Dear Parents and Swimmers,

In Holland, at the Michigan Age-Group Championships, our swimmers finished in second place to Club Wolverine. Our boys were first! On the first day of the meet, Avery Anderson and AJ Farner qualified for the National Meet and while it was too late to participate this year, they are qualified for the next national meet. Avery qualified in the 100 back, AJ in the 400 IM and the 1000 freestyle. Both of AJ’s times were new team records.

BBD was also honored by the coaches attending the meet. It was voted for the best overall team performance. How cool is that?

Our first places came from Charlie McCuiston (13-14 50 free,) the 9-10 girls’ 200 medley relay (Sumaiya Ahmed, Kate Stempien, Lila Solomon, Layla Woerner), the 9-10 boys’ medley relay (Grafton Anderson, Will Michael, John Ruud, Brody McCuiston), Sean Lu (13-14 200 breaststroke), AJ Farner (13-14 500 free), the 9-10 boys’ 200 free relay (John Ruud, Grafton Anderson, Beckham Leith, Brody McCuiston), the boys’ 13-14 free relay (Charlie McCuiston, AJ Farner, Quinn O’ Neill, Turner Worth).

What a terrific way to end the age-group season!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

In Greensboro, our swimmers distinguished themselves in so many ways. We finished 15th in the nation. Our boys were 11th and the girls were 28th. Swimmers come from YMCAs across the country. There were almost 200 teams in attendance. Only 27 teams figured in the combined score.

The highlights…..
…………The opening ceremonies were made even more special when one of our swimmers, Christian Bouchillon, offered a devotion and sang the national anthem.

…………At another finals evening session, another one of our very talented swimmers, Drew Collins sang the anthem.

………..Ethan Schwab was a national champion and re-broke his team record in the 200 breaststroke. Ethan also re-broke his team record in the 100 breaststroke in finishing second.

………..Madison Helmick re-broke her team record in the 1000 freestyle and finished thirteenth.

……….Angus MacDonald re-broke his team record in the 400 IM and finished 4th.

……….Samantha Clifford broke three team records: the 100 fly (55.36,) 200 free (1:49.63 and finished 9th,) and the 500 free (4:55.40 and finished 9th.)

………The boys broke three relay records. The 200 Medley Relay (Christian Bouchillon, Ethan Schwab, Charlie Bruce, Drew Collins (1:31.04, 4th place finish,) the 200 freestyle relay (Drew Collins, Ethan Schwab, Evan Tack, Charlie Bruce (1:23.36 15th place,) and the 400 medley relay (3:19.29, 3rd place finish.)

At both meets the coaches were impressed by our swimmers’ sportsmanship. They were always there to cheer and support their teammates. It is the benefit of being a YMCA program that values more than just fast swims.

See you at the banquet! We have so much to celebrate!

Kevin

P.S. More information on 9 and Up Banquet reservations and Spring Tune Up registration is coming soon! Stay tuned!