2009 Nessies Season Recap

The Nessies concluded a highly successful 2009 season with the MCSL All-Star meet this past weekend.  Under Coach Amy Spady, the Nessies produced many record-breaking and historic results.

 For the 1^st  time in at least 10 years, the Nessies won the Divisional Championship meet swum at Eldwick on July 25.   We went 4-1 in dual meets, losing only to Division H season champion Woodcliffe in a close meet that was tied at halftime.  And we hosted and finished 2^nd in this year’s Relay Carnival, thus securing 2^nd place in the division, just 4 points behind Woodcliffe.

 At Divisionals, many Nessies achieved best times.  Eight Nessies – Nicole Kronfli, Jake Wheatley, Austin Cole, Natalya Ares, Maya Tondravi, Alexa Popera, Eric Eig, and Emily Hall – were Division H individual champions, and the Girl’s Open Medley relay team of Laura Garcia, Alexa, Natalya, and Ashleigh Popera, won their race as well.

 That night, the Nessies celebrated at our annual banquet at the Bolger Center where awards were given out.  Coaches’ Awards went to Gabriel Arias, Seth Toplin, Ethan Fine, Maya Tondravi, Nicole Kronfli, and Meaghan Kilner.  And Austin and Emily were awarded Overall High Point trophies for Boys and Girls respectively.

 The Nessies also had an unprecedented number of All-Star qualifying times this year.  Maya, Emily, Madeline Schupak, Sarah Johnston, Natalie Kronfli. Max Tyson, Daniel Sologuren, and Mario Belledonne, Jake (2 times), Victoria Wheatley, (2 times), Nicole (3 times), Alexa (3 times), Laura (3 times), Ada Lopaczynski (3 times), Bridget Dromerick (3 times), and Eric (4 times) had amazing seasons.  And Natalya and Austin recorded All-Star times in every single event – 5 times each.  That’s 18 Nessies achieving 41 All-Star times!

 At All Stars, the Nessies made history.  Eric, Bridget, Natalya, Austin, Laura, Natalie, Judy Johnston, Ada, Emily, Nicole all swam in either individual or relay events.  For what we believe to be the 1^st time ever, Nessies now hold a county-wide, MCSL record.  And they did it in style, not settling for one or even two records.  Nessies set two county-wide relay records and one individual record at All-Stars.  Eric, Bridget, Natalya, and Austin broke the 13/14 Mixed Freestyle record by more than two seconds, while Bridget and Natalya joined with Laura and Natalie to smash the 13/14 Girls Medley record by almost four seconds http://www.mcsl.org/records/relay.html. And Natalya not only broke the MCSL Girl’s 13/14 Butterfly record, but her time would have also broken the county record for 15/18 girls had she been eligible http://www.mcsl.org/records/ind.html. Eric and Austin also teamed up with Mario and Daniel to break a 22 year old team record in the Boys Open Medley relay.  In all, Natalya set four new team marks this year, Austin set two team records, Alexa set one, and Max and Colin Smyth also had a hand in breaking three team relay records.

 Coach Spady will be back next year as the Nessies try to build on our success in 2009.  Preliminary league rankings have us back in Division H with old friends Chevy Chase Rec and Palisades, B-league buddy Wildwood Manor, as well as Rockshire and Calverton.  One of the reasons we were so successful this year was the fact that our team was spaced out through the age groups very well.  But we were also very thin, often with just enough swimmers to fill out lanes on many age groups.  Next year, we may have some big holes to fill.  For instance, based on our current roster, we may only have a single 13/14 boy (better rest up Nick), and not very many 11/12 girls.  So if you know any kids (in any age group) that might be interested in joining the Nessies please share with them what we have to offer.  First practice for 2010 is less than ten months away.

http://reachforthewall.com/2009/08/03/monday-pool-all-stars/

http://www.mcsl.org/

If you are wondering how the Nessies who broke all those records can swim so fast, part of it is due to the fact that they, along with other teammates, swim year round with local club teams. We are fortunate to have some of the best club programs in the country in the Metro DC area. There are teams offering a wide range of programs for swimmers of all ages and level of commitment. Coaches can offer guidance on what program might be right for you, so please talk to them if you are interested. You’ll be amazed how much your child will improve even with a limited program of winter swimming. And with the improvement comes better fitness and a love of swimming that can last a lifetime.

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