese, Alexander, Emily Whobry, and Gallerani placed 9th.

The Station Camp Girl’s 200 Free Relay of Alle Hunter, Kristan Cartwright, Caroline McCrory, and Nicole McAfee placed 14th; and the SCHS Girl’s 200 Medley Relay of Jenna Milinsky, McAfee, McCrory, and Hunter placed 16th.

Among the Top 16 Team Scoring at the meet, the Pope John Paul II Girl’s Swim Team finished 8th in the Region, while the Pope Boy’s placed 15th. As a combined team, Pope finished 8th overall.

“While the JP2 girl’s are losing Kathryn George to graduation this spring, we are gaining two of the top 8th Graders in the state who will be attending JP2 next year”, Barnes explained. “The JP2 girls should be better represented at Regions next year if they stay the course, and they should place higher than 8th.”

The State of Tennessee High School Swimming and Diving Championships will be held February 12th and 13th in Nashville.

Full results of the Region meet may be found at www.ExcelAquatics.com. For more information on swimming in Sumner County, visit www.SwimSumnerCounty.com or on Facebook search for “Swim Sumner County”.

Excel Aquatics Fall Fest Meet Results

2009-09-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

September 28, 2009…. 23 swimmers from Excel Aquatics/Sumner County, who train in Gallatin, took to the water this past weekend in the Excel Aquatics Fall Fest Swim Meet in Brentwood TN, Sept 25-27.

Two swimmers won three total events between them. Bradley Gillilan won the Senior Boy’s 1,650 Yard Freestyle, coming in at 15:41.26, a drop of 31.49 seconds from his previous best time. Gillilan also won the 500 Yard Freestyle in a time of 4:39.12, another personal best time. Gillilan’s time of 2:01.01 in the 200 Yard Fly was good enough for a 2^nd place finish and a Senior Sectional qualifying time.

Brittany Zobl, a Sophomore at Pope John Paul II High School, won the Senior Girl’s 50 Yard Freestyle in a time of 0:25.70, just a fraction off a personal best time.

Four swimmers who attend High School in Sumner County attained an astounding 24 High School State Qualifying times between them. High School State times have to be re-attained each year.

Zobl attained cuts in the 50 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Fly, 100 Breast, and 200 Individual Medley (IM). Zobl also attained Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championship Times in the 200 Free and 200 IM.

Kathryn George, a senior at Pope John Paul II High School, attained cuts in the 100 Free, 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Fly, 100 Breast, and 200 IM. George also attained Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championship Times in the 200 IM.

Alek Nochowicz, also a Senior at Pope John Paul II High School, attained cuts in the 100 Free, 200 Free, 500 Free, 100 Back, and 200 IM.

Bryce Anderson, a Sophomore at Merroll-Hyde Magnet School, made his State cuts in the 100 Free, 200 Free, 500 Free, 100 Back, 100 Fly, and 200 IM. Anderson also attained Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championship Times in the 200 Free, 200 Fly, and 1,000 Free.

Top 8 Finishes:

Bryce Anderson - Senior Boy's - 3rd 1650 Free, 4th 500 Free, 8th 200 Fly

Mary Grace Anderson - 8&U Girl's - 6th 100 Free, 7th 100 IM

Austin Beech - 8&U Boy's - 3rd 50 Back, 5th 25 Free, 5th 50 Free, 8th 25 Back

Schuyler Daniel - 11&12 Girl's - 5th* 50 Fly (*or 3rd?)

Ben Ellis - 8&U Boy's - 7th 50 Back

Kathryn George - Senior Girl's - 3rd 100 Back, 3rd 100 Fly, 5th 100 Free, 5th 200 Fly, 5th 200 IM, 8th 100 Breast, 8th 200 Breast

Bradley Gillilan - Senior Boy's - 1st 500 Free, 1st 1650 Free, 2nd 200 Fly, 6th 200 Breast

Emily Harris - 8&U Girl's - 8th 25 Back

Erica Harris - 8&U Girl's - 3rd 100 Free, 5th 100 IM, 5th 50 Free, 5th 50 Back, 5th 25 Free, 6th 50 Back

Madison Kolbe - 13&14 Girl's - 4th 200 Breast, 5th 50 Free, 5th 400 IM, 5th 1000 Free

John Mainland - Senior Boy's - 8th 1000 Free

Makensie Moses – 10&U Girl’s – 2^nd 500 Free

Taylor Moses - 13&14 Boy's - 4th 1650 Free

Alek Nochowicz - Senior Boy's - 5th 1650 Free, 5th 1000 Free

Allison Riley - 11&12 Girl's - 7th 500 Free

Paige Scheriger - 13&14 Girl's - 2nd 100 Breast, 2nd 200 Breast, 3rd 200 IM, 3rd 400 IM, 4th 50 Free, 4th 200 Back, 6th 500 Free, 7th 200 Fly

Brittany Zobl - Senior Girl's - 1st 50 Free, 2nd 100 Free, 3rd 200 Back, 4th 100 Back, 6th 200 Free, 6th 200 IM, 8th 400 IM, 8th 100 Fly

Also participating in the meet: Caroline Allen, Maggie Coley, Riley Gaines, Jacob McCrory, Michael Treesh, and Anna Zikovich.

“Our 8&Under swimmers have done great, many placed in the Top 8 in their events, and our 10&Unders were real close in a lot of events,” Coach Barnes pointed out. “We are proud of how hard they work and their excitement in swimming.”

“At Excel Aquatics/Sumner County we work with swimmers at all levels of training, and we focus on leaving no one behind. Coaches have told me that if you had watched Gillilan as a new 6 year old swimmer, you wouldn’t think he would eventually be competing at the Senior National level, and yet through technique and dedication, he is now the top Long Distance swimmer in Middle Tennessee and is being recruited by major colleges across the nation. We did not leave Gillilan behind all those years ago, and now he is inspiring the current young swimmers who train with us to strive to compete with him one day.”

For more information about swimming, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org

Swimming Academic All-American

2009-05-26T20:33:00.001-05:00

Powell and Ross are Swimming Academic All-Americans

May 26, 2009….Two graduating seniors from the Pope John Paul II High School Swim Team have been selected by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association as Academic All-Americans for the 2008-2009 school year.

To be eligible for the award, swimmers must be graduating seniors having maintained an unweighted GPA of 3.75 through the first semester of their senior year. Additionally they must have also lettered in swimming for three years, including their senior year.

“Pope John Paul II High School has a tradition of academic excellence, and the swim team is proud of Ashley and Margaret having attained this national recognition for their academic success”, Pope John Paul II Swim Coach John Barnes commented. “They did a great job of balancing academics, athletics, and their leadership roles within Pope John Paul II; they are a fine example of the accomplished student-athletes which the high school produces each year.”

For more information on Pope John Paul II High School Swim Team, visit www.jp2hs.org

Excel Swimmers Shine at Spring Fling

2009-04-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

Swimmers excel at Spring Fling Meet

April 26, 2009….It was the first Long Course swim meet of the year, and it was the Excel Aquatics Spring Fling Invitational in Brentwood TN. Long Course meets are held in 50 Meter pools, as compared to Short Course meets which are held in 25 Yard pools. The Olympics and most international meets are held in the Long Course format.

Swimmers from Excel Aquatics who train in Sumner County joined over 120 of their Excel teammates from two other training sites to swim in the Spring Fling versus teams from across the region.

Leading the way in terms of effort and personal best times for the Excel/Sumner County squad was 11 year old Allison Riley from Hendersonville and Indian Lake Elementary.

Riley dropped time in all 9 of her events, with a substantial 40 second drop occurring in the 11&12 Year Old Girl’s 400 Meter Freestyle and over 25 seconds in the 200 Meter Individual Medley (IM).The IM event consists of all four strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle in that order.

“Allie has had a great short course season, and it looks like it will continue into the long course season as well”, Excel Coach John Barnes commented. “She is a hard worker at practice, and is very coachable.”

Riley attained Southeastern Swimming (SES) Long Course Championship Meet qualifying time standards in the 50 Meter Breaststroke and 100 Meter Breaststroke.

Madison Kolbe and Paige Scheriger of Ellis Middle School recently aged up to the 13&14 Year Old Girl’s category; however that did not stop them from some Top 8 placements in the meet.

Kolbe placed in the 200 Meter Breaststroke (4th), 100 Meter Breaststroke (5th), 100 Meter Backstroke (6th), and 50 Meter Free (7th). Kolbe qualified for the Long Course Championship Meet in the 100 and 200 Meter Breaststroke events.

Scheriger placed in the 800 Meter Free (3rd), 200 Meter Breaststroke (2nd), 100 Meter Breaststroke (4th), 200 Meter Butterfly (6th), 200 Meter Backstroke (7th), and 200 Meter IM (7th). Scheriger qualified for the Long Course Championship Meet in the 100 and 200 Meter Breaststroke events.

“Aging up to the 13&14 year old category means that swimmers no longer will be swimming 50’s and 100’s in meets. Now their focus turns to 100’s, 200’s and longer distances in meets. As such training for those aging up needs to change accordingly if they are to keep pace with their peers in the state, and Excel Aquatics has a strong history in Sumner County of developing numerous teenagers into highly competitive swimmers over the past 15 years we have trained here.”

“Both Madison and Paige have been putting in more yards, doing some different things with their strokes, and are working hard in practice since they aged up. As the long course season progresses and they adapt to the change in training, we expect them to continue their improvements.”

Other Sumner County resident swimmers in the meet: Trevor Curtis, Kathryn George, Matthew Kastan, Gabby Salamone, Kelsey Wiese and Brittany Zobl.

For more information on swimming for Sumner County residents, stop by the Gallatin Civic Center and speak with an Excel coach in the early evening hours.

Brittany Zobl nabs 3 Sectional Cuts

2009-03-06T21:29:00.002-06:00

Zobl attains Sectional Time Cuts at Swim Meet

March 6, 2009….Brittany Zobl, a Freshman at Pope John Paul II High School, and a member of Excel Aquatics, joined over 80 of her Excel teammates at the recent Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championship Meet in Nashville, Feb 26-March 1.

Zobl had qualified for the meet in 4 events, the Senior Girl’s 50 Yard Freestyle, 100 Yard Freestyle, 100 Yard Backstroke, and 200 Yard Backstroke.

It was in the Backstroke events where Zobl shined.

In the 100 Yard Backstroke, Zobl dropped 0.81 seconds, turning a 1:00.43 (one minute, zero seconds and 43 hundredths of a second). The time was good enough for a USA Swimming Senior Summer Sectional Meet qualifying time. Zobl had already achieved a Spring Sectional Meet time cut in the event.

In the 200 Yard Backstroke, Zobl dropped 7.47 seconds, turning a 2:11.20, good enough for a 15th Place finish in the event. The time was a new time standard met for Zobl in both the Spring and Summer Sectional Meets.

“Brittany qualified for the first time in events for the Summer Sectional Meet, and added to her Spring Sectional total,” Excel Aquatics’ John Barnes noted. “She has been working on some technique issues with her backstroke, and they started to pay off in this meet.”

“Her Freestyle events were right on best times, and we expect things to really pop there as we move into Long Course season.”

The USA Swimming Senior Summer Sectional Meet will be held July 16-19, 2009 in Knoxville TN at the new Alan Jones Aquatics Center, and will be conducted in the Long Course 50 Meter format.

For more information on competitive swimming choices in Sumner County, visit www.ExcelAquatics.com, or visit the Gallatin Civic Center and speak with a coach.

3 Qualify for SES Championships

2009-02-22T21:28:00.000-06:00

Trio Post Qualifying Times for Southeastern Swimming Championship Meet

February 22, 2009….Three Excel Aquatics swimmers from Sumner County qualified over the weekend for the upcoming Southeastern Swimming (SES) Short Course Championship Meet.

The SES District Meet was held Saturday and Sunday in Brentwood. Districts is considered a last chance meet for qualifying for the Short Course Championship Meet.

Allie Riley of Hendersonville swam to a qualifying time in the 11&12 Year Old Girl’s 100 Yard Breaststroke, turning a time of one minute, twenty seconds and twenty-nine one-hundredths of a second (1:20.29). This was Riley’s second SES qualifying time, having already achieved a cut in the 50 Yard Breaststroke, despite having just ageing up to the older category.

Abbie Wood, a sophomore at Pope John Paul II HS, and a Hendersonville resident, took to the water in the Senior Girl’s 1,650 Yard Freestyle, commonly referred to as “the mile”. In only her second time of swimming in the event, Wood turned a time of 19:48.61, nearly 10 seconds under the qualifying time for 15&16 Year Old Girls.

“Abbie did a phenomenal time,” Excel Coach John Barnes noted. “She had consistent splits, going 5:54, 6:07, and 6:03 in the first three 500’s in the event. She is a hard worker in practice, and it shows up in the meets.”

This qualifying time by Abbie was her first ever SES Short Course Qualifying time in any event.

Bryce Anderson, also known as “The Intimidator”, is a freshman at Station Camp High School and is a resident of Gallatin. Anderson achieved a qualifying time standard in the Senior Boy’s 1,650 Yard Freestyle and the 15&16 Boy’s 1,000 Yard Freestyle.

Anderson added these events to his total, which already included a SES qualifying time in the 500 Yard Freestyle at last week’s High School State Championships.

“Bryce has been very impressive this year”, Coach Barnes added. “He is now the fourth boy in his training group to achieve a SES time standard in the 1,650.”

For more information on competitive swimming choices in Sumner County, visit www.ExcelAquatics.com, or visit the Gallatin Civic Center and speak with a coach.

Excel Hosts High School Invitational

2009-01-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

Sumner County High Schools Excel in High School Invitational

January 10, 2009….High School Swimmers representing Pope John Paul II HS, Station Camp HS and Merrol Hyde Magnet School participated in Excel Aquatics’ High School Invitational in Brentwood. 35 high school teams comprising 453 swimmers from the Mid-State area, Memphis, and Chattanooga competed in the highly competitive meet.

“Excel hosts this meet each year as a way to show our support for the local High School swimming community and we would like to thank them for giving us this opportunity to swim”, Pope John Paul II HS Head Coach John Barnes stated. “The meet is the largest and most competitive High School Invitational Swim Meet in Middle Tennessee, and as such gives the kids a great perspective as to what they can expect at the Region Championships at the end of the month.”

12 swimmers from all 3 schools placed in the Top 16 scoring spots. Those who finished in the Top 16:

Brittany Zobl (JPII HS) – 3rd Place 50 Yard Freestyle; 12th Place 100 Yard Breaststroke.
Alek Nochowicz (JPII HS) – 4th Place 500 Yard Freestyle; 9th Place 200 Yard Freestyle.
Abbie Wood (JPII HS) – 7th Place 100 Yard Freestyle; 13th Place 50 Yard Freestyle.
Adam Castellarin (JPII HS) – 8th Place 50 Yard Freestyle; 11th Place 100 Yard Backstroke.
Bryce Anderson (SC HS) – 3rd Place 500 Yard Freestyle.
Ashley Powell (JPII HS) – 8th Place 100 Yard Breaststroke.
Samuel Geist (JPII HS) – 8th Place 500 Yard Freestyle.
Conrad Claycomb (JPII HS) – 10th Place 100 Yard Freestyle.
Tanner Graham (JPII HS) – 13th Place 500 Yard Freestyle.
Caroline McCrory (SC HS) – 15th Place 200 Yard Individual Medley.
Logan McClure (MHMS) – 16th Place 500 Yard Freestyle.
Kaley Stinnett (JPII HS) – 16th Place 100 Yard Breaststroke.

Three swimmers attained new qualifying time standards for the State High School Swimming Championships in February. Adam Castellarin added the 50 Free standard to his collection of cuts, while Samuel Geist and Tanner Graham each attained their first cut of the year, both in the 500 Yard Freestyle.

Swimming in the separate Excel Aquatics Middle School Invitational Meet on Saturday was Ellis Middle School 7th Graders Madison Kolbe and Paige Scheriger. Kolbe placed 5th in the 100 Yard Freestyle and 6th in the 100 Yard Backstroke. Scheriger placed 2nd in the 100 Yard Breaststroke and 3rd in the 100 Yard Freestyle. Addie Lim, a Merrol Hyde Magnet School 7th Grader placed 9th in the 50 Yard Freestyle and 10th in the 100 Yard Freestyle. Andrew Barnes, a Sumner Academy 7th Grader, participated in the 50 Yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Freestyle.

For more information on competitive swimming choices in Sumner County, visit www.ExcelAquatics.com.

Two Girls go to Spring Sectionals Championship Meet

2008-03-10T00:14:00.005-05:00

Zobl and George drop times at Senior Sectional Swimming Champoinships

March 9, 2008…. Two of Sumner County’s top swimmers who train with Excel Aquatics in Gallatin, participated in the USA Swimming Spring Senior Sectional Championship Meet this past weekend in Nashville. The meet featured some of the top swimming talent in the South. Traditionally only the Top 10% of swimmers nationwide achieve Senior Sectional Qualifying Time Standards.

491 swimmers, representing 76 teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, West Virginia and Kentucky took part in the meet this past weekend in Nashville TN, and hosted by Excel Aquatics.

“Senior Sectionals consists of swimmers as varied as collegiate swimmers using it as a last-chance meet to attain NCAA qualifying time standards, to swimmers who have already signed with colleges to swim next year, to swimmers who are no longer in college and are still training for the Olympic Trials, to swimmers who are starting to emerge as some of the top talent in the South.” Excel Assistant Coach and Lebanon resident John Barnes explained. “This year we are swimming the meet in the Long Course format because many of the swimmers at the meet are in the midst of preparing for the Olympic Trials, and this is another meet in that progression of preparation for them.”

College coaches from numerous Division I schools are in attendance to watch and evaluate some of the younger talent that showed up.

Brittany Zobl, a Hendersonville resident and an 8^th Grader at Gallatin’s Sumner Academy qualified for the meet in the 100 Meter Backstroke, and finished with a time of 1:14.04, a 1.82 second drop off her personal best time. “Brittany has done great this past short course season, and has started the long course season off in a nice way with her time drop,” Barnes noted. “This was Brittany’s second year to attend Spring Sectionals, and she was much more relaxed, even though she was still one of the youngest swimmers in the meet.”

Zobl has been selected to be the lead off swimmer on Excel Aquatics’ 400 Medley Relay that is traveling down to Orlando for the NCSA Junior National Swimming Championships in two weeks. While there she will also swim in time trials for the 50 Yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Backstroke.

Kathryn George of Gallatin and a 10th Grader at Pope John Paul II High School participated in two events, the 100 Meter Butterfly and the 200 Meter Butterfly.

George went out and dropped 5.15 seconds in the 100 Meter Fly, turning a time of 1:08.08 on Friday and then swam the 200 Fly on Saturday, dropping 5.77 seconds, finishing in a time of 2:33.84.

“This was KK’s first Sectional Meet and she was not fazed by the competition at all,” Barnes explained. “The 200 Fly is a physically and mentally grueling race, one that tests your technique and endurance. Most swimmers try to shy away from it, however KK steps up and loves to swim it.”

“Both of these girls reflect what is great about today’s youth. They excel in a sport that is physically demanding and are in better shape than 99% of their colleagues in school. They work on their technique constantly, they set the example for our younger swimmers who aspire to these higher level meets, they challenge the coaches to become better at what we do, and like the rest of our Excel swimmers, they are a joy to coach.”

For more information on swimming in Sumner County visit www.ExcelAquatics.org/age_group or call John Barnes at 615-400-6792.

· Contact Person: John Barnes 400-6792 coachbarnes@charter.net

Fall Fest 2007 Swimmers Excel

2007-09-30T07:27:00.000-05:00

Swimmers Excel in First Meet of Season

September 24, 2007……The Summer of 2007 is officially over according to the calendar, and attention has now turned to swimming indoors. The first area-wide sanctioned meet in the USA Swimming Short Course Swim Season took place this past weekend when the Excel Aquatics Fall Fest Swim Meet was held in Brentwood TN.

Swimmers from Sumner Country ranging from Hendersonville to White House to Westmoreland and back down to Gallatin, who train with Excel Aquatics, converged on the Indoor Sports Complex in Brentwood and competed against 529 swimmers from Alabama, North Carolina, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee who made the trip to compete in the meet.

Representing Sumner County at the meet were Dylan Bollinger, Jimmie Joe Boone, Caroline Cole, Kathryn Cole, Schuyler Daniel, Griffin Garrison, Kathryn George, Alyson Gomer, Maggie Greene, Brittany Henderson, Madison Kolbe, Caroline McCrory, Katie Mize, Hannah Ray, Allison Riley, Sarah Rittenberry, Jenni Singleton, Abbie Wood, and Brittany Zobl.

Placing in the Top 8 in events during this meet were Kathryn George, Senior Girls, 2^nd Place 400 Yard Individual Medley; 3^rd Place 100 Yard Butterfly; 4^th Place 50 Yard Freestyle; 6^th Place 200 Yard Butterfly; and 7^th Place 200 Yard Backstroke. Maggie Greene, 8&Under Year Old Girls, 8^th Place 100 Yard Freestyle. Madison Kolbe, 11&12 Year Old Girls, 5^th Place 50 Yard Breaststroke; 8^th Place 50 Yard Backstroke. Katie Mize, Senior Girls, 7^th Place 100 Yard Butterfly. Brittany Zobl, 13&14 Year Old Girls, 7^th Place 50 Yard Freestyle; 7^th Place 200 Yard Backstroke; 8^th Place 100 Yard Backstroke.

Swimming in their first ever year-round USA Swimming sanctioned meet were Dylan Bollinger, an Indian Lake Summer League participant in the 10&Under Boys category; Griffin Garrison, 10&Under Boys; Maggie Greene, 8&Under Girls; and Jenni Singleton, 11&12 Year Old Girls.

“The Excel Aquatics coaches are proud of all of these swimmers.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes proclaimed. “Our Silver 1 squad under Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan turned in some great time drops. Those with significant double digit drops in seconds in some of their events from this group were Caroline Cole, Kathryn Cole, Schuyler Daniel, Alyson Gomer, and Allison Riley. Madison Kolbe dropped times in every one of her events, Sarah Rittenberry showed some great time drops in her Individual Medley event and Fly and Free events, while Jimmie Joe Boone did great in his Free, Breast, and IM events.”

Excel newcomer Abbie Wood, a Freshman at Pope John Paul II High School and a summer league swimmer at Blue Grass Country Club who is now training with Excel’s Gold squad, stepped up to the blocks and competed in some events that were outside her comfort zone. “Abbie has been working hard these past 4 weeks of practice, and has made some great strides already. We entered her in events such as the 200 Yard Freestyle and the 500 Yard Freestyle that would challenge her and ultimately make her a stronger swimmer in terms of experience and versatility.” Barnes explained. “Abbie did a great job in both events, and came within 92 one-hundredths of a second away from the State of Tennessee High School Championship Meet Qualifying Time in the 200 Yard Free, and 3.54 seconds away from the standard in the 500 Yard Freestyle. She is going to contribute immediately to Pope John Paul II in every one of the Freestyle events, from the 50 to the 500, and is working to refine her technique in the other strokes. In the long run that hard work will pay off and make her a well-rounded swimmer and add value to her high school team.”

“At Excel Aquatics we have multiple goals for our swimmers. We want to drop times, be competitive with anyone anywhere at any time, improve our stroke techniques, and we also want to instill a sense of hard-work into these student-athletes that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. There are no short-cuts to being a successful swimmer, and there are no short-cuts to succeeding in school and life.” Coach Barnes explained.

The next meet for these swimmers will be the Nashville Aquatic Club October Open to be held in Nashville on October 13^th and 14^th. In November the team will be traveling to the world-famous Indianapolis Natatorium, one of the fastest pools in the world.

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

New SES Times from Sumner County Swimmers at Summer Sizzler

2007-06-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

New Qualifying Time Cuts Attained at Swim Meet by Sumner County Swimmers

June 25, 2007……At the annual Summer Sizzler Meet in Nashville TN this past weekend, Schuyler Daniel and Madison Kolbe attained new Championship Meet Qualifying Times, leading a contingent of Hendersonville and Gallatin swimmers who train at the Gallatin Civic Center with Excel Aquatics.

The Summer Sizzler Meet is a three day meet swam in the “Long Course” 50 Meter format, the same pool distance the major international competitions are held, such as the Olympics. 808 athletes from 29 separate teams covering 11 states converged on Nashville to compete in what has become one of the most competitive meets in the South each summer. The meet is in the Preliminary/Finals format whereby if a swimmer qualifies in the “Prelims” in the morning, they come back to swim in the Final’s at night.

Swimming for Excel Aquatics in the meet from Sumner County were Paige Scheriger, Jimmie Joe Boone, Schuyler Daniel, Madison Kolbe, and Brittany Zobl.

Schuyler Daniel, a 9 year old from Gallatin, attained her first ever Southeastern Swimming (SES) Long Course Championship Meet Qualifying Time Cut in the 10&Under Girl’s 100 Meter Backstroke. "Schuyler is doing great, she got the cut in the 100 Back as a 9 year old, and is within striking range of her cut in the 50 Meter Backstroke. We are so proud of her and what she is doing.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes noted.

Madison Kolbe added her first 11&12 Year Old Girl’s Qualifying Cut in the Long Course format, doing so in the 50 Meter Breaststroke, where she cut nearly 3 seconds to finish 15^th with a time of 42 seconds and 31 one-hundreths of a second (0:42.31). “Madi had some real nice time drops in this meet. In addition to the time drops in the 50 Meter Breaststroke, she also dropped 2.82 seconds in the 100 Meter Breaststroke, and 4.44 seconds in the 100 Meter Freestyle.”

Scheriger place 5^th in the 11&12 Year Old Girl’s 100 Meter Breaststroke, and 6^th in the 50 Meter Breaststroke. “Paige did great coming back in Finals in those two events and swimming them again. She was the only 11 year old girl in the Finals for that event, the rest were 12 years old.”

Jimmie Joe Boone, competing in the 11&12 Boy’s category, dropped time in the 50 Meter Freestyle, coming in with a time of 0:35.59. “Jimmie Joe is a well rounded kid, having played multiple basketball games this past week, he turns around and competes in one of the major swim meets of the summer.”

Brittany Zobl, a rising 8^th Grader at Sumner Academy, dropped time in the 13&14 Year Old Girl’s 100 Meter Breaststroke, finishing in a time of 1:34.87. Zobl placed 11^th in the 50 Meter Freestyle. “We limited what “BZ” was swimming in this meet, in preparation for the SES Meet next month, we know what we have to work on to be prepared for the meet.”

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

Cole Sisters Rock at Stars and Stripes Meet

2007-05-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

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 5^th 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 13^th overall. Younger sister Kathryn, a rising 4^th 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 17^th 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 10^th.”

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.

Excel Awards Presented

2007-05-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

Gallatin Swimmer Receives Swim Team Award

May 4, 2007……Sumner County resident and Union Year Round Elementary 3^rd 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

Scheriger Attains a Top 16 National Ranking

2007-03-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

Paige Scheriger attains National Ranking at Swim Meet

March 18, 2007……Several thousand swim fans at the Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championship Meet this past weekend in Nashville saw Indian Lake Elementary 5^th Grader Paige Scheriger lead a contingent of Excel Aquatics swimmers to a 3^rd Place team finish at the Meet. 45 teams, comprising 872 swimmers from Tennessee, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle competed in the Championship Meet.

Scheriger won Gold in 6 of her 7 individual events in the Girl’s 10&Under category (scoring 137 of 140 possible point). In doing so, she set 4 Excel Team Records, won the Meet’s High Point Trophy for 10&Under Girl’s, and achieved a nationally ranked Top 16 time in the 100 Yard Breaststroke during the preliminary heats with a time of 1 minute, 16 seconds, and 24 hundredths.

Scheriger took home Gold in the Finals in the 100 Yard Backstroke (1:10.68), 200 Yard Individual Medley (2:32.22), 100 Yard Individual Medley (1:10.45), 200 Yard Freestyle (2:14.06), 100 Yard Breaststroke (1:16.37), and 50 Yard Backstroke (0:32.65). Scheriger’s lone Silver was in the 50 Yard Breaststroke (0:35.49).

Scheriger shattered the Excel Aquatics team records in the 100 Yard Individual Medley and 200 Yard Individual Medley, records that have stood for over 10 years since former Hendersonville High School and current University of Florida swimmer Samantha Vanderbilt set them in October 1996. The records Scheriger broke in the 50 Breaststroke and 100 Yard Breaststroke were set in early 2002 by Jax Painter, a current Franklin High School swim star.

“When you consider that Excel Aquatics is 24 years old, and has a long history of developing champions in the pool, Paige’s accomplishments is noteworthy.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes noted.

Also representing Hendersonville and Gallatin at the Championship Meet were Excel swimmers Madison Kolbe, Katie Mize, Brittany Zobl, and Jimmie Joe Boone. “Paige and her training partners did wonderful this weekend at the championships. Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan has done an exceptional job with them and the rest of her squad this year.” Barnes concluded.

Excel Aquatics will be conducting a Summer League Tune-Up for summer swimmers beginning on April 17^th. For more information contact Sheree Zobl at (615) 826-3943.

For more information on year-round competitive swimming visit www.ExcelAquatics.org.

Excel Swimmer's Firsts at Mardi Gras Meet

2007-02-18T11:31:00.000-06:00

First’s at Swim Meet

February 18, 2007…… At the 2007 Mardi Gras Swim Meet this past weekend there were three significant types of “FIRST’S” for Sumner County swimmers.

Brittany Zobl, a 13 year old from Hendersonville who trains with Excel Aquatics has achieved a significant milestone in her development into an elite swimmer in Sumner County. At this past weekend’s Mardi Gras Swim Meet in Brentwood, hosted by Excel Aquatics, Zobl turned in a USA Swimming Southern Sectional Senior Girl’s Qualifying Time of 1:01.99 in the 100 Yard Backstroke, her FIRST qualifying cut at that level of competition. “BZ is now eligible to participate in the Sectional Meet in Atlanta GA on March 10^th, going against girls ranging from her age all the way into college and beyond. She will be one of the youngest swimmers there.” Assistant Coach John Barnes noted.

In the 400 Yard Individual Medley, Zobl and Hannah Ray swam the event for their FIRST time, with event veteran Caroline McCrory volunteering to join them in the grueling event as morale support. “We were proud that those girls stepped up and swam that event. It is our belief as coaches that all swimmers need to learn to swim the “IM” events in order to develop themselves as well rounded swimmers, and the 400 IM is the pinnacle of that development.” Barnes commented.

The Cole sisters (Caroline and Kathryn) joined Peyton Smith in participating in their FIRST USA level swim meet, and all three turned in impressive times. “These girls, like everyone else, will see the fruits of their efforts in meets to come”.

Joining the above swimmers at the Mardi Gras meet were Jimmie Joe Boone, Schuyler Daniel, Alyson Gomer, Madison Kolbe, Katie Mize, Sarah Rittenberry, and Paige Scheriger.

For more information on year-round competitive swimming visit www.ExcelAquatics.org.

Excel Swimmers at Baylor Meet

2007-01-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

Excel Swimmers Heat up the Pool in Chattanooga Swim Meet

January 22, 2007……Excel Aquatic’s youth movement was in full force this past weekend at the Baylor Invitational Swim Meet in Chattanooga TN. Swimmers participating from Sumner County were Allie Riley, Madison Kolbe, Alyson Gomer, Jimmie Joe Boone, Paige Scheriger, Caroline McCrory, Brittany Zobl, Haley George, Kathryn George, and Katie Mize.

Hendersonville’s Jimmie Joe Boone led the contingent by improving his time in all 9 events he competed in, adding a significant 53.20 second drop in the 11&12 Year Old Boy’s 500 Yard Freestyle. “Jimmie Joe has been working hard to change his stroke technique, and is working hard at practice. I think we are seeing the results of his efforts, and we look forward to continued improvement from Jimmie Joe.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes stated.

In the 10&Under Girl’s category, Hendersonville’s Madison Kolbe and Paige Scheriger placed in the Top 5 in all of their events, 8 each. Both had significant time drops coming in the 100 Yard Butterfly. Scheriger has qualified for a total of 12 events in the upcoming Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championships. Kolbe has qualified for a total of 7 events as a 10& Under, however she will be aging up to the 11&12 year old category just before the Championship meet and is now closing in on obtaining the cut in the older category in the 50 Yard Breaststroke.

Riley, 9 year old from Hendersonville, showed continued improvement in her strokes and events. “Allie is a first-year swimmer at this level and has been working a lot on her strokes and conditioning. She is progressing quite nicely, and we expect her to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.” Barnes noted.

Gomer, an 11 year old from Hendersonville, dropped times in 6 of her 8 events, with significant drops in the 100 Yard Individual Medley, 100 Yard Backstroke, and 100 Yard Freestyle. “Alyson has gotten more aggressive in her attitude towards racing, and we are seeing real nice time drops as a result.”

Among the older group of swimmers at the meet from Sumner County, Brittany Zobl improved in 6 of her 7 events. In the 13&14 Year Old Girl’s 100 Yard Backstroke, Zobl took home a second place finish with a personal best time of 1:03.33, dropping 2.48 seconds and obtaining a Senior Girl’s SES Qualifying Time. Other notable time drops came in the 200 Yard Individual Medley and the 200 Yard Backstroke in which she obtained a 13&14 Year Old Girl’s SES Qualifying Cut. “Brittany stepped up quite nicely at this meet, and put together some good swims. She will continue to improve the more she swims the events of 200 yards and greater.”

White House’s McCrory dropped times in 5 of her 8 events, and swam the 13&14 Year Old Girl’s 200 Yard Breaststroke and 400 Yard Individual Medley for the first time in her career. “Like all of the kids who train with Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan, Caroline is continuing to improve in terms of technique and racing ability.”

Kathryn George, a Freshman at Pope John Paul II High School, took home first places in the 13&14 Year Old Girl’s 100 Yard Butterfly and the 200 Yard Butterfly. Kathryn also swam to a new SES qualifying time in the 100 Yard Breaststroke, brining her qualification event total to eight. Haley George, a Junior at Pope John Paul II High School, improved her times in the Senior Girl’s 200 Yard Freestyle and 50 Yard Freestyle. Katie Mize, also a Junior at Pope John Paul II High School took home a 3^rd place in the Senior Girl’s 200 Yard Individual Medley and a 4^th Place in the 200 Yard Butterfly.

Those interested in working on their stroke technique and water conditioning before the start of the summer are invited to join Excel Aquatics for their annual Spring Tune-Up for Summer League Swimmers to be held April 16 through May 19^th. Contact Shereé Zobl at 826-3943 for more information.

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

Zobl breaks Meet Record

2006-06-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

Brittany Zobl Breaks Meet Record in Nashville

June 25, 2006……Hendersonville’s Brittany Zobl, representing Excel Aquatics, stunned the field on Saturday night in winning the 11&12 Year Old Girl’s 50 Meter Backstroke at the NAC Summer Sizzler Long Course Invitational and setting a Meet Record in the process.

The Summer Sizzler included 783 swimmers from 44 teams from 8 states, and is one of the most competitive meets in the nation for the younger swimmers during the summer Long Course Season.

In the 50 Meter Backstroke, Zobl was seeded 8^th going into the meet, and during the preliminaries she cut 1.31 seconds and moved up to a second place seeding going into the evening finals. During Finals, Brittany had a tremendous effort off the start, took off on the underwater kick portion of the race, and emerged a half-body length in front of her nearest competitor as each one surfaced. Brittany never lost the lead, cut another 0.92 seconds off her prelims time, shattering the Meet Record with a time of 0:33.73, which was 49 hundredths of a second below the previous record.

The 100 Meter Backstroke on Sunday meant a return to the Finals for Zobl. During the preliminaries, she was seeded 8th to qualify for the evening Finals. During Finals Zobl dropped 1.36 seconds to finish in a Personal Best time of 1:15.86, good for 5^th Place overall. Although only 12 years old, that time was also a Senior Age Group qualifying time for SES.

Brittany is coached under the tutelage of Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan, a former Romanian National Champion and lead coach of swimmers from 10 to 13 years old with Excel Aquatics in Sumner County, who train at the Gallatin Civic Center. “Coach Andreea has done a tremendous job with her swimmers this year”, Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes commented. “Her work with Brittany is business as usual and what we have come to expect from Coach Andreea. This past year all of Coach Andreea’s swimmers had tremendous improvements.”

In other events during the meet, Zobl added to her SES Long Course Championship Qualifying times with cuts in the 50 Meter Breaststroke and 50 Meter Butterfly. Zobl previously had attained cuts in the 50 Free, 50 Back and 100 Back. The SES Long Course Championship Meet will be held July 27-30^th in Knoxville TN.

Also competing for Excel Aquatics from Sumner County this weekend was Jimmy Joe Boone. “Jimmy Joe has had a lot on his plate this summer. He’s swimming for Excel, training with Indian Lakes Swim Club’s summer team, playing tennis, wakeboarding, and going to basketball camp among other things.” Barnes noted. “Boone has a lot of spirit and helps bring positive fun to our practices. He’s improved a lot this year, and we expect him to continue to improve as he continues to work hard.”

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

Youth Movement at Excel

2006-05-28T11:25:00.000-05:00

10 Year Old Girls Excel at Stars and Stripes Swim Meet

May 28, 2006……In a fitting tribute to Memorial Day Weekend, 445 Swimmers from 18 teams spreading over 3 States converged on the annual Excel Aquatics’ Stars and Stripes Meet in Brentwood TN.

Leading the way in time drops for swimmers from Hendersonville and Sumner County were three 10 year old girls, Alyson Gomer, Madison Kolbe, and Paige Scheriger; all competing for Excel Aquatics, a nationally ranked year round swim team. Scheriger added to her total of Southeastern Swimming Long Course Championship Meet Qualifying Times with two new cuts, bringing her total number of events she has qualified in to 10. Kolbe achieved her first Long Course cut with a great performance in the 50 Meter Breaststroke. Gomer burst onto the Long Course scene in her first meet, narrowly missing a cut in the 100 Meter Freestyle.

“All three of these young girls spent the past year training with Hendersonville resident, Coach AJ Miley.” Assistant Coach John Barnes commented. “They did great this past school year and will continue to improve as they transition over to train under former Romanian National Champion, Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan in the Fall. We wish them luck as they time this summer to compete for either Indian Lake or Cages Bend starting next month.”

Brittany Zobl, a rising Sumner Academy 7^th Grader from Hendersonville, continued adding to her SES Qualifying times with a cut in the 50 Free, to go along with her cuts in the 50 Backstroke and 100 Backstroke. John Mainland, a rising Ellis Middle School 8^th Grader, placed in the Top 16 of the 11&12 Boys category in the 50 Backstroke, 100 Backstroke, and the 50 Breaststroke. Jimmy Joe Boone, a rising Sumner Academy 6^th Grader from Hendersonville, had significant time drops in 5 of his 7 events, continuing to show considerable improvement over the past year.

Lauren Gilroy, a rising Ellis Middle School 8^th Grader, achieved new SES Qualifying times in the 13&14 Girls 100 Backstroke and 200 Backstroke.

Others Sumner County swimmers competing for Excel Aquatics in the Stars and Stripes meet include JPII High School students Haley George, Katherine George, and Katie Mize. Former HHS swimming standout Kyle Lee also competed, continuing on his training schedule to prepare for his upcoming swimming career at the University of Alabama. For more information on Excel Aquatics, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org.

Meet of Champs Success for Messinger and Lee

2005-12-05T11:22:00.000-06:00

Chelsa Messinger Makes A Statement at Meet of Champions!

December 5, 2005……Chelsa Messinger, a Senior at Gallatin High School and swimming for Excel Aquatics turned heads of both swimmers and coaches alike at the annual Meet of Champions in Brentwood TN this past weekend, swimming to personal best times in 5 of 6 events, reaching Finals in all 6 events, and placing in the Top 6 in each event. “Chelsa broke through two significant time barriers tonight. In the 100 Yard Butterfly she broke a minute, turning a :59.95, and in the 50 Yard Freestyle she broke the 25 second barrier, turning a :24.98.” Excel Aquatics Assistant Coach and Sumner County Site Coordinator John Barnes explained. “Chelsa has been training hard for a while now and was due for a meet where everything came together for her. She has taken a couple of official visits to colleges interested in her, and has a couple more visits to take. This performance certainly will catch the attention of those coaches she is talking to.” Messinger placed 2^nd in the 50 Free, 3^rd in the 100 Back, 3^rd in the 200 Back, 4^th in the 100 Free, 6^th in the 100 Fly, and 6^th in the 200 Free.

“The Meet of Champions was a Prelim/Finals format meet with qualifying times required in distances greater than 200 yards, thus it was a great opportunity for the local Excel Swimmers to see how they match up against the top swimmers from the Southeast. No other club in the area is taking this number of Sumner County swimmers to this type of high level meet this year.” Barnes noted. “Excel is continuing its unsurpassed history of successfully developing our Sumner County swimmers to step up and compete at the championship level meets. The experience from the Meet of Champs will benefit them when they get to other championship level meets coming up, such as the State High School Championships, the Southeastern Swimming Short and Long Course Championship Meets, Sectionals, Junior Nationals, and the Summer League Championships.”

18 other Sumner County residents competed in the meet: Bryce Anderson, Mary Catherine Binkley, Jimmie Joe Boone, Kaitlin Daughtry, Nathan Fulps, Nikki Fulps, Haley George, Kathryn George, Lauren Gilroy, Alyson Gomer, Brittany Henderson, Madison Kolbe, Chelsa Messinger, Katie Mize, Hannah Ray, Michael Scheriger, Paige Scheriger, and Brittany Zobl.

Swimmers who made Finals during this Meet of Champs were Nikki Fulps, Haley George, Kathryn George, Lauren Gilroy, Kyle Lee, Chelsa Messinger, Paige Scheriger and Brittany Zobl.

“All of these swimmers did very well; our younger swimmers continue to progress very nicely in terms of stroke development and conditioning. Coaches Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan and AJ Miley will keep on working those issues so that the swimmers keep improving.” Barnes noted. Among the older swimmers we had some fantastic performances. For instance Kyle Lee posted personal best times in 4 of 5 events with a Junior Nationals Qualifying Time in the 400 Yard Individual Medley; and Kathryn George came within less than 3 seconds of a Senior Sectional Cut in the 200 Butterfly, something of great significance for a 13 year old to do in that event.”

“I encourage anyone interested in swimming to contact us at Excel. If anyone knows one of the families who attended this meet, feel free to ask them about the qualitative difference gained from training with Excel.” For more information and complete Meet Results, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org. The next meet for swimmers from Excel Aquatics’ will be the Baylor Invitational in Chattanooga TN in January.

Success at Memphis Meet for Sumner County Swimmers

2005-10-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

Sumner County Swimmer Excel In Memphis Swim Meet

October 16, 2005……12 members of Excel Aquatics who live in Hendersonville and Gallatin traveled to the Aquatics Center at the University of Memphis for a meet hosted by the Memphis Tigers Club, Oct. 15-16^th. Making the trip were Mary Catherine Binkley, Jimmie Joe Boone, Lauren Gilroy, Preston Johnson, Madison Kolbe, Kyle Lee, John Mainland, Chelsa Messinger, Katie Mize, Paige Scheriger, Michael Scheriger and Brittany Zobl.

Following up on her success as the top 8 year old in the region last season, Paige Scheriger of Indian Lake Elementary, now competing in the 10&Under age category, placed in the Top 8 in all 8 of her events in that age group, with top 4 finishes coming in 7 events. Her classmate, Madison Kolbe made sure that everyone knows that she is an up and coming force to be dealt with, with a 4^th place finish in the Girl’s 10&Under 50 Yard Breaststroke. These two friends also swam the 500 Yard Freestyle for the first time ever, competing in the Open category against girls that were much older than they. Also from Indian Lake Elementary was Jimmie Joe Boone, who placed 13^th in both the Boy’s 10&Under 100 Yard Backstroke, and 200 Yard Freestyle.

Several swimmers at the meet attend Ellis Middle School. Lauren Gilroy, a 7^th Grader, hit the local swimming scene in grand style. “I was pleased with Lauren’s efforts in the 200 Yard and 400 Yard Individual Medley events.” Excel Aquatics Assistant Coach John Barnes noted. “She dropped significant time in both events, and swam them just as we had mapped out beforehand. She’s a smart girl, she picked up on the strategy we discussed, and went out there and executed it.” John Mainland, another 7^th Grader at Ellis, had significant time drops in 6 of his 7 events in the 11&12 Year Old Boy’s category, and really shined in the 50 Yard Freestyle, with a 2.4 second drop. Michael Scheriger, a 6^th Grader at Ellis, dropped time in all his events, and swam the 500 Yard Freestyle for the first time and had great time drops in both of his Backstroke events.

Brittany Zobl, a 6^th Grader at Sumner Academy, dropped times in 5 events in the Girl’s 11&12 year old category, and swam the 500 Freestyle for the first time. “Brittany did very well; she’s learning that strategy is an important part of racing, as is learning to execute what she works on in practice.” Barnes stated.

5 swimmers in High School also competed in the meet. Mary Catherine Binkley and Katie Mize, both from JPII High School; Preston Johnson from Beech High School; Kyle Lee from Hendersonville High School; and Chelsa Messinger from Gallatin High School came together to compete for Excel Aquatics. “All of our swimmers performed well, and as coaches we are pleased with their progress at this point in the season. Amongst our Senior Level swimmers we are in the midst of heavy early season training, and several of them were wearing “drag-suits” for additional resistance. I’m pleased with their progress this season, with their aim being on high School State Championships, Sectional Championships, and Southeastern Championships in the Spring.” Barnes commented.

“Coach AJ Miley and Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan are doing fantastic jobs in keeping the younger kids positively motivated while continuing to improve on their technique and conditioning. Of note, the swimmers of Middle School age, Gilroy, Mainland, Zobl, and Michael Scheriger have been participating in a Dryland training routine twice a week that is designed to improve their quickness, conditioning, and ability to power themselves off the pool’s walls during a race.” Barnes concluded.

For more information on Excel Aquatics and their Tradition of Leadership and Excellence in Sumner County swimming, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org.

Placement Trial Information

2005-07-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Excel Aquatics is Searching for New Swimmers to Train with Sumner County Championship Swimmers!

July 26, 2005……Excel Aquatics is pleased to announce that they will be having an Open Tryout and Placement Trials for new swimmers at 5:00pm on August 8^th, at the Gallatin Civic Center; and then again for new and returning swimmers at 5:00pm on August 22^nd, at the Cages Bend Swim Club. Prospective swimmers will have two free weeks of training to decide if Excel is a good fit for them.

Excel Aquatics is a non-profit year round USA Swimming Club that had more Sumner County residents qualifying for the Southeastern Swimming Championships this year than any other club in the region. Most recently Kyle Lee, Chelsa Messinger, Katie Mize, Haley George, Kathryn George, Brittany Zobl, and Nikki Fulps from Sumner County qualified and swam in the Southeastern Long Course Championships.

For complete times and duration of Excel’s Tryouts/Placement Trials, as well as more information on Year Round swimming opportunities for Sumner County youth, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org.

Sumner County Excels at LC Championships

2005-07-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Sumner County Excellence At Long Course Swim Meet

July 25, 2005…..For local swimmers, the Long Course Swimming Season wrapped up this past weekend with the Southeastern Swimming Long Course Championship Meet held in Nashville TN. Continuing a legacy of excellence from Sumner County residents swimming for Excel Aquatics, Chelsa Messinger, Kyle Lee, Katie Mize, Haley George, Kathryn George, Brittany Zobl, and Nikki Fulps competed against 722 other swimmers from 41 teams representing 3 different states. The Long Course Championships is a meet in which qualifying times must be met during the season in order to for the swimmers to step up and compete against the best from other teams.

Messinger, a rising Senior at Gallatin High School, swam in 5 events, setting Personal Best Times in 4 of the events. She placed in the Senior Girl’s Top 24 in the 100 Meter Backstroke (10^th), 200 Meter Backstroke (19^th), and the 100 Meter Butterfly(21^st). “Chelsa had a terrific meet, once she swam to a best time in her first event, we knew that she would have a great meet. She’s worked hard since last summer to prepare for this summer, and it has really paid off.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes commented.

Mize, a rising Sophomore at JPII High School, swam in 7 events and obtained best times in 4 of them. Mize, competing in the Senior Girl’s category, placed in the Top 24 in 6 of the 7 events: 400 Meter Individual Medley (4^th), 200 Meter Butterfly (8^th), 1500 Meter Freestyle (14^th), 200 Individual Medley (14^th), 200 Meter Breaststroke (16^th), and the 400 Meter Freestyle (19^th). “Katie really had some great time drops in the 200 Breaststroke, the 400 IM, and the 400 Free. It shows what happens in those longer events where you do the little things right and it all comes together.” Barnes stated.

Lee, a rising Senior at Hendersonville High, turned in a mind-numbing performance which showed why the calls, letters, and visits to the pool have been increasing this month from college swim coaches. Lee placed in all 7 of his individual events he swam, and turned in best times in all 7 of them. He also turned in another best time as the lead off swimmer for the 4 x 100 Freestyle Relay (lead off legs are eligible as a recordable time), for a total of 8 events with best times. Lee, swimming in the Senior Boy’s category, placed in the Top 16 in all his events: 800 Meter Freestyle (4^th), 200 Meter Freestyle (15^th), 100 Breaststroke (6^th), 400 Meter Individual Medley (4^th), 200 Meter Individual Medley (6^th), 400 Meter Freestyle (5^th), and the 200 Meter Breaststroke (6^th). “Kyle was the talk of the meet, between prelims and finals, timed finals, and his lead off leg on the relay, he had 14 different swims over the past 4 days. Of those 14 swims, he lowered his previous time 13 different times. That’s nearly unheard of in a meet like this.” Barnes pointed out. “Kyle’s work ethic this past year has been unsurpassed, and a meet like this is the reward. We’ve been working the strategy part of the racing this past year as well, and he is swimming a lot smarter now, and that is a sign of his maturity.”

Haley and Kathryn George competed in the 13&14 Girl's Category. Haley placed 37^th in the 100 Meter Breaststroke, while Kathryn placed 13^th in the 200 Meter Butterfly and 29^th in the 100 Meter Butterfly. Zobl and Fulps competed in the 11&12 Girl’s category. Zobl placed 8^th in the 50 Meter Backstroke, and 18^th in the 100 Meter Backstroke. Fulps placed 18^th in the 100 Meter Breastroke, 22^nd in the 50 Meter Breaststroke, 23^rd in the 50 Meter Fly, and 28^th in the 100 Meter Fly. “Both Brittany and Nikki are on the younger side of their age group, and vast majority of the girls that beat them were a year older, and a good bit stronger.” Barnes said. “If they keep listening to their coaches, practicing like they did this year, and keep their smiles going, then next year when they are on the top side of the age group bracket they should place even higher.”

Excel Aquatics will be offering a Placement Trials for new and interested swimmers starting August 8^th at the Gallatin Civic Center. Start time is 5:00pm. Swimmers should be able to complete one length of the pool unassisted. A second Placement Trial will be held at the Cages Bend Swim Club on August 22^nd at 5:00pm. Visit www.ExcelAquatics.org for more information.

Stars and Stripes Swim Meet

2005-05-29T11:17:00.000-05:00

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; 3^rd in the 200 Meter IM; 4^th in the 100 Meter Breaststroke; and 6^th 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 8^th 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 (8^th Place) and 800 Meter Freestyle (5^th 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.

Lee wins Gold at SES Short Course Championships

2005-03-20T11:15:00.000-06:00

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.

County Residents compete at Districts Meet

2005-03-14T11:13:00.000-06:00

Paige Scheriger wins 8&Under Championships

March 14, 2005……The Southeastern Swimming Districts and 8 & Under Championships were held this past weekend in Memphis TN. For those older than 9, it was a chance to compete one final time to obtain qualifying times for the upcoming Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championships. For those 8 and younger, it was their last meet of the season, their Championships. Swimmers from Nashville and Memphis and all parts in between converged at the aquatics facility at the University of Memphis to race and find out who was the best 8&Under swimmer in Middle and West Tennessee.

Excel Aquatics, led by Indian Lake Elementary Third Grader Paige Scheriger, won the 8 & Under Girl’s Team Championship. Scheriger won the coveted High-Point Trophy for the Championships, dominating all 8 of her individual events, and easily distancing herself from the High-Point runner-up. Scheriger also helped the Excel Aquatics relay team to a 3^rd Place finish in the 100 Yard Freestyle Relay, and a 1^st Place finish in the 100 Yard Medley Relay. To add icing to the cake, Paige was able to achieve this in front of 9 family members who had flown or driven in from San Francisco, CA; Centralia IL, and Hendersonville to celebrate Paige and her brother Todd’s accomplishments in swimming this year.

Scheriger, who ages up to the 9&10 year old category on Saturday the 19^th, ends the season holding two Excel Team Records in the 25 Breast and 50 Breast.

Representing Excel Aquatics in the concurrently held Districts Meet were Eric Duke, Brittany Henderson, Hannah Ray, Todd Scheriger, and Brittany Zobl.

Duke wrapped up his Short Course career for Excel Aquatics in good fashion, dropping over a second in the 50 Free, finishing 4^th in the Senior Boy’s 100 Yard Butterfly, and winning the Senior Boy’s 100 Yard Breaststroke in his last event of the meet. Henderson, swimming in the 13&14 Girls Category, dropped times in 4 of her 6 events, and placed 2^nd in the 1650 Yard Freestyle.

Todd Scheriger, a 10 year old in the 5^th Grade at Indian Lake Elementary, took home a 7^th Place in the Boy’s 10&Under 200 Yard Freestyle and a 3^rd Place in the 50 Yard Butterfly. Hannah Ray, competing in the Girl’s 10&Under events, took home a 2^nd Place in the 200 Yard Freestyle, 4^th in the 100 Yard Breaststroke, and a 6^th Place in the 50 Yard Backstroke. Ray had already qualified for the SES Short Course Championships in the 50 Yard Freestyle.

Brittany Zobl, a 11 year old 5^th Grader from Sumner Academy, dropped nearly two seconds in both the 11&12 Girl’s 200 Yard Freestyle, and the 100 Yard Breaststroke. Zobl also finished 5^th in the 50 Yard Freestyle, 6^th in the 50 Yard Breaststroke, and 8^th in the 100 Yard Individual Medley. Zobl has already achieved SES Short Course qualifying times in the 50 Yard Backstroke, and 100 Yard Backstroke.

The next meet for Excel Aquatics is the Southeastern Swimming Short Course Championships in Nashville, March 17-20^th. Sumner County residents representing Excel Aquatics at the meet are Bryce Anderson, Mary Catherine Binkley, Nikki Fulps, Haley George, Kathryn George, Kyle Lee, Chelsa Messinger, Katie Mize, Hannah Ray, and Brittany Zobl. “The key here is that we are balanced among the age groups and are not top heavy. Half of our swimmers attending are 12 or younger. That’s a nice strong base of swimmers for the future we are developing to represent Sumner County for years to come”, Assistant Coach John Barnes proclaimed. “We have grown substantially this year as a team, and have had several new qualifiers for the Championships. Kudos to Coach Andreea Mitrofan and Coach AJ Miley for their accomplishments this Short Course Season.”

Baylor Swim Meet Results

2005-01-15T11:12:00.000-06:00

Brittany Zobl and Kyle Lee Excel In Chattanooga Swim Meet

January 15, 2005……15 members of Excel Aquatics who train in Gallatin traveled to Chattanooga for the recent Baylor Swim Club Invitational, Jan 7-9^th. Making the trip from amongst those who live in Hendersonville and Gallatin were Bryce Anderson, Mary Catherine Binkley, Eric Duke, Nathan Fulps, Nikki Fulps, Kathryn George, Kyle Lee, Chelsa Messinger, Katie Mize, and Brittany Zobl.

“At our younger level, both of the Fulps, George, Zobl, and Anderson train with Coach Andreea Ianoli-Mitrofan. They are doing phenomenal in their development. Coach Andreea was a Romanian Swimming National Champion in the 800 Free, 400 IM, and 200 Breaststroke. Her college thesis was written on the training of the Female Swimmer in the 800 Meter Freestyle. She is quickly becoming the new Gold Standard of coaching Sumner County swimmers in the 11 to 14 year old age groups.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes announced.

Brittany Zobl, a 11 year old Sumner Academy student, dropped times in all 8 of her individual events. Notable drops occurred in the 100 Breaststroke, 100 Backstroke, 100 IM and 50 Butterfly. “Brittany, and the rest of her training squad, had great time drops. She is just off her Southeastern Qualifying times in the Backstroke events, and should get those soon if she keeps listening and learning from Coach Andreea.” Barnes stated.

Kyle Lee, a Junior at Hendersonville High School, had time drops in 6 of his 8 events. Lee took first place in the 200 IM, second in the 200 Backstroke, 200 Free, and 200 Breaststroke; third in the 100 Breaststroke, 100 Free, and fourth in the 200 Butterfly. “This was a great meet for Kyle, he’s been training well in practice, setting the pace for the rest of his squad. Just 8 days before this meet he completed an 11,000 yard workout, and recently started a dryland workout program.” Barnes noted. “He’s not rested, and yet he turned in best times in many events, that’s hard to do at his level of intense training.”

Other swimmers with notable time drops were Nikki Fulps (200 Free, 2:31.80, dropping 14.09 seconds); Nathan Fulps (50 Free, 0:29.79, dropping 1.06 seconds); Kathryn George (200 IM, 2:28.63, dropping 3.87 seconds); Bryce Anderson (50 Back, 100 Fly, 200 Free, and 100 Back with more than 3.8 seconds drop in each); and Eric Duke (100 Back, 1:08.21, dropping 0.94 seconds).

“All of our kids swam well, some of the older kids were off a bit from their personal bests, and that is too be expected with where we are at in the training cycle we are following. The older ones are looking forward to the State High School Meet and USA Swimming Sectionals, and will be tapered for that. Overall our older girls, Chelsa Messinger, Katie Mize, and Mary Catherine Binkley are progressing very well with their training.”

Sumner County Site Coordinator Named

2004-08-08T11:10:00.000-05:00

Excel Aquatics names Coach Barnes as Gallatin Site Coordinator

August 8, 2004……Excel Aquatics, a year-round USA Swimming Silver Medal Team based in Gallatin, Brentwood, and LaVergne has named John Barnes as their Gallatin Site Coordinator. Coach Barnes joined the coaching staff of Excel Aquatics in the Spring of 2004, and began assisting with their Gold and Xtreme groups in Gallatin. By assuming the duties as Site Coordinator at Excel-Gallatin, Barnes will be responsible for leading the local coaching staff in the planning and implementation of the training program of Excel swimmers across all skill levels, as well as handling the multiple other swimming related issues that arise on a daily basis. He will report directly to Excel Head Coach Mark Walker who is based in Brentwood.

Coach Walker noted that “I’m proud to announce that Coach Barnes will be leading our Gallatin training location. John is the right person at the right time for this newly created position within our Gallatin training squad. Since he has been with us he has made a positive impact not only on the swimmers in his group, but with the parents as well. He brings a lot of energy to the team on and off the deck. We are close to finalizing the rest of the coaching staff in Gallatin which we will be announcing soon. I know that Sumner County is going to be pleased with of the quality of the coaching staff we are assembling. There is going to be a lot of fresh ideas and excitement on deck this coming season with Excel Aquatics in Sumner County.”

· Excel Aquatics is a 2003 & 2004 USA Swimming Silver Medal Club with several training squads based in Gallatin. For more information on Excel Aquatics, visit www.excelaquatics.org

SES LC Meet features Sumner County Swimmers

2004-08-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

Sumner County Swimmers Excel at Long Course Championships in Tuscaloosa.

August 1, 2004….. Four Sumner County Residents joined the rest of their Excel Aquatics teammates in Tuscaloosa AL this past weekend for the Southeastern Swimming Long Course Championships.

Representing Excel and Sumner County were Kyle Lee, a rising Junior at Hendersonville High School and 2004 Sumner County Male Swimmer of the Year; Katie Mize, a Sumner Academy Alum and rising Freshman at JPII; as well as 10 Year Olds Nikki Fulps and John Mainland.

Kyle Lee placed in the Top 8 in the Boy’s 15-16 Year Old 800 Meter Freestyle (#7) , and the 400 Meter Individual Medley (#5). The 400 Meter IM is one of the most grueling races in swimming, testing the swimmers ability to compete in all four individual strokes in one race. “Kyle did fantastic in the IM, he got his Summer Sectionals qualifying time in the event, and will set his eyes on the Junior Nationals and National cut next summer during Long Course season.” Excel Assistant Coach John Barnes commented.

Katie Mize achieved her Spring Sectional qualifying time in the Girl’s 15-16 Year Old 200 Meter Butterfly, placing 7^th in the meet. “Katie has been working hard this summer and it has paid off for her, she is a great example of what you can do for our younger swimmers.”

10 Year Old Nikki Fulps, fresh off competing in a Swim meet in Hawaii the previous week, placed 3^rd in the Girl’s 10&Under 100 Meter Breaststroke, and 7^th in the 50 Meter Breaststroke. “Nikki has had a fun and memorable summer. She is terrific in her stroke technique, doing as we ask, and it shows every time she competes.”

John Mainland made his first trip to the Southeastern Meet, qualifying and competing in the Boy’s 10&Under 100 Meter Backstroke. “John did terrific this summer, we are proud of his progress and look for him to continue to qualify for future Championship meets.”

Events Competed in by Excel Swimmers who train in Wilson County:

Kyle Lee: 800 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, 400 Individual Medley

Katie Mize: 800 Freestyle, 400 Individual Medley, 200 Individual Medley, 100 Butterfly, 400 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 200 Butterfly

Nikki Fulps: 50 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 50 Butterfly, 100 Breaststroke, 50 Backstroke, 50 Breaststroke, 100 Backstroke

John Mainland: 100 Backstroke.

· Excel Aquatics is a 2003 & 2004 USA Swimming Silver Medal Club with several training squads based in Gallatin. For more information on Excel Aquatics and complete Meet Results, visit www.excelaquatics.org and come to the Excel New Swimmer Placement Trial on August 23^rd at the Gallatin Civic Center.

Excel Aquatics Try-Outs Notice

2004-07-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

Excel Aquatics offers Free Try-Outs to local Summer League Swimmers in response to questions from Sumner County parents.

July 26, 2004….. The summer of 2004 has been an exciting time for swimming in Sumner County! The sounds of summer have included swim meets all across the county, where the sweet smell of chlorine is masked by suntan lotion. Then as a culmination to the summer, on July 23-25, summer teams from across Sumner County participated in the Nashville Swim League City Championships.

“Before the Summer Season even concluded we were hearing from parents from most of the clubs, and they all had similar questions. What’s next? How can my children continue training and building on what they have accomplished this summer?” Excel Aquatics Assistant Coach John Barnes commented. “It does my heart good to see such interest in swimming, combine the Summer League meets with the upcoming Olympics, and interest is out of sight.”

In direct response to the interest from parents across the County, Excel Aquatics, a USA Swimming Silver Medal Club which trains in Gallatin is pleased to announce that they will be holding Placement Trials on Monday, August 23^rd at the Gallatin Civic Center from 4:30-6:00pm, to evaluate Sumner County swimmers who are interested in continuing swimming into the Fall and Winter. Coach Barnes emphasized that “this Placement Trial is certainly not limited to just Indian Lakes, Cages Bend, Bluegrass, and Gallatin team swimmers. Anyone with a child that wants to compete in swimming this Fall and Winter is invited to attend the evaluation. We get children all the time that have no summer league experience, but have learned how to swim and want to take it one step further. We encourage anyone wanting to give year-round competitive swimming a try to come to the Placement Trials, in addition to that free evaluation, we will be offering a free two week try-out period to those who come to the Trials.”

For more information, visit www.ExcelAquatics.org, or email Coach Barnes at coachjohn@excelaquatics.org.

Summer Sizzler features Sumner County Swimmers

2004-06-28T11:04:00.000-05:00

Sizzling Swimmers in Sumner County

June 28, 2004....It was a swim meet where 2004 Olympic hopefuls mingled with the Olympic hopefuls of the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics. It was a meet where the youngest swimmers could watch some of the older swimmers who are on their way to the Olympic Trials next month and potentially beyond. It was the 2004 NAC Summer Sizzler in Nashville TN, and some of our very own neighbors were there and adding their own sizzle to the meet.

Nikki Fulps, John Mainland, Taylor Hinson, Kathryn George, and Haley George represented Sumner County and Excel Aquatics at the meet. They got the opportunity to watch this year’s Olympic hopefuls in action, while showcasing their own talents as well.

“All of these kids did well at this meet, with every one of them having improvements in some of their events. There have been a lot of the normal summer time distractions recently, and they have dealt with them and are swimming through them.” Coach Todd Griffin commented. “We improved in a lot of areas of stroke development and race strategy that we needed to improve in, and we identified other areas that we can now focus on, while continuing to reinforce what we have already learned. I’m proud of all of them and how they are working.”

Those placing in the Top 8 of their age group were:

Nikki Fulps: 10&Under 50 Meter Breaststroke 8^th Place (0:46.94), 100 Meter Breaststroke 3^rd Place (1:38.22), and 50 Meter Backstroke 8^th Place (0:44.36).

Kathryn George: 11&12 100 Meter Butterfly 5^th Place (1:17.74).

· Excel Aquatics is a 2003 & 2004 USA Swimming Silver Medal Club with several training squads based in Gallatin. For more information on Excel Aquatics, visit www.excelaquatics.org