SOFLO’s Schwab Wins First International Gold Medal, Breaks Record at CCCAN Championships

June 29, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Nicholas Schwab won his first major gold medal Tuesday at the Central American and Caribbean Swimming (CCCAN) Championships in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Competing in his first major international meet for the Dominican Republic, Schwab, 20, won the 200-meter individual medley in a meet record and career-best time of 2:08.90.

Despite not being shaved or rested, Schwab bettered his previous best by 2.67 seconds.

The Miami-born Schwab grew up training at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex with six-time Olympic coach Michael Lohberg. He was a member of two state high school champion teams at Douglas (2006 and 2007) under Dana Holmquist. He is a two-time automatic All-American in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle events.

Schwab started his collegiate career a Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

As a freshman he held freestyle season bests of 22.95 for the 50-yard freestyle, 48.17 for the 100-yard freestyle, 1:44.23 for 200-yard freestyle and 4:45.89 for 500-yard freestyle.

Schwab also competed in the Sun Belt Conference Championships as a freshman in the 100-yard freestyle, 48.56, 200-yard freestyle, 1:44.23 and 500-yard freestyle, 4:46.89.

Schwab redshirted his sophomore year and transferred to Indiana University, where the 6-foot, 160-pound swimmer just completed his junior year.

Schwab represented IUCP-Indiana in May at the Charlotte UltraSwim.

Schwab owns his own company, Dynasty Athletic Wear, with fellow college student Davon Harding.

Schwab is one of two former Lohberg swimmers competing at the CCCAN Championships. Sharntelle McLean of Trinidad and Tobago, a two-time Olympian, has already won two bronze medals in sprint events.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK, Issue 41: Former Coral Springs Swimmer McLean Takes Bronze At CCCAN

June 28, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Two-time Olympian Sharntelle McLean, who trained at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex in past years, won two bronze medals for Trinidad and Tobago during the first two days of the Central American and Caribbean Swimming (CCCAN) Championships in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

McLean finished third in the 50-meter backstroke (31.34) on Monday and 50-meter butterfly (28.98) on Tuesday in the 18-and-over age group competition.

McLean was also sixth in the 100-meter freestyle in 1:00.70, also on Tuesday.

McLean, who qualified for the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics working with six-time Olympic coach Michael Lohberg, is among 35 Trinidad and Tobago swimmers competing in the six-day age group championships along with several other Central American and Caribbean teams.

SOFLO’s Sell Brothers Get Racing In Tallahassee

SOFLO brothers Tyler and Dylan Sell got in some racing at the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club Long Course Invitational in Tallahassee over the weekend.

Dylan Sell, 14, was fifth in boys 13-14 200-meter freestyle in 2:13.59 after finishing third in prelims in 2:12.48. He was also fourth in the 200-meter breaststroke in 3:00.21 after earning top seed in prelims in 2:54.17.

Tyler Sell, 19, was ninth in the 15-and-over 200-meter freestyle in 2:01.58 after placing tenth in prelims in 2:04.79. He

Tyler was seven in 400-meter freestyle in 4:23.73 after finishing second in prelims in 4:15.14

With only two swimmers, SOFLO finished 22^nd with 50 points.

Remaining Olympic Tickets On Sale Now

The U.S. Olympic Committee and CoSport announced the timeline for the U.S. launch of the sale of all remaining tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

CoSport started the second phase of sales at noon on Tuesday. The sale phase is “live” which means customers will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis for all tickets not sold during the first phase of sales.

Those interested in purchasing tickets must go to CoSport’s website, www.cosport.com.

A number of quality tickets still remain.

CoSport is also selling hospitality packages that include hotel rooms and Olympic tickets. Visa, an Olympic sponsor, is the only credit card that CoSport will accept.

Miscellaneous

SOFLO two-time Olympian Vlad Polyakov departed Tuesday for the July 16-31 14^th FINA World Aquatic Championships in Shanghai, China. Polyakov will stop off in Russia first to join his Kazakhstan federation and will then depart for China to acclimate. The swimming competition begins Sunday, July 24^th and ends Saturday, July 31^st. There will be heats, semifinals and finals….SOFLO’s Zain, Jaafar and Abbas Qali of Kuwait, and Hazem and Loai Tashkandi of Saudi  Arabia are preparing for the Gulf Aquatic Championships that begin July 25^th. At last year’s GCC meet, national record holder Loai Tashkandi became Saudia Arabia’s first triple gold medalist…SOFLO’s Alia Atkinson of Jamaica and Arlene Semeco of Venezuela are training for the Pan American Games this fall…..On Wednesday (June 29^th at 8 p.m.) Florida Swim Network’s Swimmer Joe will be with Texas coach Eddie Reese in the Coach’s Zone streaming live from Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop in downtown Austin. There will be a live chat room with several swimmers including Brendan Hansen. Florida Swim Network is in Texas to follow a handle of Florida athletes in the Texas Open Age Group Swim Meet at UT which gets under way on Friday and ends Sunday. For all coverage go to http://FloridaSwimNetwork.com.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

St. Thomas Aquinas Named Nation’s Top Athletic Program

June 27, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, which has several SOFLO athletes including Brandon Goldman, Javier Menchaca and Brianna Giordanella, was selected the nation’s top athletic program for the 2010-11 season by MaxPreps.

The Raiders were ranked No. 1 or near the top of the various national polls in four different sports.

The Raiders had enough depth and quality in other sports to earn St. Thomas Aquinas the Florida High School Activities Association All-Sports Trophy for the 17^th consecutive year.

St. Thomas Aquinas finished ahead of Orlando Dr. Phillips, Regis Jesuit of Aurora, Colo., Jesuit of Portland, Ore. and Punahou of Honolulu.

What set the Raiders apart was their recognition at the national level. The Raiders finished the year ranked No. 2 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Football Rankings and No. 1 by other polls.

The boys and girls soccer teams won state titles and the girls were ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Raiders also won the boys state track and field title and earned a No. 1 national ranking.

The Raiders also had strong seasons in other sports including swimming and diving with the girls finishing fifth at the state meet and the boys placing seventh.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Julien Pinon, Boys 11-12 Relay Break FGC Records In Timed Final Morning Session

June 26, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

A day after breaking his first Florida Gold Coast long course record at the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational, Julien Pinon of the South Florida Aquatic Club added another one.

Pinon, 12, broke another 25-year-old record in the 11-12 100-meter freestyle in a career-best 57.28 Sunday morning at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex.

The previous record was 57.89 set by Andrew Castro of the Fort Lauderdale Swim Team in 1986.

On Saturday, he broke the 25-year-old record in the 200-meter freestyle (2:04.14). It was his first two FGC long course records. He also owns the 200 freestyle short course record.

“I was aiming for almost all of the records especially the 200 freestyle,” said Pinon, who trains at the Academic Village Pool in Pembroke Pines.  “It feels great. I did something that hasn’t been accomplished in 25 years. I know I was tired after my race because I had to be helped out of the water.”

Pinon also won the 11-12 400-meter freestyle (4:28.63) and 50-meter butterfly (29.36), both career-best times, on Sunday morning.

Pinon was coming off his FGC All-Star 11-12 open water victory in Fort Myers.

“I am not in the best shape but I felt good in the meet today,” Pinon said. “Now I am kind of tired.

“I really, really, really wanted the 200 freestyle record. My old coach (Rob Emary) told me to go for it and I got it. I didn’t feel confident I would break the 100 record, I was so happy when I did. I felt good in the water.

“Now I am looking at Junior Olympics and really, really looking at zones. I only started swimming when I was 10. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the beginning of FGC records.”

SOFLO also broke a FGC record in the 11-12 200-meter medley relay. Juan Lucas, Tristan Celestin, Alfredo Mesa Jr. and Cristian Rossi shattered the record in 2:05.71. The previous record was 2:08.47 set in 1989 by Mission Bay.

Other SOFLO top winning performances:

Jessica Rodriguez, 12, 11-12 400-meter freestyle, 4:49.86, career-best, 4:55.72 previous best.

Allison Kopas, 12, 11-12 50-meter breaststroke, 37.46, career-best, 41.43 previous best.

Tristan Celestin, 12, 11-12 50-meter breaststroke, 33.85, career-best, 34.91 previous best.

Emily Kopas, 14, 13-14 50-meter breaststroke, 34.69, career-best, 34.70 previous best.

Samuel Quintero, 10, 100-meter freestyle, 1:12.36.

Tiffany Oliver, 18, 100-meter freestyle, 58.73.

10-and-under girls 200-meter medley relay, best time 2:39.79, Hannah Virgin, Delanie Perez, Jennifer Rodriguez, Vanessa Mesa.

10-and-under boys 200-meter medley relay, best time 2:42.07, Rafael Rodriguez, Gianni Savino, Samuel Quintero, Augusto Cohn.

11-12 girls 200-meter medley relay, 2:27.92, Jessica Rodriguez, Kelley Heron, Megan Schimansky, Isabella Pittinger.

Mother Nature was not kind to the four-day meet. The two timed final night sessions were washed out because of inclement weather on the final day of competition. No team scores or high point awards were awarded.

SUNDAY MORNING TIMED FINALS

GIRLS

400-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Jessica Rodriguez, SOFLO 4:49.86; SOFLO: 5. Allison Kopas 5:01.36, career-best, 6. Lilli Calero 5:06.76, career-best, 9. Stephanie Mlujeak 5:19.17, career-best, 10. Alani Carrasco 5:22.71, 14. Alisa Kislych 5:34.25, career-best,16. Natasha Testa 5:38.89, career-best, 17. Megan Schimansky 5:39.76, career-best, 18. Maya Hirian 5:40.80, career-best; 13-14, 1. Megan Moroney, SAS 4:31.48; SOFLO: 3. Emily Kopas 4:44.05, 4. Leonie Davies 4:47.91, 11. Jenna Diaz 5:06.02, 12. Lindsey Sauer 5:06.42, career-best, 19. Hannah Doyle 5:24.24; 15-and-over, 1. Ali Schulhofer, Davie Nadadores 4:27.67; SOFLO: 11. Brittany Williford 5:02.56, 17. Miranda Mila 5:38.65.

200-meter backstroke: 13-14, 1. Megan Moroney, SAS 2:29.14; SOFLO: 2. Emily Kopas 2:30.87, 3. Steph Campo 2:33.30, career-best, 10. Andrea Melendez, 2:44.68, career-best, 13. Tyla Martin 2:45.73, 26. Jenna Diaz 2:58.16; 15-and-over, 1. Karen Vilorio, Davie Nadadores 2:23.69; SOFLO: 13. Kristina Brennan 2:36.26, career-best, 21. Juliann Plasencia 2:44.93, career-best, 22. Natasha Payamps 2:46.12, career-best, 32. Victoria Sage 2:54.98, 34. Gabriella Fawaz 2:58.08.

50-meter breaststroke: 10-and-under, 1. Thea McKenna, SF 43.34; SOFLO:  2. Delanie Perez 43.34, career-best, 11. Amanda Kopas 49.22, career-best, 19. Julie Mason 52.48; 11-12, 1. Allison Kopas, SOFLO 37.46, career-best; SOFLO: 3. Kelley Heron 40.06, career-best, 5. Jessica Rodriguez 40.15, 9. Lilli Calero 42.30, career-best; 13-14, 1. Emily Kopas, SOFLO 34.69, career-best; SOFLO: 6. Audrey Mason 38.63, career-best, 15. Lindsey Sauer 43.30, 16. Maria Fernandez 43.34, 17. Rebecca Wilkerson 43.46, 24. Monica Rodriguez 45.47, 25. Leysha Caraballo 45.61, 27. Vivi Calero 47.25, 29. Jessie Cordero 47.88, 30. Cristian Villegas 47.89, 31. Hannah Doyle 50.58; 15-and-over, 1. Holli Pisarski, SAS 35.20; SOFLO: 5. Dania Banks 37.51, career-best, 6. Gina Gautieri 37.68, 14. Mia Fiorenzi 39.50, 18. Bianca Muniz 40.02, 21. Kristina Nork 42.51, 22. Kennedy Sanes 42.71.

50-meter butterfly: 10-and-under, 1. Emily Cordovi, Blue Marlins 34.35; SOFLO: 3. Delanie Perez 37.19, career-best, 4. Hannah Virgin 37.43, career-best, 9. Jennifer Rodriguez 40.35, career-best, 10. Delaney Biro 40.44, career-best, 16. Katherine DeBarros 42.87, career-best, 17. Ashley Tan 44.45, career-best; 11-12, 1. Cathleen Li, Bernal’s Gators 31.64; SOFLO: 2. Allison Kopas 31.73, career-best, 7. Catharine Cooper 34.56, career-best, 10. Isabella Pittinger 36.47, career-best.

200-meter butterfly: 13-14, 1. Julimar Avila, Bernal’s Gators 2:26.94; SOFLO: 3. Haley Wright 2:44.18, career-best, 4. Kylie Herman 2:47.79, career-best; 15-and-over, 1. Casey Francis, Pine Crest 2:26.95; SOFLO: 3. Courtney Marx 2:28.02.

100-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Shanna Bober, St. Andrew’s 1:13.22; SOFLO: 6. Hannah Virgin 1:15.11, career-best; 9. Jennifer Rodriguez 1:16.77, 10. Vanessa Mesa 1:16.98, career-best; 15. Delaney Biro 1:21.61, career-best, 16. Amanda Kopas 1:21.68, career-best, 17. Katherine DeBarros 1:21.70, career-best, 18. Ashley Tan 1:22.14, 33. Julie Mason 1:35.69; 11-12, 1. Jamie Flores, Pine Crest 1:04.14; SOFLO: 2. Catharine Cooper 1:04.26, career-best, 3. Jessica Rodriguez 1:05.83, career-best, 7. Kelley Heron 1:07.71, career-best, 9. Lilli Calero 1:08.35, career-best, 15. Natasha Testa 1:10.43, career-best, 16. Isabella Pittinger 1:11.22, career-best, 19. Charlene Forti 1:11.67, career-best, 25. Alani Carrasco 1:12.64, 26. Maya Hirian 1:13.48, career-best, 29. Alisa Kislych 1:13.68, career-best, 30. Stephanie Mlujeak 1:13.84, career-best, 35. Megan Schimansky 1:15.74, career-best, 37. Megan Damon 1:16.38, career-best; 13-14, 1. Caroline Nava, Pine Crest 59.80; SOFLO: 10. Andrea Melendez 1:05.17, 15. Kylie Herman 1:05.89, career-best, 16. Haley Wright 1:05.92, career-best, 18. Leonie Davies 1:06.22, 26. Audrey Mason 1:07.28, career-best; 30. Monica Rodriguez 1:07.66, career-best, 31. Carly Swanson 1:07.76, 32. Kelly Kealty 1:07.91, 34. Jenna Diaz 1:07.98, 40. Cristian Villegas 1:08.70, career-best, 42. Lindsey Sauer 1:08.73, career-best, 46. Veronica Postolski 1:09.30, career-best, 54. Leysha Caraballo 1:10.41, career-best, 59. Jessie Cordero 1:11.13, career-best, 61. Rebecca Wilkerson 1:12.47, career-best, 64. Hannah Doyle 1:13.42, career-best, 66. Johmi Vargas 1:14.75, 67. Adriana Cuevas 1:15.59, 68. Vivi Calero 1:16.25; 15-and-over, 1. Tiffany Oliver, SOFLO 58.73; SOFLO: 4. Caroline Kuczynski 1:00.24, 13. Emma Lincoln 1:02.31, 21. Anne Kuczynski 1:03.43, career-best, 26. Dania Banks 1:03.89, career-best, 27. Mia Fiorenzi 1:04.02, 29. Kristina Brennan 1:04.43, 37. Bianca Muniz 1:05.55, 43. Natasha Payamps 1:06.75, 53. Juliann Plasencia 1:07.64, 55. Victoria Sage 1:07.80, 60. Kennedy Sanes 1:08.91, career-best, 61. Brianna Giordanella 1:09.44, 64. Kristina Nork 1:10.56, 67. Gabriella Fawaz 1:11.30, 75. Bar Bogoslavsky 1:14.98.

200-meter medley relay: 10-and-under, 1. SOFLO “A” 2:39.79; 5. SOFLO “B” 2:49.49; 11-12, 1. SOFLO “A” 2:27.92; 3. SOFLO “B” 2:31.30; 13-14, 1. Bernal’s Gators “A” 2:13.36; 2. SOFLO “A” 2:26.64, 4. SOFLO “B” 2:33.20;  15-and-over, 1. Bernal’s Gators 2:05.78; 4. SOFLO “A” 2:14.47.    

BOYS

400-meter freestyle: 11-12, 1. Julien Pinon, SOFLO 4:28.63, career-best; SOFLO: 2. Alfredo Mesa Jr. 4:36.94, career-best, 5. Juan Lucas 4:46.01, career-best, 7. Carlos Rodriguez 4:51.49, career-best, 9. Ricardo Roche 4:54.77, career-best, 10. Kevin Porto 4:56.07, 11. Nicholas Perera 5:03.70, career-best, 14. Federico Maeso 5:11.83, 15. Mathew Menocal 5:13.67, career-best, 17. Rodrigo Rodriguez 5:15.76, 23. Jack Davies 5:24.92, career-best, 28. Andres Lares 5:40.18, career-best; 13-14, 1. Jordan Wheeler, TBAY 4:32.68; SOFLO: 3. Gustavo Valery 4:39.08, career-best, 6. Edward Kon 4:49.71, career-best, 9. Teddy Sandoval 4:51.37, career-best, 11. William Perry III 4:52.97, career-best, 12. Jordan Colon 4:53.77, 16. Bryce Pierce 4:56.63, career-best, 18. Ryan Capote 5:02.16, career-best, 21. Stefano Dioguardi 5:12.41; 15-and-over, 1. Harrison Haines, Bernal’s Gators 4:09.79; SOFLO:  3. Marco Hosfeld 4:16.45, 8. Hazem Tashkandi 4:26.83, 24. Kyle Desrosiers 4:38.57, career-best, 27. Matthew Gonzalez 4:43.91, career-best, 29. Tomas Kloosterman 4:45.55, career-best, 31. Javier Menchaca 4:49.28, career-best, 33. Jacob Walters 4:50.83, career-best.

200-meter backstroke: 13-14, 1. Matt Hrabchak, Bernal’s Gators 2:19.00; SOFLO: 2. Gustavo Valery 2:30.90, career-best, 3. August Charni 2:32.10, career-best, 8. David Stoddard 2:38.55, career-best, 14. Alexander Viloria 2:49.09, career-best; 15-and-over, 1. Fernando Santos, Davie Nadadores 2:04.15; SOFLO: 4. Brandon Goldman 2:12.48, career-best, 15. Marco Hosfeld 2:24.92, career-best, 28. Kyle Desrosiers 2:33.20, career-best.

50-meter breaststroke: 10-and-under, 1. Mauricio Payne, Bulado 44.43; SOFLO: 6. Gianni Savino 50.86, career-best; 11-12, 1. Tristan Celestin, SOFLO 33.85, career-best; SOFLO: 9. Cristian Rossi 40.11, 15. Guilherme Hada 43.21, career-best, 16. Ricardo Roche 43.65, career-best; 13-14, 1. Michael DeLuca, WRAT 35.14; SOFLO: 3. Diego Rodriguez 36.86, career-best, 5. William Perry III 37.28, career-best, 6. Jordan Colon 37.76, career-best, 12. Edward Kon 40.32, 14. Teddy Sandoval 40.53, 16. Bryce Pierce 41.31, 19. Andres Menchaca 44.01, 20. Stefano Dioguardi 45.95, 21. Ryan Capote 46.25; 15-and-over, 1. Genaro Prono, Davie Nadadores 29.93; SOFLO: 2. Alex Rodriguez 30.60, 3. Marc Rojas 31.67, 16. Joshua Cutter 35.42, career-best, 23. Jonathan Lubic 36.40, career-best, 27. Derek Maguire 37.99, career-best, 28. Roger Capote 38.21.

50-meter butterfly: 10-and-under, 1. Andrew Matejka 34.41, career-best; SOFLO: 2. Samuel Quintero 35.91, career-best, 4. Rafael Rodriguez 40.46, career-best, 5. Brandon Moran 41.11, career-best, 6. Max Cope 42.37, 7. Augusto Cohn 43.26; 11-12, 1. Julien Pinon, SOFLO 29.36, career-best; SOFLO: 5. Tristan Celestin 32.69, 6. Carlos Rodriguez 32.74, career-best, 8. Kevin Porto 33.36, career-best, 12. Cristian Rossi 33.94, career-best, 18. Nicholas Perera 35.34, 21. Federico Maeso 35.98, career-best, 23. Andres Lares 36.57, career-best, 27. Sebastian Vargas 37.81, career-best.

200-meter butterfly: 13-14, 1. Nico Medina, SF 2:17.84; SOFLO: 7. Andres Menchaca 2:47.28, career-best; 15-and-over, 1. Aaron Dsouza, Davie Nadadores 2:05.76; SOFLO: 10. Mauricio Hidalgo 2:17.81, career-best, 12. Mike Franco 2:19.23, career-best, 14. Javier Menchaca 2:22.61, 20. Jacob Walters 2:32.05, career-best, 22. Matthew Gonzalez 2:36.12, career-best, 23. Josh Coote 2:38.15, career-best.

100-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Samuel Quintero, SOFLO 1:12.36; SOFLO: 2. Rafael Rodriguez 1:13.50, career-best, 5. Brandon Moran 1:18.11, career-best, 7. Max Cope 1:18.76, career-best, 10. Augusto Cohn 1:19.46, COMETS: 23. Nicolas Rossi 1:29.70, career-best; 11-12, 1. Julien Pinon, SOFLO 57.28, FGC record and career-best; SOFLO: 3. Alfredo Mesa Jr. 1:02.02, career-best, 4. Cristian Rossi 1:02.51, career-best, 6. Juan Lucas 1:03.17, career-best, 8. Tristan Celestin 1:04.04, 13. Carlos Rodriguez 1:06.42, career-best, 22. Federico Maeso 1:08.81, career-best, 23. Matthew Menocal 1:09.53, career-best, 32. Nicholas Perera 1:10.44, career-best, 34. Rodrigo Rodriguez 1:11.90, 36. Sebastian Vargas 1:12.06, career-best, 44. Jack Davies 1:14.26, career-best; 13-14, 1. Nico Medina, SF 57.95; SOFLO: 9. August Charni 1:01.56, 13. David Stoddard 1:02.47, career-best, 14. Gustavo Valery 1:02.59, career-best, 16. William Perry III 1:02.82, career-best, 19. Teddy Sandoval 1:03.96, career-best, 22. Bryce Pierce 1:04.27, career-best, 26. Diego Rodriguez 1:04.83, 31. Jordan Colon 1:05.37, career-best, 32. Roger Capote 1:05.76, career-best, 36. Alexander Viloria 1:06.26, career-best, 39. Edward Kon 1:06.65, 52. Stefano Dioguardi 1:11.27, 57. Luiz Hosfeld 1:16.36; 15-and-over, 1. Aaron Dsouza, Davie Nadadores 52.70; SOFLO: 5. Abbas Qali 54.91, 6. Clayton Vojevodovas 54.93, 13. Anthony Fermin 55.85, 16. Robert O’Gorman 56.57, career-best, 18. Marco Hosfeld 56.85, 20. Marc Rojas 56.95 career-best, 47. Ben Fruitman 59.49, 54. Mauricio Hidalgo 1:00.08, 65. Mike Franco 1:00.90, 68. Joshua Cutter 1:01.41, career-best, 71. Matthew Gonzalez1:02.04, career-best, 74. Kyle Desrosiers 1:02.16, career-best, 77. Darryl Perez 1:02.43, 78. Jonathan Lubic 1:02.46, career-best, 79. Roger Capote 1:02.77, 89. Josh Coote 1:04.23, career-best, 91. Javier Menchaca 1:04.47, career-best, 93. Matias Sisnandez 1:05.06, career-best, 100. Derek Maguire 1:07.64, 104. Diego Sanguinetti 2:07.69.

200-meter medley relay: 10-and-under, 1. SOFLO “A” 2:42.07 (Rafael Rodriguez, Gianni Savino, Samuel Quintero, Augusto Cohn); 11-12, 1. SOFLO “A” 2:05.71 (Juan Lucas, Tristan Celestin, Alfredo Mesa Jr., Cristian Rossi), 3. SOFLO “B” 2:23.85 (Kevin Porto, Ricardo Roche, Nicholas Perera, Carlos Rodriguez); 13-14, 1. Bernal’s Gators 2:07.96, 2. SOFLO “A” 2:11.77 (Gustavo Valery, Diego Rodriguez, Andres Menchaca, William Perry III); 4. SOFLO “B” 2:26.72 (Edward Kon, Teddy Sandoval, Stefano Dioguardi, Ryan Capote); 15-and-over, 1. Bernal’s Gators “A” 1:53.12; 4. SOFLO “A” 2:01.45 (Mike Franco, Marc Rojas, Anthony Fermin, Darryl Perez), 8. SOFLO “B” 2:14.41 (Josh Coote, Roger Capote, Javier Menchaca, Jacob Walters).

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Julien Pinon Breaks 25-Year-Old Florida Gold Coast Record At CSSC Invitational

June 25, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Julien Pinon of the South Florida Aquatic Club added another Florida Gold Coast record to his impressive list of accomplishments.

Pinon, 12, coming off his Florida Gold Coast All-Star 11-12 open water victory in Fort Myers, broke a 25-year-old FGC record in the 11-12 200-meter freestyle during Saturday morning prelims at the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex.

Pinon won the event in a career-best 2:04.14. The previous record set in 1986 was 2:05.58. Pinon’s previous best was 2:06.19.

SOFLO teammates Alfredo Mesa Jr. (2:13.89), Juan Lucas (2:16.83), Cristian Rossi (2:18.30) and Carlos Rodriguez (2:19.09) also swam career-bests during the 200-meter freestyle prelims to make it into finals that were washed out for the second consecutive night because of bad weather.

Meet committee officials have adjusted Sunday’s event lineup.

The 400-meter freestyle events are 8 a.m. followed by Sunday morning’s prelims which will now be timed finals. The finals for Friday and Saturday will begin 4:30 p.m. Time trials will also be offered after Sunday’s finals session.

Also during Saturday morning prelims, Pinon swam a career-best 1:04.74 in the 11-12 100-meter butterfly. His previous best was 1:10.12.

Only one championship final race was held Saturday night before the bad weather moved in.

Delanie Perez, 10, won the 10-and-under 200-meter freestyle in 2:32.73 and posted back-to-back career-bests. She swam 2:32.86 in morning prelims to earn the top seed. Her previous best time was 2:43.59.

During morning prelims, Perez had two other career-best swims to earn top seed.

Perez swam 1:31.73 in the 10-and-under 100-meter breaststroke. Her previous best was 1:35.55.

Perez also swam a career-best 1:21.26 in the 10-and-under 100-meter butterfly. Her previous best was 1:28.85.

Other SOFLO swimmers morning highlights:

Samuel Quintero, 10, 2:32.47 in the 10-and-under 200-meter freestyle. His previous best was 2:35.97, top seed.

Samuel Quintero, 10, 1:36.11 in the 10-and-under 100-meter breaststroke, 1:37.17 previous best, top seed.

Samuel Quintero, 10, 1:20.21 in the 10-and-under 100-meter butterfly, 1:23.35 previous best, top seed.

Allison Kopas, 12, 35.23 in the 11-12 50-meter backstroke, 35.58 previous best, top seed.

Allison Kopas, 12, 1:12.39 in the 11-12 100-meter butterfly, 1:14.52 previous best, top seed.

Gustavo Valery, 13, 32.75 in the 13-14 50-meter backstroke, previous best 32.92, top seed.

Jessica Rodriguez, 12, 1:24.96 in the 11-12 100-meter breaststroke, 1:26.88 previous best.

SATURDAY FINAL RESULTS

GIRLS

200-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Delanie Perez, SOFLO 2:32.73; SOFLO: 5. Jennifer Rodriguez 2:40.12, 10. Vanessa Mesa 2:53.64, 11. Delaney Biro 2:54.07, 12. Amanda Kopas 2:55.68, 13. Katherine DeBarros 2:57.57.

IF YOU GO

What: Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational

When: Sunday

Schedule: Sunday, 8 a.m. 400-meter freestyles, morning prelim races will be timed finals, 8:30 a.m., Saturday and Friday finals 4:30 p.m. followed by time trials.

Where: Coral Springs Aquatic Complex, 12441 Royal Palm Boulevard

Admission: $3 per session, $2 heat sheets per session. For information call 954-345-2121.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Eszter Bucz Wins Second National Title

June 25, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Eszter Bucz won her second national breaststroke title Saturday at the Hungarian Long Course Nationals in Debrecen, Hungary.

Bucz, who has been training with the South Florida Aquatic Club at its Pembroke Pines Academic Village pool, won the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:11.50.

“I’m really happy with this,” Bucz told SOFLO coach Chris Anderson. “My first 50 was better than my best time and then I died.”

Earlier in the week, Bucz, 20, won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:34.27, holding off Dorothy Biro, who finished in 2:34.78

On the opening day of nationals, Bucz warmed up by taking a bronze medal in the 50-meter breaststroke in a career-best 33.68.

For Bucz, two gold medals and one bronze was her biggest international medal haul in her young career.

Domestically, she is a Sun Belt Conference champion and school record holder at Florida Atlantic University, where she begins her junior season in the fall.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

Weather Washes Out Finals, Rescheduled For Sunday At Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational

June 24, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Swimmers, coaches and parents got the night off as weather wreaked havoc on the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex, site of the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational.

The four-day meet will resume, weather permitting, on Saturday morning with prelims followed by finals at 5:30 p.m.

Meet officials were able to get in all of Friday’s preliminary events.

The championship finals of Friday’s events were re-scheduled for Sunday after Sunday’s final events, according to host coach Bruno Darzi. Coral Springs Swim Club is hosting the annual event.

SOFLO swimmers earning top-seeded spots during Friday’s prelims were:

Jessica Rodriguez, 12, 11-12 200-meter individual medley, 2:40.55.

Julien Pinon, 12, 11-12 200-meter individual medley, 2:24.74, career-best and 50-meter freestyle, 26.52 career-best.

Delanie Perez, 10, 10-and-under 200-meter individual medley, 2:55.42, career-best.

Samuel Quintero, 10, 10-and-under 200-meter individual medley, 2:51.14, career-best and 100-meter backstroke, 1:21.26, career-best.

Caroline Kuczynski, 20, 15-and-over 50-meter butterfly, 28.43.

Abbas Qali, 18, 15-and-over 50-meter butterfly, 25.87.

Jordan Colon, 14, 13-14 200-meter breaststroke, 2:53.51, career-best.

Leo Andara, 24, 15-and-over 200-meter breaststroke, 2:22.82.

Catharine Cooper, 11, 11-12 50-meter freestyle, 29.76, career-best.

Tiffany Oliver, 18, 15-and-over 50-meter freestyle, 27.85

IF YOU GO

What: Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational

When: Saturday-Sunday.

Schedule: Saturday, prelims 8:30 a.m., finals 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, prelims 8:30 a.m., Sunday and Friday finals 4:30 p.m.

Where: Coral Springs Aquatic Complex, 12441 Royal Palm Boulevard.

Admission: $3 per session, $2 heat sheets per session. For information call 954-345-2121.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK, Issue 40: Phelps Foundation A Success In Fort Lauderdale; U.S. Olympic Swim Trials Tickets Go On Sale Saturday

June 24, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

The Broward County Boys & Girls Club in Fort Lauderdale and swimming superstar Michael Phelps have something in common.

The Michael Phelps Foundation announced the expansion of its signature IM program through Boys & Girls Clubs of America, now making it available to sixteen clubs across fourteen states this summer.

Fort Lauderdale was one of six cities where the pilot program was successfully launched in 2010.

The IM program was developed in partnership with KidsHealth.org and the Michael Phelps Swim School. It offers water safety lessons, recreational aquatic activities, health and wellness and goal-setting instruction.

The program is based on the same basic techniques and principles that Michael Phelps has implemented throughout his swimming career.

The Michael Phelps Foundation developed the IM program to promote the sport of swimming and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle especially among children.

It was designed in 2009 and launched in 2010. The IM program is named in recognition of Phelps’ signature event, the Individual Medley and as an abbreviation to the self-affirming “I am.”

It consists of five separate areas of focus: IM Bubbles, IMsafe, water safety instruction; IMfun, recreational aquatic activities; IMfast, structured and organized swimming; IM healthy, health and wellness; and IMsuccessful, goal-setting education.

Participants earn medals as they advance through the curriculum with the opportunity to earn eight medals upon completion of the entire program. Phelps won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I was first introduced to the sport of swimming through water safety,” Phelps said. “I hated to get my face wet so I began to learn how to swim on my back, but with proper instruction I learned to be comfortable and confident in the water. My passion for swimming grew with each visit to the pool.”

In addition to developing the IM program, the Michael Phelps Foundation provides each club with financial support to assist with overall program costs including staffing, training, supplies and equipment, pool access and maintenance, and administrative expenses as well as official IM posters, medals, member handbook and assorted prizes.

In addition to Fort Lauderdale, the program is also in Baltimore, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Toledo, Ohio, Portland, Maine, Bronx, N.Y., Hulburt, Fla., Knoxville, Pasco, Wash., Milford, Nacogdoches, Tex., Pryor, Okla., Taunton, Mass., Omaha and Little Rock.

Trials Tickets Go On Sale Saturday

Tickets to the 2012 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials go on sale at 12 noon a.m. on Saturday, one year out from the biggest U.S. swim meet of the quadrenium.

Tickets are available through any Ticketmaster outlet including Ticketmaster.com. Visa, an Olympic sponsor, is the only credit card USA Swimming is accepting.

Only all-session tickets for the June 25-July 2 at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb. will be available for purchase on Saturday.

Ticket prices are $525, $425 or $325 for the fifteen sessions, which include seven prelims and eight finals.

An added addition this year is 140 fans will enjoy the view of a lifetime through a limited number of 1,000 tickets, which each offer a seat directly on the pool deck.

More than 1,200 swimmers are expected to compete in Omaha including several from South Florida Aquatic Club including five-time Olympian Dara Torres, who has already qualified in he 50-meter freestyle, her signature event.

A record 160,000 people attended the 2008 trials in Omaha. Organizers expect ticket demand to be much higher for 2012. For more information, go to usaswimming.org/trials.

Subirats Suspended For One Year

Venezuelan swimmer Albert Subirats was suspended for one year for failing to notify FINA’s anti-doping authorities of his whereabouts three times within eighteen months.

Subirats has 21 days to appeal the decision by the sport’s international governing body.

Subirats won the 50-meter butterfly in a meet record at the world short course championships in Dubai last year.

If the suspension stands, Subirats will miss both next month’s world championships and Pan American Games later this year.

Runner’s Depot Hosts Ask The Expert Series On Saturday

Runner’s Depot in Davie will host its “Ask The Expert Series” on Saturday from 12 noon until 4 p.m.

The free informational session is offered each Saturday at one of the Runner’s Depot Stores. Medical professionals are invited for questions regarding running and general fitness injuries and prevention.

On Saturday, Dr. Jeffrey Berard, clinical director for the Spine & Sport Rehab Institute in Plantation will be the guest expert at the Runner’s Depot store in Davie, located at 2233 S. University Drive. Those interested are invited to stop by any time between noon and 4 p.m. to meet this week’s expert who is also a triathlete, marathon runner and cyclist. For more information call 954-474-4074.

Diving Nationals To Be Televised On NBC Sports

NBC Sports and Universal Sports will broadcast the 2011 AT&T National Diving Championships.

The broadcast will feature six hours of live television coverage of the championships which will be held Aug. 9-14 in Los Angeles.

Three hours of live coverage will air on both Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14.

Several local divers will compete including University of Miami alum Brittany Viola.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Eszter Bucz Wins First Hungarian National Breaststroke Title

June 23, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

Eszter Bucz, one of South Florida Aquatic Club’s newcomers, won her first national title Thursday at the Hungarian Long Course Nationals in Debrecen, Hungary.

Bucz, 20, won the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:34.

On the opening day of nationals on Wednesday, Bucz warmed up by taking a bronze medal in the 50-meter breaststroke in a career-best 33.68.

Also at the Hungarian Nationals, Olympian Laszlo Cseh won three events.

Cseh broke the Hungarian national record in the 100-meter butterfly in 51.98, fifth fastest time in the world this year. He broke his own record of 52.49 set in 2009.

Cseh also won the 200-meter freestyle in 1:50.36 and 50-meter backstroke in 26.12. He was also a member of the winning 400-meter freestyle relay.

At the 2008, Cseh was in Michael Phelps shadow winning three silver medals and hopes to break out of that shadow at next month’s world championships and 2012 London Olympics.

For Bucz, it was her biggest international victory of her young career. Domestically, she is a Sun Belt Conference champion and school record holder at Florida Atlantic University.

Bucz has been training with SOFLO at the Academic Village Pool in Pembroke Pines since completing her second year of collegiate swimming in Boca Raton. She is an NCAA Division 1 qualifier, Sun Belt Conference Swimmer of the Week several times over two seasons and holder of a 15-event win streak.

Bucz broke a 17-year-old record in the 200-yard individual medley previously held by former FAU swimmer and Olympian Noemi Lung,  coached by SOFLO’s six-time Olympic coach Michael Lohberg at Mission Bay. She also broke a 23-year school record in the 400 IM held by Laurence Bensimon.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

 http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO Opens Strong On Opening Day Of Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational

June 23, 2011

WRITTEN BY SHARON ROBB

The SOFLO girls ruled the pool on opening day of the Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational Thursday at the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex.

Emily Kopas, 14, won the 13-14 400-meter individual medley in 5 minutes, 17.28 seconds, more than four seconds ahead of Megan Moroney of St. Andrew’s Swimming.

Kopas, training for nationals, has six events remaining over the next three days. She admitted she didn’t have her legs because of heavy training.

“I just wanted to go into the race and do my best because right now I am not feeling that great,” Kopas said. “I hoped to do as well as I could.

“I swam the IM because I am trying to make another bonus cut for nationals. It’s great to open with a win. I always like to get best times so it’s a little disappointing but I am happy with it.

“My training has been going good. Bruno went to Rome and I got out of it and now I am back on track and ready to go.”

Also in the 13-14 400 IM, SOFLO’s Audrey Mason, 13, finished seventh in a career-best 5:41.65. Her previous best was 5:59.57.

SOFLO’s girls 15-and-over 400-meter freestyle relay won in 4:02.78 with Tiffany Oliver, back from Florida State for the summer; Jessie Alcaide, coming off the Santa Clara Invitational; two-time Olympian Alia Atkinson, coming off the Sette Colli meet and Courtney Marx. Bernal’s Gators was second in 4:04.97.

SOFLO’s Leonie Davies, 14, was second in the girls 13-14 800-meter freestyle in a career-best 9:46.50. Her previous best was 9:52.74. She was the top Florida Gold Coast finisher. Julimar Avila of Bernal’s Gators won in 9:30.73.

SOFLO teammate Hannah Doyle was sixth in a career-best 10:55.39, bettering her previous best time of 11:01.82.

The top SOFLO boys’ individual finisher was Jordan Colon, 14, third in the 400-meter individual medley in a career-best 5:29.45. His previous best time was 5:45.46.

SOFLO’s 13-14 boys 400-meter freestyle relay was second in 4:19.28 with William Perry III, Teddy Sandoval, Edward Kon and Gustavo Valery.

In the boys 13-14 1500-meter freestyle, Gustavo Valery, 13, was fourth in a career-best time of 18:42.52 bettering his previous time of 19:14.55.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

GIRLS

400-meter individual medley: 13-14, 1. Emily Kopas, SOFLO 5:17.28; SOFLO: 7. Audrey Mason 5:41.65; 15-and-over, 1. Katia Alyabyeva, Davie Nadadores 5:09.29; SOFLO: 22. Kristina Nork 5:52.92.

400-meter individual medley: 13-14, 1. Bernal Gators “A” 4:15.24 (Amanda Graf, Ava Meyer, Lexi Blickman, Julimar Avila); SOFLO: 4. “A” 4:44.83 (Leonie Davies, Andrea Melendez, Hannah Doyle, Vivi Calero); 15-and-over, 1. SOFLO “A” 4:02.78 (Tiffany Oliver, Jessie Alcaide, Alia Atkinson, Courtney Marx).

800-meter freestyle: 13-14, 1. Julimar Avila, Bernal’s gators 9:30.73; SOFLO: 2. Leonie Davies 9:46.50, 5. Andrea Melendez 10:42.48, 6. Hannah Doyle 10:55.39; 15-and-over, 1. Casey Francis, Pine Crest 9:15.56; SOFLO: 13. Brittany Williford 10:43.12, 16. Gabriella Fawaz 11:24.32. 

BOYS

400-meter individual medley: 13-14, 1. Jordan Wheeler, TBAY 5:01.92; SOFLO: 3. Jordan Colon 5:29.45, 5. Teddy Sandoval 5:40.04, 6. Edward Kon 5:42.66; 15-and-over, 1. Castro Robles, Davie Nadadores 4:31.00; SOFLO: 7. Marc Rojas 4:57.39, 15. Mike Franco 5:08.56, 16. Mauricio Hidalgo 5:09.68, 21. Tomas Kloosterman 5:21.04.

400-meter freestyle relay: 13-14, 1. Bernal’s Gators “A” 4:06.44 (Greg DeMatteo, Michael Xiao, Christopher Lee, Matt Hrabchak); SOFLO: 2. “A” (William Perry III, Teddy Sandoval, Edward Kon, Gustavo Valery); 15-and-over, 1. Bernal’s Gators “A” 3:39.60 (Hao Luong, Harrison Haines, Jack Blyzinskyj, Ed Angjeli).

1500-meter freestyle: 13-14, 1. Matt Hrabchak, Bernal’s Gators 16:59.54; SOFLO: 4. Gustavo Valery 18:42.52, 8. William Perry III 19:19.30; 15-and-over, 1. Harrison Haines, Bernal’s Gators 16:45.55;

IF YOU GO

What: Coral Springs Swim Club Invitational

When: Friday-Sunday.

Schedule: Friday, prelims 8:30 a.m., finals 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, prelims 8:30 a.m., finals 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, prelims 8:30 a.m., finals 4:30 p.m.

Where: Coral Springs Aquatic Complex, 12441 Royal Palm Boulevard.

Admission: $3 per session, $2 heat sheets per session. For information

call 954-345-2121.

 http://www.swim4soflo.com