Matchups matter. One of my favorite shows is "NFL Matchup" on ESPN. It is a very interesting preview show that breaks down the upcoming games every week looking at specific matchups at various positions and shows how those will likely influence the outcome of the game. In this case, matchups refers to a Wide Receiver versus a Cornerback, or an Offensive Tackle versus a Linebacker or Defensive End, and so on. I really enjoy the analysis and deep focus on how each individual performance matters. Most people watch a football game and see the totality of the game, and primarily watch only the players with or around the football. In the NFL Matchup show, they look at all of those places people don't normally focus. The analysis shows how a few key players in key matchups can change the outcome of the game.
That happens in swim meets, too! We have a tremendously talented and fast swim team. Sometimes we win the battle of matchups, sometimes we come out on the wrong end. Each individual event is its own battle, but the overall result of a meet comes down to winning individual races and team relays at different age levels. Sometimes you might beat one team (we beat Vienna Aquatic) and lose to another (we lost to Dowden Terrace) even though the one you beat defeated the one you lost to (VAC beat DT)... it seems crazy, but it all come down to the matchups.
This week, we won some matchups and lost some matchups. We had lots of swimmers win their matchups this week, led by our Swimmers of the Week.
Gabby Greszler had the Race of the Week with her 29.20 second time in the 13-14 Girls 50m Freestyle. She upset the top swimmer from Langley to the win that event from Lane 2, putting up her personal best time in the process. Not finished, Gabby also won the 50m Fly by 0.39 seconds and swam the Fly leg of the 13-14 Medley relay helping push them to a victory in 1:01.43, holding off a Langley team that set a team record in the event!
Andrew Baker had a banner day in the pool as well. Andrew was part of our only clean sweep of the day, finishing a close second in the 13-14 Boys Freestyle and pulled away from the field in the 50m Fly, stretching out to nearly a full second victory over Langley's two top swimmers with his time of 31.58 seconds. Andrew also chipped in with the Fly leg of the Medley Relay, helping win the closest relay race of the day as the Gator boys came from behind to finish in 59.19 seconds, a mere half second ahead of the Wildthings.
Great swimming Gabby and Andrew! Way to win those matchups! Congratulations to our Gator Swimmers of the Week!
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