They are back from Junior Nationals out in Irvine, California, some new best times, some records, and some disappointments, about par for any meet we have ever entered. Matt's 100 Freestyle netted him a new best time, a new CSC club record, and a 19th place nationally. Not bad considering he was seeded 58th out of 146 swimmers going in. His 50 Freestyle netted a new best time and a 31st place finish. He went in seeded 63rd out of 118 swimmers. There are no slow swimmers at this meet, every single swimmer is a champion somewhere, you don't get to this meet without being a champion, fast times!
Let's see now, the 200 Freestyle I am not allowed to discuss, and the 100 Backstroke was a bit of a bust as he got the big DQ for being completely submerged at the finish...something about the sun and the breeze flipping the flags so he couldn't really see them going in and misjudged the number of strokes to the finish...probably best to forget about that swim as well.
He did well in the relays and the club did great on the whole. If not exactly what they all hoped, the best that could be had with illnesses and whatnot. The important part was that they had a great time and they acted like a unified team. We are all so proud of each and every one of the 16 swimmers from our club who got the chance to swim at Junior Nationals by qualifying by their stellar swimming skills. It was on web live stream so we could watch it all, so much fun!
Of course, it wasn't ALL about the swimming...well, actually it was, but there were some side trips in between the sessions.
San Juan Capistrano (above)...and some swimmers (below).And the real swimmers, some at breakfast: Lucy, Kiernan, Matt, and Alexis.
Swimmers packed and ready for the day: Colleen, Margaret, Lacey, and Lauren S.
And, below, when the swimmers don't have an event, it is a great time to put on some real swim suits and get a tan while cheering on your teammates: In front: Sam; Middle Row: Lauren S., Matt, Kiernan, Alexis; Back Row: Rhiannon, Lacey, Lucy, Trish, and Margaret.
Of course, any city with a major baseball team is fair game for a side trip there...Go Angels, they won this night.
The pool was fantastic, both for swimming and for watching! What an opportunity for our swimmers to compete here.
Lane 4...Matt almost set and ready to swim. The pressure was on!
Lunch by the ocean...you can't do this in Indiana!!
Beach bums...at every available opportunity Mark and Matt headed for the beach and walked for miles, because, after all, we don't have this kind of opportunity near enough.
And, to all the swimmers who did not get a photo on here, you need to remember to tell Mr. Gerth to take photos as he was distracted by historical sites, beaches, ballgames, restaurants, and sometimes by the swimming...he'll do better next time!