Phil

ALONSO ESCOBEDO WINS HIGH POINT AT ARIZONA

Dec 102010

Eleven TNT swimmers traveled to Chandler, Arizona for the Holiday Festival during the first weekend of December. The mid-70 degree weather resulted in a vast majority of our swimmers earning second swims during the weekend. These top performances were led by 10-year old Alonso Escobedo who trains in Hanford with Coach Rhonda Shaw. Alonso became the sole high-point recipient for TNT as he accumulated the third highest number of points among all 10-under boys at the meet. Alonso earned second swims in all ten events he entered. He swam away with four 2^nd place finishes (500 free, 50 breast, 100 IM & 200 IM), two 3^rd place finishes (200 free [2:20.70] & 100 back [1:16.40]), a 4^th place finish (100 fly 1:15.95), a 5^th place finish (50 back 35.34), an 8^th place finish (50 fly 33.64) and a 9^th place finish (50 free 30.87). Additionally, Alonso set four team records among his ten events. His time of 6:10.63 in the 500 freestyle was four seconds under Jonathan Granadas 6:14.61 that he swam at Junior Olympics in February of 2009, and Alonsos time currently ranks 266^th among all 10-year old boys in the nation. The second record came in the 50 breaststroke where Alonsos 37.55 is 168^th in the nation and was faster than his own previous record of 38.25 that he had set two month earlier. His 100 IM time of 1:12.80 also broke Jonathan Granadas previous record from Far Westerns of 1:13.13, and Alonsos time currently ranks 260^th nationally. Finally his 2:36.40 in the 200 IM ranks 253^rd nationally and broke Jonathan Granadas Far Western time of 2:37.21.

Final performances were additionally led by Khloe McCarthy who also swam to top-10 finishes in all 10 events that she had entered. Her highest finish was 3^rd place in the 200 back (2:23.03), followed by three 6^th place finishes in the 400 IM (4:59.26), 500 free (5:36.10) and 200 IM (2:45.49). Her 7^th place finishes included the 1000 free (11:38.34) and 200 breast (2:39.89) events. Khloe went on to finish 8^th in the 100 back (1:08.66) and 10^th in each the 200 free (2:09.63), 50 breast (35.98) and 50 back (33.01) events. Khloe was the only other swimmer to set team records, and she did so in two events. Her 11:38.34 in the 1000 freestyle is 245^th fastest time in the nation for all 12-year old girls and was faster than her own previous record of 11:51.10 that she set at the Selma meet in late September. Khloes 4:59.26 in the 400 IM is currently the 230^th fastest nationally among all 12-year old girls and regained the team record in the event swimming under Mallory Korenwinders 5:05.22 set during the recent San Luis Obispo meet. In addition to finals in all event and two team records, Khloe achieved three Terrapin cuts and one 13-14 Far Western time standard while at the meet.

Fourteen year old Bre Abell training in Selma with Coach Pat Ota maintained the next largest number of finals, swimming to a 4^th place finish in the 50 fly (28.25) and a pair of 9^th place finishes, one in the 50 back (30.92) and the other in the 50 free (26.14). Three of our swimmers doubled up their finals, and they included our birthday boy of the meet (sweet 16), Alex Hansen, who finished 6^th in the 400 IM (4:36.57) and 11^th in the 100 breast (1:08.60), along with Cody Nash of Selma who finished 14^th in both the 100 breast (1:08.55, preliminary time) and 14^th in the 50 breast (31.67). Thirteen year old Chris Hansen chose to compete in the senior meet despite his young age, and nevertheless swam to an 16^th place finish in the 100 breast (1:11.20 prelim). Emily Lehrman of Selma succeeded in a top 16 finish swimming to 11^th in the 1650 (21:01.49) on the final day, while 10-year old Madison McCarthy finished 10^th in the 100 back (1:21.46).

Fourteen year old Taylor Shaw of Hanford swam made her first Terrapin cut in the 200 breaststroke event and improved both the 100 breast and 1650 freestyle events. Thirteen year olds Katelyn Herrera and Owen Ansel each improved three events at the meet.

GRISSOM & KORENWINDER SET TEAM RECORDS AT SAN LUIS OBISPO

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Nov 242010

Twenty-eight TNT swimmers along with master swimmer David Jacobs traveled to San Luis Obispo to compete at the 2010 Gobble Classic during the third weekend of November. While swimming his last meet as a 12-year old, Kyle Grissom closes the age group impressively breaking three team records. His time of 33.25 in the 50 breaststroke was over a second faster than Micah Storeys 34.41 that was swam in Visalia back in 1989. Micah later went on the Junior Nationals in the breaststroke. Kyles time of 34.41 is currently ranked 294^th of all 12 year old boys in the nation. His next record was in the 50 freestyle where his 25.51 shaved under Jason Ricablancas, who now coaches Kyle, previous record of 25.68 that he had set at AAs in Cerritos in 1994. Kyles new record currently ranks 339^th in the nation. Finally, Kyle swam 26.67 in the 50 butterfly event which was nearly a second faster than his own previous record of 27.30 in the event. Currently Kyle holds the top 8 fifty butterfly times on the team for any 12 year old boy. His time of 26.27 currently ranks 52^nd in the nation.

Mallory Korenwinder had the only other record-breaking performance on the team where her 5:05.22 in the 400 IM slipped under the recently set record of 5:05.63 by Khloe McCarthy who had set it only three weeks earlier in Arroyo Grande. Mallorys time is currently the 385^th fastest time for all 12 year old girls in the nation.

Twelve of our 28 age group swimmers were event champions at the meet for their respective divisions. First place performances were led by Kyle Grissom who remained uncontested, winning all 8 events that he entered at the meet (50 breast, 100 fly-1:02.78, 50 back-30.36, 100 IM-1:05.07, 50 free, 100 breast-1:15.70, 50 fly & 100 back-1:05.90). Brother and sister duo of Dax Korenwinder and Mallory Korenwinder each went home with five wins each: Dax age 10 (200 free-2:28.95, 50 breast-38.33, 100 fly-1:18.72, 200 IM-2:43.79 & 100 breast-1:23.68) and Mallory age 12 (200 free-2:11.44, 50 breast-34.69, 100 fly-1:06.46, 100 free-1:00.15 & 50 free-27.69).

Nine year old Janessa Bringe (100 fly-1:45.00, 50 back-43.67, 100 free-1:19.26 & 200 IM-3:12.13) along with Ten year old Preston Niayesh (100 fly-1:30.92, 100 IM-1:17.50, 50 free-30.53 & 50 fly-34.61) maintained the next highest number of wins with four each. Brother and sister Jacye Ford and Skylar Ford each swam to 3 first place finishes: Jayce age 6 (25 back-26.39, 25 free-20.00 & 25 fly-23.85); Skylar age 8 (50 back-39.51, 100 IM-1:28.89 & 50 fly-37.97). Sisters Khloe McCarthy, age 12, (100 IM-1:11.29 & 100 breast-1:18.25) and Madison McCarthy, age 10, (200 free-2:40.30 & 100 fly-1:32.79), along with Priscilla Niayesh, age 8, (50 breast-48.35 & 100 breast-1:51.97) each won two events. Our two remaining event champions included James Koster, age 13, who won the 100 back (1:18.19) and Jakob Koorey, age 11, who won the 100 free (1:19.68).

BROWN, HANSEN & RHEA FINISH TOP-10 AT TERRAPINS

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Nov 172010

Five of our 14 TNT swimmers who competed at the Pacific Swimming Senior Meet over the second weekend of November earned second swims in the championship, consolation or bonus final heat. Our championship swims were led by Sam Hansen who finished in the top-10 championship heat for three events: 5^th in the 200 breaststroke (2:13.37), 7^th in the 1650 freestyle (16:46.20), and 9^th in the 500 freestyle (4:50.17). The only other top-5 finish came from Thomas Brown who finished 5^th in the 50 yard freestyle (21.77). Nathan Rhea was our other championship finalist, finishing 8^th in the 400 IM (4:12.48).

Swimmers earning additional second swims included Thomas Brown 100 free (21^st – 47.76); Wesley Coles 200 fly (16^th – 2:00.43), 100 fly (17^th 54.04), 500 free (26^th 4:57.95) & 100 breast (29^th 1:04.23); Sam Hansen 100 breast (19^th 1:01.40) & 200 IM (29^th 2:03.11); Colin Landweer 50 free (22^nd 22.49), 200 free (25^th 1:48.79) & 200 IM (30^th 2:03.20) and Nathan Rhea 200 IM (13^th 1:59.73), 500 free (16^th 4:55.14), 200 breast (21^st 2:13.81), 200 fly (22^nd 2:02.50) & 100 breast (22^nd 1:02.96).

Two team records were set at the meet, each by the same swimmer. Fifteen year old Nathan Rhea broke the team record in both the 200 and 400 IM events. Nathans first event of the meet was the 400 IM where he swam to a 4:12.48, breaking Jared Hoppers record of 4:16.38 that was set at the Winter Invitational in December of 2004. Nathans time is currently the 84^th fastest time in the nation for all 15 year old boys. His second record came in the 200 IM where his time of 1:59.73 was fast enough to edge out Jared Hoppers 2:00.86 that was also set at the Winter Invite meet in 2004. Nathans sub 2-minute 200 IM time is now the 194^th fastest on record in the nation for all 15 year old males.

Emily Goodbar, training in Selma, qualified and attended the meet where she had improved all 3 events she had entered. Alex Hansen swam away with the largest improvement in a 200 yard or shorter event with over 13 seconds improved in the 200 breaststroke, and improved 3 of his 4 events. Mallory Koenwinder made her second appearance, now at age 12, and improved 2 of 4 events. Tenney Rizzo attended the meet for her first time and also improved 2 of 3 events, while Christopher Nolan swam a lifetime best in the 100 butterfly event along with Allison Ross who improved her 200 breaststroke event. Also attending the meet were Hannah Giles, Cori Hoover and Katelyn Herrera (who recorded her first 1000 yard freestyle time).

KHLOE MCCARTHY BREAKS 400 I.M. TEAM RECORD

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Nov 022010

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The great weather at the coast during the Halloween weekend contributed to performances that resulted in a small group of 23 swimmers placing 3^rd at the PUMA Breast Cancer Awareness Meet held in Arroyo Grande. One major highlight of the meet was the 400 IM performance of 12-year old Khloe McCarthy who swam a time of 5:05.63 that broke the 11-12 girls team record in that event. The previous record of 5:06.10 was set by Joclyn Ford at Vacaville during October 8 years ago in 2002 when TNT traveled to Vacaville with it 11-12 age group of swimmers (Joclyn Ford, Samantha Goates, Katherine Biehle, Jordan Morillo and Megan Eppler) with each competing in the 400 IM the year the event became nationally recognized for the 11-12 age group. Khloes time of 5:05.63 is currently the 338^th fastest time in the nation for all 12-year old girls.

Not only did Khloe break the team record in the 400 IM, she also became the event champion in three of the six events she swam, thereby contributing greatly to the overall team place of 3^rd. Khoe swam to 1^st place finishes in the 200 free (2:10.97), 100 back (1:11.35) and the 100 breaststroke (1:18.99). Kyle Grissom led the team in first place finishes, swimming totally uncontested, winning all 9 of 9 events entered for the 11-12 boys age group: 100 IM (1:06.70), 50 back (30.70), 50 breast (35.35), 100 fly (1:05.27), 100 free (59.01), 100 back (1:09.21), 100 breast (1:17.49), 50 fly (27.96) and 50 free (26.54). A Niayesh duo of 9-year old Preston Niayesh and 8-year old Priscilla Niayesh each took home 8 first place finishes, while 7-year old Peyton Cost swam away of 5 wins of the 9 events he had entered. Other event champions included Fayyaz Ahamed (age 11: 100 free & 100 back), Owen Ansel (age 13: 200 IM & 100 breast), Janessa Bringe (age 9: 200 free), Parker Giles (age 11: 50 fly), Thys Jacobi (age 10: 50 breast & 100 breast), Micah Ruiz (age 11: 100 free & 50 fly), and Brann Santos (age 9: 100 fly).

The overall team improvement percentage was 45% with Haroon Ahamed, Madelyn Ansel, Khloe McCarthy and Julia Ruiz all improving all events they had swam that was 50 yards and longer and previously recorded on the team. Those improving 50% or more of their times included: Peyton Costa (75%), Athena Niayesh (75%), Anthony Tellechea (67%), Owen Ansel (63%), Micah Ruiz (63%), Hazim Ahamed (60%), Jenessa Bringe (50%), and Preston Niayesh (50%).

CHRIS NOLAN & COLIN LANDWEER TAKE TOP HIGH POINT IN MERCED

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Oct 262010

A total of 11 TNT swimmers earned one of three high point awards within their division during the Merced Halloween meet during the initially rainy 4^th Saturday of October. Two of our swimmers took home the first place high point awards. Fourteen year old Christopher Nolan outscored all 13-14 year old boys, while 15-year old Colin Landweer took home the honors for the 15-16 division. Nine additional swimmers earned the second or third place high point:

7-8 girls Priscilla Niayesh 2^nd place

9-10 boys Alonso Escobedo 2^nd place

13-14 girls Taylor Shaw 2^nd place

15-16 boys Wesley Coles & Nathan Rhea 2^nd place

17-18 boys Sam Hansen 2^nd place

9-10 boys Preston Niayesh 3^rd place

11-12 girls Mallory Korenwinder 3^rd place

17-18 boys Thomas Brown 3^rd place

Ten swimmers became event champions in one or more events while competing at Merced, and the group was led by Priscilla Niayesh and Christopher Nolan who each won three of four events entered.

The cooler weather may have contributed to our improvement rate of 34%; however, despite the weather two individuals maintained a perfect improvement percentage of 100%. Congratulations to Janessa Bringe and Reagan De Long for their ability to perform well despite adverse conditions. Ten additional swimmers were able to maintain an improvement percentage at or above 50%. These included: Alonso Escobedo (75%), Emily Goodbar (67%), Justin Warner (67%). The following swimmer all improved half of their events: Luke Dignan, Alex Hansen, Sam Hansen, Athena Niayesh, Kara Nino and Savanah Nolan.

ALONSO ESCOBEDO SETS 50 BREASTSTROKE TEAM RECORD

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Oct 162010

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In an event that will surely reflect a considerable number of changes in the next year due to the caliber of athlete in the 10-under boys division, Alonso Escobedo training in Hanford set the 50 yard breaststroke team record that was broken only two meets ago at the Hanford meet that was held in Visalia. The Hanford meet was the first opportunity for our swimmers to swim that event, and the Tulare meet was only the second opportunity this fall. After missing the record by a tenth of a second, Alonsos 38.25 this time was over a half second under the record setting performance of 38.83 by Dax Korenwinder last month. The 50 yard breaststroke team record had been one of the longest standing records on the team prior to last month. Alonsos 38.25 currently ranks as the 182^nd fastest time swam by a 10-year old boy in the nation.

Although the Oktoberfest in Tulare was the second time the events were offered during the fall, our swimmers maintained a very respectable 53% improvement rate with 10 swimmers improving all events entered. Congratulations to all swimmers who maintained perfect improvement percentages:

Swimmer

Improved

Swam

Percent

An inter-squad meet taking place the day following the Oktoberfest provided an opportunity for our swimmers aged 12 & under to try events that were 200 yards in fly, back and breaststroke. Swimmers rising to that challenge and swimming 200 yard or longer events for their first time included: Janessa Bringe (age 10 swam 500 free), Allyson Duffy (age 12 swam 400 IM), Alonso Escobedo (age 10 swam 200 fly, 200 back & 200 breast), Parker Giles (age 11 swam 200 breast & 200 back), Dax Korenwinder (age 10 swam 200 breast), Makenna Mason (age 12 swam 200 breast & 200 back), Mia Newkirk (age 12 swam 400 IM) and Ivan Villalvazo (age 10 swam 200 breast & 200 back).

Even though the total number of events was fewer during the Sunday meet, our swimmers maintained an improvement percentage that surpassed the previous days meet. Twenty-four swimmers had previously recorded times in 50-yard races or longer, and these swimmers maintained an astounding 71% improvement rate. Nine of our swimmers maintained a perfect improvement performance:

Swimmer

Swam

Improved

Percent

An additional 12 swimmers improved 50% or more of their times. Those improving 75% of their swims included: Danielle Albright, Jakob Koorey, Khloe McCarthy and Taylor Shaw. Those improving 67% included: Owen Ansel, Sam Hansen & Mallory Korenwinder. Our final 5 who improved 50% of their times included: Toby Jones, Colin Landweer, Chris Nolan Nathan Rhea & Tenney Rizzo.

TWO RECORDS BROKEN BY SIX SWIMMERS AT SELMA MEET

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Oct 082010

Two age group team records were reestablished as a result of the Selma meet in October. Each of the two records were broken by three individuals each. The 11-12 girls 1000 freestyle team record was successfully defended by now 12-year old Khloe McCarthy. Khloe had set the record at 12:53.58 in November of last year as an 11-year old at the Yosemite meet. Now at age 12, she reset her record to 11:51.10 which is a qualifying time for this past years Far Western meet. Her time is currently the 255^th fastest time among all 12-year old girls in the nation. Two other 11-12 year old girls swam under Kholes pre-existing team record during the meet, and they included Mallory Korenwinder swimming a 12:04.63 (currently the 314^th fastest in the nation) and Allyson Duffy who swam a 12:07.68 (which is the 328^th fastest time in the nation among 12-year old girls).

Our other tri of swimmers who swam faster than the previous team record were the 10-under boys in the 100 breaststroke event. While only 9-years old, Preston Niayesh had set the 100 yard breaststroke record as 1:2617 at Far Westerns this past April. During the Selma meet Dax Korenwinder swam 4 seconds under the preexisting standard with his 1:22.21 which is currently the 134^th fastest time in the nation for all 10-year old boys. Still only 9-years old, Preston Niayesh nearly defended his records by swimming 1:22.93, and this time is currently the 25^th fastest time in America for all 9-year old boys. Ten-year-old Alonzo Escobedo training in Hanford was the third swimmer to swim under the preexisting record, and his time of 1:25.01 is currently the 221^st fastest time in the nation. These are back-to-back record breaking performances by Dax Korenwinder and Alonzo Escobedo who both swam faster than the team record in the 50 breaststroke at the previous Hanford meet.

Tule Nation Tritons scored 3,553 points which was approximately 1,500 points beyond the next placed team.

Twenty five of our 78 swimmers became champions in their events. Event categories were separated by the following ages: 6-under, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17-over. Congratulations to the following 25 event champions:

The team improvement percentage was a very respectable 65% with 23 of our 78 swimmers improving 100% of their times.

KORENWINDER & ESCOBEDO BREAK 22-YEAR OLD TEAM RECORD

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Sep 242010

Both Dax Korenwinder and Alonzo Escobedo training in Hanford swam head-to-head in the 50 yard breaststroke event at the first CCS short course meet hosted by Hanford and held at the El Diamante pool. Our two 10-year old boys placed first and second respectively in the event, and both swam faster than the pre-existing team record that was formerly held by Alex Simmons and set at the Fig Garden pool in 1988. Daxs 38.83 is currently the 301^st fastest time in the nation, while Alonzos 38.90 is currently the 314^th fastest time in the nation.

The top three point getters for each age division were awarded high point awards, and TNT swimmers accumulated 14 individual 1^st 2^nd or 3^rd place high points.

Thirty-one of our 80 swimmers were event champions. This extended event champion list included:

Eighty TNT swimmers competed at the Hanford meet, and of those 57 had pre-existing times recorded with the team. The teams overall improvement percentage was an excellent 68% with a total of 27 swimmers improving 100% of their times. Congratulations to:

PATRICK OTA NAMED SENIOR COACH OF THE YEAR & SHAUNA RHEA NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

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Sep 152010

Coach Patrick Ota who currently trains swimmers in the Selma program as well as coaches the Fresno Pacific college program has been voted 2010 Central California Swimming Senior Coach of the Year. In addition to being a successful senior swimmer himself, he now has helped a number of swimmers develop to the National and Olympic Trial levels of competition. This week, Pat is accompanying swimmers who he trains to USA Swimming Nationals meet held in Irvine, CA. Undoubtedly, once the Olympic Trial time standards are published, he will have qualifiers for the meet which will take place two years from now.

Shauna Rhea is one of several parents in Tulare who are instrumental in the operation of the program there. Along with other parents, she has taken on the responsibility of coordinating officiating efforts among our various groups. At the CCS level, Shauna has taken on the responsibility of Records Chair and is instrumental at ensuring that swimmers across Central California Swimming receive the recognition they deserve.

Congratulations to both Patrick and Shauna for the recognition that is so well deserved.

TWO FINAL IN FIRST WEEKEND OF AUGUST

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Sep 152010

Kohlton Norys competed at the USA Nationals along with the likes of Ryan Lochte, Jason Lezak, Nathan Adrian and Michael Phelps. Kohlton competed in one event on each of the last four days, and earned a second swim in each event. His highest place finish came in the 50 meter freestyle where he swam 22.93 in the morning preliminary heats and 22.83 during the finals heat to move from 15^th to 12^th overall.

100 back 55.79 prelim 17^th 55.91 finals 17^th

50 free 22.93 prelim 15^th 22.83 finals 12^th

100 free 49.84 prelim 12^th 49.88 finals 14^th

200 back 2:03.22 prelim 18^th 2:02.90 finals 18^th

In the meantime Tenney Rizzo competed at the Western Senior Zone meet in Clovis earning second swims there. Tenney opened her meet swimming a time of 1:11.02 in the preliminary heat of the 100 meter butterfly and improved to a 1:09.95 in the C-final for a 19^th place finish. Tenney also placed 31^st in a field of approximately 60 swimmers in the 50 meter freestyle with a time of 29.62 and 51^st in the 100 free with a time of 1:06.41.

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