Vermont YOUTH swimmers SHINE AT THE NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
Colchester, VT – The state-of-the-art Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction, Vermont recently hosted the New England 12 and Under Age Group Championship Swim Meet. The meet was held from February 24th-28th, 2010 and included over 500 swimmers from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Green Mountain Aquatics Swim Team was the highest placing Vermont team in the meet. This year, the team placed 12th overall out of the over 100 teams in New England Swimming, improving from last year’s 19th place finish. Several athletes from Green Mountain Aquatics had top ten performances. They were Katie Aman (12) from Hanover, New Hampshire in the 100 yard Butterfly; Rachael Bradford-Feldman (12) from Essex Junction in the 1000 yard Freestyle, 100 yard Breaststroke, 400 yard Individual Medley, 100 yard Freestyle, 50 yard Breaststroke, 200 yard Individual Medley, 200 yard Freestyle, 50 yard Backstroke and 100 yard Individual Medley; Aidan Hartswick (12) from Underhill in the 100 yard Breaststroke, 400 yard Individual Medley, 100 yard Freestyle, 50 yard Breaststroke, and 200 yard Breaststroke; Cameron McClellan (10) of Essex Junction in the 50 yard Butterfly; and Chris Ubert (12) of South Burlington in the 1650 yard Freestyle. Rachael Bradford-Feldman led the team with a standout performance. She placed first in each of her eight races and earned the New England 11-12 High Point award for the meet.
Green Mountain Aquatics team member and meet competitor, Nathan Kakalec, said “I feel like I have really accomplished something . . .” by competing in the New England 12 and Under Championship Meet. This meet is the most competitive meet offered in New England Swimming for athletes aged twelve and younger and is the final meet of the short course swimming season for these local athletes.
Monday, December 14, 2009
LOCAL SWIMMERS ATTEND USA SWIMMING JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
Colchester, VT – Tasija Karosas (14, Stowe High School) and Michael Ubert (16, South Burlington High School) were the only two athletes from Vermont to attend the USA Swimming Junior National Championship in Columbus, Ohio. The meet started on December 10th and finished on December 12th. It was held in the state-of-the-art McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion at The Ohio State University.
Ms. Karosas swam the 200 I.M. on Thursday, the 400 I.M. on Friday and the 200 Back on Saturday. She achieved personal best times in all three events and was one of the top 20 swimmers aged 14 and younger in those events. Mr. Ubert swam the 1650 Free on Saturday and improved his time by ten seconds. Both athletes showed great leadership in representing their team, Green Mountain Aquatics, at their first national-level meet.
Friday, November 20, 2009
THETFORD ACADEMY senior signs national letter of intent at the UniversITy of TEXAS
Thetford, VT – Patrick Murphy, 18, a Lyme, NH resident and senior at Thetford Academy signed his national letter of intent with the University of Texas, Austin Campus on Tuesday, November 16, 2009. Mr. Murphy, a member of the United States National Youth Swimming Team who recently returned to the Upper Valley from competition on the World Cup Circuit in Stockholm and Berlin, was recruited by several top-ranked Division I swimming programs. After official visits to the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, and Auburn University, Mr. Murphy committed to attend the University of Texas and to compete on the University of Texas men’s swimming team. Mr. Murphy was recruited to swim backstroke, freestyle and butterfly at the University of Texas. He said, “I knew UT was the right school for me when I visited. I loved the campus, the classes and the school traditions. I lived in Houston until I was 13 years old, so returning to Texas to compete with the Longhorns has been a goal of mine. I also connected with the guys on the team, some of who I’ve competed with on the National Youth Team.”
Despite the absence of a swim team Thetford Academy has been a backbone of support for Mr. Murphy. Athletic Director and Assistant Principal David McGinn said: “What Patrick has accomplished has come with a lot of personal and family sacrifice. Most students in Vermont don’t have the experience of training and competing at a national and international level, while trying to live a typical teenage life. I wish him all the best.
The University of Texas men’s swim team is coached by their long-term and highly respected coach, Eddie Reese. He has coached the University of Texas Longhorns swim team for over 30 years, with 30 consecutive top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championship and 30 consecutive conference titles. Along the way, Reese has developed 41 NCAA individual champions, 30 national champion relays, 199 All-Americans and 26 Olympians who have won 29 gold medals. Coach Reese has earned a reputation for his coaching style and Reese’s style is the staple of the Longhorns program. Always calm, unflappable, amiable and quick with a joke, he is a man who likes to work hard but doesn’t see why hard work must be dull. The Texas team reflects the coach’s personality. Legendary backstrokers, Rick Carey and Aaron Piersol have been UT and Reese success stories. Mr. Murphy has broken records achieved by both of those swimmers.
Mr. Murphy will begin his collegiate career in the fall of 2010. His parents are Bob (Murph) and Christine Murphy of Lyme. He is currently a member of the Green Mountain Aquatics swim team, where, under the guidance of coach Brian King, he achieved the fastest time ever recorded by a 16 year old swimmer in the 100 meter backstroke.
Listing of Top Times for 100m Backstroke
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Click HERE to link to the Burlington Free Press article about Taylor Grey.
WILLISTON SENIOR SIGNS NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
Colchester, VT – Taylor Grey, 18, a senior at Champlain Valley Union signed his national letter of intent with the University of Virginia on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Mr. Grey, who will compete in the USA Swimming Short Course National Championship Meet in December of 2009, was recruited by several Division I swimming programs. After official visits to the University of North Carolina, University of Denver, University of Michigan, University of Virginia and The Ohio State University, Mr. Grey committed to attend the University of Virginia and to compete on the University of Virginia men’s swimming team. Mr. Grey was recruited to swim breaststroke and the individual medley at the University of Virginia. He said, “I knew UVA was the right school for me when I visited. I loved the campus, the classes and the school traditions. I also really connected with the coach and the guys on the team.”
The University of Virginia men’s swim team is coached by their long-term and highly respected coach, Mark Bernardino. He has coached the University of Virginia Cavaliers swim team for over 30 years, winning 12 ACC Conference Championships with the men’s team, 7 with the women’s team, and earning the ACC Coach of the Year award 24 times. He has coached numerous ACC, NCAA, and Olympic Champions. Moreover, Coach Bernardino has encouraged his athletes to succeed in the pool and in the classroom. Over 400 Cavalier swimmers have been named to the ACC Honor-Roll during Coach Bernardino’s tenure at the University of Virginia.
Mr. Grey will begin his collegiate career in the fall of 2010. His parents are Dan and Cathy Grey of Williston. He has been a member of the Green Mountain Aquatics swim team since 2002. Mr. Grey is serving in his second term as team captain and his teammates are very proud of his commitment and dedication to the sport.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
LOCAL SWIMMERS ACHIEVE ALL-AMERICAN HONORS
Colchester, VT – Three local athletes received the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American award last week. Taylor Grey (Senior, Champlain Valley Union High School) and Merritt Boardman (Senior, Rice Memorial High School) were named to the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American list for the first time in their high school careers.
Caroline Weaver (Freshman, Harvard University, South Burlington High School Class of 2009) was named to the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American list for the third and final time in her high school career. All three athletes have been a vital part of the Green Mountain Aquatics swim team for at least seven years and all three have served their GMA teammates as team captains.
USA Swimming reports that the 2008-09 team is composed of 905 women and 595 men, two-thirds of whom achieved a 4.0 GPA. The Scholastic All-America program is open to all 10th-12th grade USA Swimming members who earn a 3.5 GPA or better and achieve a Junior National Bonus Time Standard or swim in a selected disability championship meet or the Open Water National Championships. Boardman, Grey and Weaver are the only swimmers from the state of Vermont to achieve such honors this year.
Monday, May 11, 2009
LOCAL SWIMMERS TO COMPETE WITH MICHAEL PHELPS AT THE CHARLOTTE ULTRA SWIM GRAND PRIX
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colchester, VT – Over 500 top ranked swimmers from around the country will compete next weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina at the 25th Annual Charlotte Ultra Swim Grand Prix. The meet will mark Michael Phelps return to competition after serving a suspension from USA Swimming. One Vermont swimmer and one New Hampshire swimmer will represent local swim team, Green Mountain Aquatics, at the meet. Taylor Grey, from Williston, Vermont will race the 100 meter Breaststroke on Friday, May 15th; the 200 meter Breaststroke on Saturday, May 16th; and the 200 meter Backstroke on Sunday, May 17th. Patrick Murphy from Lyme, New Hampshire will race the 200 meter Freestyle and 100 meter Butterfly on Friday, May 15th; the 50 meter Freestyle and the 100 meter Backstroke on Saturday, May 16th; and the 200 meter Individual Medley, 200 meter Backstroke and 100 meter Freestyle on Sunday, May 17th. Both young men hope to final in their best events and will use the meet as preparation for USA Swimming National Championships and World Championship Trials in July. Taylor Grey said, “I am looking forward to attending this fun, fast meet. I think that the competitive field will push me to race my best.” The meet does include many teams comprised mainly of college-aged athletes from Division 1 swimming programs. As such, the meet looks to be far more competitive than it has been in years past and it is reported that tickets for some sessions are already sold out. Swimnetwork will broadcast the meet live over the internet at: http://www.swimnetwork.com/event/detail/20081013/charlotte_ultraswim-2291.html
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
VERMONT ATHLETES PLACE 5TH AT THE NEW ENGLAND 13-19 AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIP SWIM MEET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colchester, VT – Green Mountain Aquatics swim team placed 5th out of 58 teams at this year’s New England 13-19 Age Group Championship Meet held at MIT on March 5th-8th, 2009. Other Vermont teams placing at the meet were the Greater Burlington YMCA which placed 38th and the Edge Swim Team which placed 45th. In the field of over 800 athletes, numerous Green Mountain Aquatics swimmers placed in the top ten: Merritt Boardman (17) of Burlington and Rice High School in the 1000 yard Freestyle and the 500 yard Freestyle; Evan Grey (14) of Williston and Williston Central School in the 1000 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, 400 Individual Medley, 200 Butterfly, 200 Breaststroke, 500 Freestyle, 1650 Freestyle, 200 Backstroke and 200 Individual Medley; Taylor Grey (17) of Williston and Champlain Valley Union High School in the 1000 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, 200 Breaststroke and 200 Backstroke; Tasija Karosas of Stowe and Stowe Middle School (13) in the 1000 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 400 Individual Medley, 200 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke, 500 Freestyle, 200 Backstroke and 200 Individual Medley; Bob Kennedy (14) of South Burlington and F. H. Tuttle Middle School in the 1650 Freestyle; David Lazarovich (14) of South Burlington and South Burlington High School in the 200 Breaststroke and 1650 Freestyle; Patrick Murphy of Lyme, New Hampshire and Thetford Academy in the 100 Backstroke, 500 Freestyle; 200 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle; Alex Suppan (17) of Burlington and Burlington High School in the 100 Breaststroke, 100 Butterfly, 400 Individual Medley, 200 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke; Michael Ubert (15) of South Burlington and South Burlington High School in the 1000 Freestyle and 1650 Freestyle; Caroline Weaver of South Burlington and South Burlington High School in the 100 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle and 200 Individual Medley; Christa Weaver of South Burlington and South Burlington High School in the 100 Breaststroke, 50 Freestyle, 100 Backstroke and 100 Freestyle; and Michael Winget of Shelburne and Champlain Valley Union High School in the 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke and 200 Backstroke. Five Green Mountain Aquatics swimmers were awarded high point plaques for their overall point scores. Christa Weaver placed 8th high point for the 13-14 age group, Tasija Karosas placed 3rd high point for the 13-14 age group, Evan Grey placed 3rd high point for the 13-14 age group, Alex Suppan placed 5th high point for the 15-19 age group, and Taylor Grey placed 4th high point for the 15-19 age group. Senior Captain Caroline Weaver said, “We had a lot of fun as a team and really encouraged each other to do our best. In all of my years on the team, I think this was one of the best meets we have had as a team.” Several Green Mountain Aquatics swimmers qualified to attend the next level of championship meets including the Speedo Championship Meet being held at Harvard University on March 12th-15th and the NCSA Junior National Meet held at the Orlando YMCA on March 18th-21st.
Green Mountain Aquatics, with locations in Colchester, Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire, strives to provide every swimmer with the best competitive program in New England for technique, training, commitment, development and personal excellence. For additional information, visit: www. gmaswim.com
Saturday, February 14, 2009
VERMONT SWIMMERS RISE TO THE TOP AT THE NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colchester, VT – Over 600 swimmers from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island competed at the New England 12 and Under Age Group Championship Swim Meet held at the newly opened Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction, Vermont. The meet was held from February 18th-22nd in the state-of-the-art facility. The Green Mountain Aquatics Swim Team was the highest placing Vermont team in the meet. This year, the team placed 19th overall out of the over 100 teams in New England Swimming. Several athletes from Green Mountain Aquatics had top ten performances. They were William Bodykevich (12) from South Burlington in the 50 yard Breaststroke, 100 yard Breaststroke and 200 yard Breaststroke; Rachael Bradford-Feldman (11) from Essex Junction in the 50 yard Butterfly, 400 yard Individual Medley, 100 yard Backstroke, 200 yard Individual Medley, 500 yard Freestyle, 50 yard Backstroke, 200 yard Breaststroke and 100 yard Individual Medley; Hadley Clark (12) from Grand Isle in the 1650 yard Freestyle; and Colin O’Brien (10) of South Burlington in the 100 yard Freestyle; “Our athletes showed tremendous team spirit and sportsmanship throughout the meet. We saw them bond with other swimmers from around the New England Swimming community while they raced their best for the season” said Green Mountain Aquatics Head Coach, Laura Matuszak. The meet marked the end of the short course swimming season for these athletes and allowed the young swimmers to experience championship competition as they develop within the sport. Green Mountain Aquatics, with locations in Colchester, Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire, strives to provide every swimmer with the best competitive program in New England for technique, training, commitment, development and personal excellence. For additional information, visit: www.gmaswim.com
