Gator Nation

Gator Nation

Monday, June 30, 2014

Saturday morning GIFs

Getting the team psyched up with the "I believe" cheer.


'
Sean takes the lead.

Sara warms-up to her own drummer.


James locked in a duel, in the pool.

Gator Artists At Work







Click the Link for the VW meet photos.

David Anderson's photos from Vienna Woods can be found here.

Gators Get Lost In Thicket of Vienna's Vienna Woods

As local country hit singer Mary Chapin Carpenter used to sing, "sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug."  The MVP Gators played the part of the bug on Saturday, losing 190-230 to Vienna Woods.  The Gators have fallen to 0-2 in the A meet season.
Parker, Andrei, and Clark -- ready for 
some World Cup soccer.  Or swimming.

The meet was close after freestyle, but the Gators led 49-41.  However, Vienna Woods, colorfully nicknamed "the Woods," won backstroke by 22 points and never looked, um, back.  MVP lost breaststroke 39-51 to put the meet out of reach.  A 48-42 win butterfly did not come close to cutting the deficit enough.
Coach Paul points out the pool.  That man
helps the swimmers in so many ways!

It was a moot point as the Gators won only four of the twelve relays.  Underscoring MVP's weird dichotomy in this meet is that both mixed age relays won, which shows that there were strong individual efforts, but not enough depth to overcome the waves of Woods winners and point-scorers.
Levitating above the water is a key
part of MVP A meet warm-ups.

MVP had two sweeps, as the 13-14 boys trio of Sean Jansen, Dom Heratsch, and Collin Sundsted took 1-2-3 in the 50 free.  The 11-12 boys then swept the 50 breaststroke, as Nick Dupuis touched first, Brian McNamara took second, and Parker Blondin came in third.  Of course, underscoring the kind of day it was for MVP, VW had four sweeps.
Three was enough for me, but there's
nothing cuter than 8 & under girls.

Gator heroes on the day were Tyler Dunn, at age 13 years old competing in the 15-18 boy's backstroke race and TJ Heck, at age 11 swimming the 15-18 boys breaststroke.
AFrac leads the team in cheers, and leads 
the team in funny face pictures on the blog.

The boys race of the week was swum by Brian McNamara, who won the 11-12 50 fly by just 0.03 seconds over his VW opponent.  Which capped a day of noteworthy close wins for the Gator boys, as Donovan Kovalsky won his two races by a combined 0.11 seconds (see related article), and Andrei Zaitsev won his backstroke battle by 0.24.  The girls races were not that close as they either won big or. . .didn't win.  Jessie Bricker's relatively comfortable 0.44 win in the 15-18 fly was the closest over a swimmer of the Woods as they used to write in the 15th Century British sports pages.
Tom swings into action.

There were an amazing seven Gator double winners -- swimmers who took first in both of her races.  Double Gator winners were Donovan Kovalsky (free and fly), Juliette Fore (free and breaststroke), Cassidy Bayer (free and fly), Nick Dupuis (free and breaststroke), Sean Jansen (free and breaststroke), Emily Makin (back and fly), and Cameron Morey (back and fly).
Joseph Ienzi, swimming frenzy.

Other Gator winners were Julianna Skopp-Cardillo (rhymes with "bopp-armadillo," not pronounced the silent Spanish double l, but that's just my pet peeve.  And her parent's pet peeve) in the free, Andrei Zaitsev (back), Sara Bertram (back), Taylor Makin (breaststroke), Kevin Adams-Mardi (breaststroke), Sheridan Phalen (fly), Jessie Bricker (fly), Charlie Ruppe (fly), and Brian McNamara (fly).
I know this is a Parker.  Fulghum or Blondin?
If only there were a couple of easy tells,
then this caption might be a little clearer.

(Reporter's Note: If you had told me MVP would finish first in 23 of the 40 individual events and still lost by 40 points, I would have said you were smoking something you found in the wild woods of Vienna.  Editor's Note: Hey -- this is a family publication.  Reporter: I didn't -- and don't -- condone it!)

Colby on the move.  Literally.

The twelve MVP second place finishers were Sheridan Phalen (free), Dom Heratsch (free), Kevin Adams-Mardi (free), Sara Bertram (free), Kenny Krogh (back), Taylor Makin (back), Parker Fulghum (back), Colby Webber (breaststroke), Brian McNamara (breaststroke), Lily Penn (breaststroke), Olivia Blondin (fly), and Liam Orr (fly).
Elle Cullo with an intense breaststroke.

Garnering 19 third place points were Jack Dupuis (free and breaststroke), Lily Palmerino (free), James Piland (free), Andrei Zaitsev (free), Collin Sundsted (free and back), Elaina Phalen (free), Jessie Bricker (free), Matt Makin (back), Olivia Blondin (back), Cyrus Adams-Mardi (back), Torie Bolger (back and breaststroke), Parker Blondin (breaststroke), Carl Questad (breaststroke), Parker Fulghum (breaststroke), Andrew Baker (fly), and Jessica Metter (fly).  

Liam's either doing the dead man's float,
or the butterfly.  I really don't know
all that much about swimming.

Next week, MVP hosts the first of three straight home A meets against the 1-1 Little Rocky Run Stingrays. That's the pool where the Gators broke out in an All-Star Relays eight years ago, capturing the attention of the entire NVSL, finishing tied for 13th in the entire 107 team league despite being down in Division Six.  It was a 150 point improvement from the season before.  Fond memories.
Cyrus, realizing he's going to Carolina
when he should be going to Duke!
Just kidding!  Ha! Ha!  Sort of.

Despite the dastardedly attack
by the water, Torie survived.  








Swimmers of the Week -- Juliette Fore and Donovan Kovalsky

This week's Gator Swimmers of the Week ( or "GSOTWs" as they are commonly referred to) are a pair of double winners -- Juliette Fore and Donovan Kovalsky.

Juliette won both the 9-10 girls 50 meter freestyle and breaststroke.  In both cases, the races were close at the 25 meter mark, and then Juliette blew away her Vienna Woods competitors at the turn to win rather handily.  Juliette took first in the free by 2.36 seconds and first in the breaststroke by 2.5 seconds.
Juliette swims to the fore!  (OK, I used
the same caption last week, but. . .it works!)

Donovan was the bright spot for the 8 & unders this week as he won two thrilling races.  First, he won 25 free by 0.05 seconds over his VW opponent.  Then he bugged another VW swimmer in the 25 fly, taking the race by a comparatively boring 0.06 seconds!  Two wins  by a combined 0.11 seconds -- very exciting racing!
Donovan won his two races
by a combined 0.11 seconds!

Congratulations to this week's GSOTWs.  Swimmers may only win once per season, and those honored are chosen solely at the discretion of the editor.  Complaints may be emailed to circularfile@gmail.com or tweeted to @idontcare.

Two More Team Records Fall

Nick Dupuis and Cassidy Bayer lowered their own team freestyle records on Saturday.

Nick has swum freestyle three times this season, and lowered the Gator record each time.  Nick shaved another 0.33 off his previous week's record, swimming a 29.10 freestyle.  It should also be noted that Nick owns all three boys freestyle records he is eligible for -- the 8 & under, 9-10, and 11-12 records.

Nick at morning.

Cassidy shaved 0.06 seconds off the girls 13-14 freestyle record, swimming the 50 in 26.90.  She had set the team record one year earlier at 26.96 in the second meet of the season.

Cassidy 'stylin her way to lowering
her MVP team freestyle record.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Gator Relays Rock and Roll in Ft. Hunt Sportsman's Meet

by David Reglob
B Meet Correspondent

Out of twelve events, MVP Gator relays garnered a staggering nine first place and two second place finishes on Wednesday at the Ft. Hunt Sportsmen's Relays.  Gator relays won an impressive four in a row to start the meet, and did not look back.

First Place Relays:

  • Mixed Age girls team of Bea Heratsch, Juliette Fore, Elaina Phalen, and Torie Bolger
  • Mixed Age boys team of Clark Bayer, John French, Dom Heratsch, and Cyrus Adams-Mardi
  • 8 & under girls free relay team of Caroline Baker, Delaney Adrian, Cassidy Crowther, and Jill Humphreys.
  • 8 & under boys free relay team of Jack Dupuis, Gavin Fore, Tyler Swartz, and Liam Koelsch.
  • 9-10/11-12 girl/boy backstroke team of Joseph Ienzi, Joe Humphreys, Olivia Heck, and Emily Atkinson.
  • 9-10/11-12 girl/boy fly relay team of Andrew Baker, Colby Webber, Olivia Blondin, Grace McGee.
  • 9-10/11-12 girl/boy free relay team of Andrei Zaitsev, Kenneth Krogh, Frances Webber, Elle Cullo.
  • Mixed Age Crescendo girl/boy free relay team of Emily Makin, Sheridan Phalen, Cameron Morey, and Kevin Adams-Mardi.
  • Off Age Medley girl/boy relay team of Isabella Van Damme, TJ Heck, Cole Snodgrass, and Ian Neal.
Second Place Relays:
  • 6 & under/13 & over girl/boy free relay team of Noah Webber, Charlotte Fischer, Emma Jones, and Austin Neal.
  • 8 & under girl/boy modified medley relay of Matthew Makin, Katya Zaitsev, Samantha Cowen, and Matthew Foley.
Congrats to all Gator swimmers who participated -- it was a very impressive performance!





Exciting Three-way Monday Night Meet Results in Fast Gator Swims

by David Reglob
B Meet Correspondent

After being jilted by long-time Monday night foe Stratford Rec, team reps Tonda and Jim Phalen had to scramble to fill the hole blown in the schedule.  They cleverly came up with a three-way meet featuring two of the smaller teams in the area -- Lorton Station and Hollin Hills against the largest area team (that's the Gators, for those readers not paying attention!).

Photo
A happy Gator awaits her turn
at Clerk of Course, of course!

The meet went off without a hitch, but the most important thing is that many Gators swam fast.  Huge chunks of time were ripped off previous personal bests by Jack Waid, Garo Partoyan, Noah Webber, Jack Alzona, Colin McGuinness, Peter Hannah, Eddie Muir, Jack Hills, Nora Hixson, Madeline Cullo , Ginny Grubbs, Sarah Petz, Josie Cowen, and Sarah Coggeshall in the 8 & under 25 meter freestyle.

Photo
Swimming is important, but it's not 
all of what Gator swim is about!

To see all the times, including improvements and, uh, not improvements, click on this link.

To see all of Dave Anderson's great photos from Monday night, click on this link!

Photo
Kids never whine "I'm bored" at swim team!

In the 50 meter free, there were significant improvements in times by Joseph Humphreys, Russell Dale, Antonio Marcucci, William Mochel, Colin Miller, Jacob Chidester, Abby Adams, Joseph Ienzi, Chris Kelly, Nicole Booth, Lauren Koelsch, Greta Hannam, Tess Moore, Noah Hannam, and Cole Snodgrass.

Photo
"Are you talking to me?  To me?" Robert DeNiro
has competition in the focused look competition.

In the 8 & under 25 meter backstroke, big chunks were taken off by Donovan Kovalsky, Matt Makin, Jackson Foerster, Liam Koelsch, Jack Alzona, Charlie Bruce, Garo Partoyan, Cassidy Crowther, Mikayla Gordon, Samantha Cowen, Kathryn Coggeshall, and Hudson Ward.
Photo
Swim serious, cool down delirious!

The 50 back saw big time big-time cuts by Hannah Leslie and Liam Orr.

The 8 & Under 25 breaststroke had more than half second time cuts by Lily Palmerino, Elizabeth Moorman, and Charlie Ruppe.  The 50 meter breaststroke had big time cuts by Cameron Mulla, Bea Heratsch, Lauren Koelsch, Kaitlyn Whalen, Greta Hannam, Tess Moore, and Paige Humphreys.
Photo
People who accuse coach Paul of running a Mickey
Mouse outfit have it backwards.  Or upside down.

Big cuts in the the 25 fly were garnered by Donovan Kovalsky, Mikayla Gordon and Elixabeth Moorman. Those who cut at least 0.50 seconds in the 50 fly were Jack Klopson, TJ Heck, Abigail Dittman, Liam Orr, and Noah Hannam.
Photo
Don't fear.  This is just Anna's expression on her turn.
She is NOT being attacked by an actual Gator.
(I know, it's kind of hard to tell!)

The beloved IM saw big cuts by Kenny Krogh, Colby Weber, Emily Makin, Juliette Fore, Grace McGee, Elle Cullo, Parker Blondin, Andrei Zaitsev, Andrew Baker, Joseph Ienzi, TJ Hack, Taylor Makin, Julianna Skopp-Cardillo, Olivia Blondin, Olivia Heck, Leigh Kovalsky, Greta Hannam, Kaitlyn Whalen, Frances Webber, Carl Questad, Noah Hannam, Parker Fulghum, Olivia Johansson, Cole Snodgrass, and Anna Capper.
Photo
Tyler not quite done with his swim.

Congrats to all who cut any time, but especially those named here who cut lots of time of their previous personal bests!
Photo
Nicole focused on the finish.

With three teams swimming, there were a LOT of heats, which means there were a lot of heat winners.  This is based off the results -- if you have different information (like a ribbon), I apologize, but I can only go off the official results.  Gator heat winners were:

Freestyle
Noah Webber, Caroline Baker, Samantha Cowen, Cassidy Crowther, Colby Webber, George Pacious, Russell Dale, Dylan Moore, Juliette Fore, Joseph Ienzi, Julianna Skopp-Cardillo, Cameron Morey, Parker Fulghum, Anna Fracasso, and Mollie Passacantando.  (Yes, Vampire Weekend, I care about an Oxford comma!)
Photo
Now there's a Gator with high self-esteem!

Backstroke
Donovan Kovalsky, Jackson Foerster, Lily Palmerino, Will Friedman, Colby Webber, Juliette Fore, Nick McBroom, Abigail Dittman, Emily Atkinson, Frances Webber, Liam Orr, and Molly Cabral.
Photo
Clerk of Course: apparently a more
violent workplace than you would think.

Breaststroke
Alexander North, Lily Palmerino, Will Friedman, Russell Dale, Cecilia Morales, Cameron Mulla, Joseph Ienzi, Bea Heratsch, Kaitlyn Whalen, Carl Questad, and Parker Fulghum.
Photo
Olivia figures "What the heck, with
a name like this I should swim fast!" 

Butterfly
Donovan Kovalsky, Mikayla Gordon, Elizabeth Moorman, Kenneth Krogh, Jack Klopson, Parker Blondin, Andrew Baker, Liam Orr, and Jessica Metter.
Photo
Jill is off to the races.

Individual Medley
Kenneth Krogh, Jack Klopson, Emily Makin, Parker Blondin, Andrew Baker, Taylor Makin, Julianna Skopp-Cardillo, Carl Questad, Emma Jones, Cyrsu Adams-Mardi, and Torie Bolger.
Photo
Tommy Kelly does his best impression
of Michael Phelps loosening up

Next Monday is the famed Green & White meet at MVP.  In a controversial move, Vegas bookies have established Green as a 6-5 favorite, while London sports books have White as a 7-5 favorite.  Gambling sharps from all over the country are chartering jets to lay bets in both locales as to cover their money and win either way.  A horse's head was found in one London bookie's bed, but since it was a chess piece from a particularly exciting match the night before, it was not considered to be quite as strong a statement as the scene from Godfather.  (Movie scene not suitable for young children or vegans.)  Although I always wanted to live as a degenerate gambler, I've unfortunately not got the time to jet to London to place bets.  (If you've read this far, I'm impressed!)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Dave Anderson's Photos from the Hollin Hills/Lorton Station Monday Night Meet



https://picasaweb.google.com/113910463653638795868/HollinHillsLortonStationMVPBMeet?authuser=0&feat=directlink

There are a lot of great shots on there.  If you cannot get the link to click thru, please just cut and paste.  Neither Google Plus nor Picasa are particularly user friendly.

If you are new parents to swim team, and you can't spot your child, scrolling through these photos will convince you to get swim caps with names on them next season!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

First GIFs of the Season!



Saturday's A Meet


Warm-ups for Time Trials

David Anderson's A Meet photos are posted here

Tons of great photos at the link -- unfortunately you have to copy and paste it:

https://plus.google.com/photos/113910463653638795868/albums/6027809606907754817?gpinv=AMIXal9WJumcb425GLp2B76CMZvE4Hj-YMEoP_brbyyh2NSSfJTYvvq-PVTosgJd3cAuwJYAE5CPsYfAb6vj6B5qHzuQUT1OA6e_RRC7JL-Q6sm6CKvrePI&cfem=1

Photo
A sweet moment for the Cappers.

Photo
Waiting for the meet -- Elle, Taylor,
Emily, Frances, and Colby

Photo
There's a million ways to interpret that look.

Photo
What the heck?

Photo
Anna swallows a lemon?

Photo
I can relate to that guy's confused look.

Andrei implores the swim gods.

Photo
A serious moment for Delaney Adrian

Photo
29.43 seconds later, Nick will touch
the wall with another team record.

Photo
Jack Dupuis in the first event of the new season.


Photo
Elizabeth Moorman gets into the 
pre-meet cheers at her first A meet!