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By SooToday Staff
SooToday.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Northern Storm attended the Dave Kensit Memorial meet at the Jeno Tihanyi Olympic Gold Pool at Laurentian University in Sudbury this past weekend.Eleven swimmers qualified for this Regional Division “A” Championship competition. Northern Storm swimmers had the opportunity to compete against the best swimmers in North Eastern Ontario.
Rising to the challenge, NSAC swimmers, under the steady guidance of coaches Nancy Day and Julie D’Agostino, captured first place in the small team division, bringing home the championship banner.
Trinity Neshawabin (10) led the group finishing first in every one of her races, earning her the high-point trophy in the girls’ 10 and under category. Neshawabin surpassed provincial time standards in many of her races, earning her a spot at the upcoming provincial championship meet.
Following closely in her wake was Tyler Smith (13), who surpassed the CLUB National cut-off time, securing him a place at the CLUB National Championship for his 200m Breaststroke. Smith swam to three 1st place finishes in the 100m & 200m breaststroke events, and the 200m IM; as well, he earned four 2nd place finishes and a third. Smith earned himself enough points to finish third overall in the boys’ 13-14 category. Smith swam in the senior boys’ finals in the evening, generating many valuable points for his team.
Craig Bovingdon (14) earned 1st place in the 50m backstroke, 2nd in the 100m backstroke, and 3rd in the 50m butterfly. Bovingdon finished in the top ten for all the events he swam this weekend, allowing him to compete in the finals, which earned many points for the Northern Storm team.
Mychael-Anne Francis (12) swam to a 2nd place finish in the 100m Freestyle, and a 3rd in the 50m Butterfly. Francis swam eight events this weekend and all were top eight finishes. Kaytie Sillanpaa (10) placed 4th in the 400m freestyle, and 5th in the 100m backstroke. Sillanpaa swam to four 6th place finishes as well, and all of her swims were top ten finishes.
Spencer Bordin (12) swam to 5th and 6th place finishes in the 50m & 200m breaststroke events, and all swims placed him in the top twelve. Christa Wright (12), earned 6th, 7th and 8th place finishes for her efforts in the 50m, 200m and 100m butterfly events, respectively. Sophie D’Agostino (16) swam to 6th and 7th place finishes in the 800m and 400m freestyle events, while Olivia Christie (17) earned a 6th place finish in the 200m breaststroke.
Sarah Wright (13) and Celine Gregoire (15) swam to many top twenty finishes. Both D’Agostino and Christie returned to the pool in the evening to compete in the senior’s finals, which contributed to Northern Storm team points. NSAC swimmer Kaleb Kee (13) earned himself a place at this regional championship, but due to injury was not able to swim. He joined his fellow swimmers on deck leading up to the meet to offer his support and encouragement.
The goal for the swimmers this weekend, according to head coach Nancy Day, was to swim using the skills and strength they have been developing all season leading up to this event. The first place team finish was just the icing on the cake.
Northern Storm is a young team, made up of strong and determined swimmers and coaches. Together they work and practice to reach their challenging goals. This weekend’s win is a perfect example of what strength and dedication can accomplish.
Northern Storm will compete again very soon at the NEOR #3 meet in Elliot Lake. Smith, Francis and Neshawabin have all qualified to swim at the provincial championship meet in Etobicoke later this month.
Smith will also represent Northern Storm at the CLUB Nationals in early April.
(Submitted to SooToday.com)
