Captain Dylan's Regional Report: Day 2

Dear GMA athletes, coaches, and families,

Its been another successful day of racing her at the UVAC pool.

First off, I would like to apologize for a misprint in yesterday’s blog. When describing my friend and car pool buddy, Lindsay McNall’s, 500 Free I accidentally referred to her as a 13-14 girl when in fact she is 15 years old. My bad Lindsay. However, undaunted by my mix-up, Lindsay had a one-of-a kind-day of racing today. She got 3 NEAG cut times in the 200 IM, 200 Fly, and the 100 free. That performance could only have been created by a 15 year old swimmer.

Emma Hartswick had a great day as well, posting all best times and dropping 5 seconds in her 100 breaststroke with a 1:19. When it comes to team spirit, Emma is the leader on GMA. She makes it her priority to ensure every member of the team feels like a part of the group, especially when it comes to the younger swimmers.

One of the day’s successful heats was the final heat of the Boy’s 11-12 100 IM. Ian Griffith (1:14), Kevin Hancock (1:14), and Chris Ubert (1:12) all dropped time and qualified for NEAGs. Its exciting to see athletes who challenge each other everyday in training to come to their championship meets and have fun and success racing fast with their teammates.

Two more athletes will be joining the GMA championship team next month at NEAGs for the first time as 15-19 guys. David Wood slashed 9 seconds off of his 200 IM personal best going a 2:09. Not 30 minutes after the conclusion of the race, he had already purchased his championship suit and was firmly objecting to shaving his legs…..yeah right David. I had the opportunity to be in the pool next to Brandon Philbrick when he went a smooth 51.3 in his 100 free. Brandon has had unmatched focus this year and has earned his time twice over. His religious dedication to 6 dolphin kicks and no-breath turns has paid off. We are all thrilled to have these two hard workers join us at MIT for another fast meet.

I wasn’t at the morning session but by the emptiness of the best-time-prize-bag, it must’ve been successful. Marie Collison swam the 25 fly at her first Regional Meet. She breathed every other stroke and did excellent streamline in her dive.

Check back tomorrow for more highlights!

Dylan