NEWS
Eastern Zones, LCM 2008
Junior Nationals, LCM 2008
New Team Record (METERS):
Annie Zhu (13) 100 fly 1:06.57
EMPIRE GAMES
Maria Skeivys (15) 400 IM 5:27.72
Chris Doherty (15) 200 back 2:19.49
METRO JUNIOR OLYMPICS, LCM 2008
One more time the TWISTERS pulled the trick coming in second place overall, with the 11-12 in second and 13-14 in third place; and this is with only 3 "B" relays and only one boy in the 10 and under category. Mike Domagala (12) won the High point Trophy for the 11-12 boys and Annie Zhu (13) finished 3rd overall swimming only 5 events. TWISTERS on the podium: Gaby Almeida (10), 2nd in 400 free; Mike 1st in 50, 100 and 400 free, 50 and 100 back, 50 and 100 fly, and 200 IM, second in 400 IM; Richard Dong (12) second in 100 breast, third in 50 back; Brandon Koo (11), second in 50 free, 200 free and 200 back, third in 100 free; Angela Sun (13) third in 100 and 200 back and 200 fly; Thomas Wadolowski (14) second in 100 free; third in 200 free and 200 back; Annie Zhu (13) first in 50 free, 100 back, 200 breast and 200 IM, second in 200 free. Our strength was in relays with 6 wins: the boys 11-12 (Mike, Richard, Brandon and Arthur Uszynski) sweeping all four and the girls 13-14 (Annie, Angela, Yuria Haruki and Maggie Yeung) winning the 200 free and 400 Medley; boys 13-14 (Thomas, Ronald Georgescu, George Martinez, Benjamin Ching and Kevin Lin) second in 200 Medley and 400 free, third in 200 free and 400 Medley, girls 11-12 (Tabitha Barbosa, Alexandra Rubiano, Elizabeth Kim, Winona Yu and Brigitti Cruz) second in 200 Medley and third in 400 free and 400 Medley; and 10 and under girls (Gaby, Irene Park, Kayla Polanco and Tina Rodriguez) third in 400 free. (results) (individual scores) (age group scores) (overall)
New Team Record (METERS):
Michael Domagala (12) 100 free 1:00.04 (NRT), 50 back 31.13 (NRT), 100 back 1:07.53 (NRT), 50 fly 28.93(NRT), 100 fly 1:06.57(NRT), 200 IM 2:28.41 (NRT), 400 IM 5:26.51
Annie Zhu (13) 200 free 2:09.89, 100 back 1:06.71 (NRT)
Thomas Wadolowski (14) 100 free 57.68, 200 free 2:08.96
Ronald Georgescu (14) 100 fly 1:04.32
Martinez G. (14), Georgescu R.(14), Ching B.(13), Wadolowski T.(14), 400 free relay 4:06.25
SUPER SECTIONALS
Swimming outdoors did not affect our young squad at this year Summer Super Sectionals; if anything proved to be our best show thus far at this elite competition with Annie Zhu (13) repeat as the runner up for the best overall girl, a third place and medals for the girls 400 medley relay: Karina Hain (15), Annie, Angela Sun (13) and Sarah Bouzarouata (15); the 5th place in girls standings and 9th place overall in combine. Good to mention that all our relays, that is all our swimmers in the meet helped by scoring points: Agata Michalak (15), Yuria Haruki (14), Zuzanna Michalak (17), Victoria Ponzo (17), Maria Skeivys (15), Gabriel Yanez (17), Christopher Doherty (15), Thomas Wadolowski (14) and Phoon Sangtippawan (15). (results), (team scores), (individual scores)
New Team Record (METERS):
Annie Zhu (13) 100 back 1:06.92 (NRT)
Christopher Doherty (15) 100 back 1:04.39
LIE SUMMERFEST
With the older swimmers competing in Penn State, the Express Summerfest, was a good tune up for the next week JO's. The TWISTERS swam many personal best times winning 14 events, with 10 second and 8 third. Mike Domagala (12) lowered two of his team records, with a very fast NRT in 50 free. Twisters on the podium: Gaby Almeida (10), Larry Barbosa (15), Tabitha Barbosa (12), Ben Ching (13), Brigitti Cruz (12), Richard Dong (12), Elizabeth Kim (12), Sean Kim (13), Anna Lee (10), George Martinez (14), Neo Martinez (15), Jay Moon (12), Irene Park (9), Alex Rubiano (12) and Arthur Uszynski (11). (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Michael Domagala (12) 50 free 26.85 (NRT), 100 fly 1:07.83
2008 USA OLYMPIC TRIALS
This year the USA Olympic Trials lived up to the reputation as the hardest swimming meet in the country if not in the world, more nerve wreaking than the actual Games. The quality of swimming was outstanding with the World and American record books being rewritten, 13000 spectators packing the arena every night, lights show, fireworks and a green waterfall. The TWISTERS where represented at this elite meet by Annie Zhu who, at only 13 qualified for 3 events: 100 and 200 breaststroke and 200 IM. And although she did not make finals she got to share the warm up lane with Phelps, Piersol, Hoff, Torres, Coughlin, Soni and alike and for a week, an unforgettable taste of swimming heaven and a promise that next time around the outcome will be different. (results)
TWISTERS PLACED 5TH AT THE 2008 SENIOR METRO CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 16 INDIVIDUAL AND 3 RELAY TEAM RECORDS
Like the good wine the TWISTERS are becoming better as they age up. This year we placed 5th at the Senior Metropolitan Championship, the best standing ever after our strong showing at JO's for the past years. Annie won the High Point Trophy for the second year, winning the 200 breast, 200 IM and 50 free and carried the team for 19 new records. Making finals: Larry Barbosa (15) in 800 and 1500 free; Chris Doherty (15) in 100 back; George Martinez (14) in 1500 free; Agata Michalak in 100 back; Victoria Ponzo (17) in 800 and 1500 free; Phoon Sangtippawan (15) in 100 and 200 breast; Gabriel Yanez (17) in 200 fly. (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Michael Domagala (12) 100 back 1:09.22, 200 back 2:29.92
Annie Zhu (13) 400 free 4:35.09
George Martinez (14) 800 free 9:38.43, 1500 free 18:10.81
Thomas Wadolowski (14) 200 back 2:22.35
Victoria Ponzo (17) 200 free 2:16.21, 400 free 4:42.88, 800 free 9:35.11, 1500 free 18:24.10, 200 fly 2:32.49
Christopher Doherty (15) 100 back 1:05.18, 200 back, 2:20.53
Sangtippawan Chudchane (15) 100 Breast 1:11.81, 200 Breast 2:39.85
Yanez Gabriel (17) 100 fly 1:02.72
TWISTERS WIN 5TH ANNUAL REDTAILS INTERNATIONAL BY LANDSLIDE
In good tradition the TWISTERS won the meet for the 4th consecutive year even as the meet becomes stronger and without Annie in preparation for the Olympic Trials. We had multiple HPT winners with three sweeps in 10-under girls: Gabriela Almeida (10) first, Irene Park (9) second and Kayla Polanco (7) third; 13-14 boys: David Torres (14) first, Thomas Wadolowski (14) second and Ronald Georgescu (14) third; and 15-18 boys: Phoon Sangtippawan (15) first, Larry Barbosa (15) second and Christopher Doherty (15) third. In 15-18 girls Victoria Ponzo (17) finished first, in 13-14 girls Sarah Bouzarouata (14) won the HPT with Yuria Haruki (14) third; in 11-12 boys Michael Domagala (12) first and Brandon Koo (11) second and in 11-12 girls Tabitha Barbosa (12) finished runner up. Five TWISTERS broke individual team records along with the 13-14 boys 400 free relay. A special mention for Kayla who made her first summer Zone cut at 7 with a very fast 100 meters breast in 1:38.27. (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Kayla Polanco (7) 200 free 2:55.69
Andy Lee (6) 100 breast 1:57.71
Thomas Wadolowski (14) 200 back 2:24.27
Victoria Ponzo (17) 200 fly 2:33.24
Christopher Doherty (15) 100 back 1:05.91
Lin K. (13), Torres D. (14), Georgescu R. (14), Wadolowski T. (14) 400 Free Relay 4:07.80
1st ANNUAL OWA CUP
Forget about triple crown. If Big Brown fail to deliver, the TWISTERS smoked the Eisenhower pool, winning the First Annual OWA Cup. We had 16 different swimmers winning at least one race. Michael Domagala (12) had a clean 8 for 8 and Annie Zhu (13) 6 out of 6 events they enter. Multiple winners: Larry Barbosa (15), George Martinez (14), David Torres (14), Thomas Wadolowski (14), and Matt Zezula (10). Winning one apiece: Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Richard Dong (12), Karina Hain (14), Brandon Koo (12), Agata Michalak (15), Zuzanna Michalak (17), Kayla Polanco (7) winning the 10 and under 50 breaststroke, Alexandra Rubiano (12), Maria Skeivys (15). In total the TWISTERS finished first in 38 races, with 23 second and 19 third in individual events and was the team to beat in relays with 18 first, 5 second and 7 third out of 24 relay events. New Zone Qual times: Richard in 100 back and 50 breast, Karina 400 IM, Brandon 200 and 400 free, 100 back, George 200 back, Alex 100 back, Phoon 100 free and 200 IM, Maria 400 IM, Tommy 200 free, Matt 50 breast and 200 IM. (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Michael Domagala (12) 50 Back 31.97 (NRT), 100 Back 1:09.39, 30 Fly 30.08, 100 Fly 1:08.15, 400 IM 5:30.20
Karina Hain (14) 400 Free 4:56.83
Annie Zhu (13) 200 fly 2:28.21
Maria Skeivys (15) 400 IM 5:28.24
Larry Barbosa (15) 400 Free 4:36.40
Sangtippawan Chudchane (15) 100 Breast 1:12.92, 200 Breast 2:40.87
Richard Dong (12), Austin Pu (12), Brandon Koo (11), Michael Domagala (12) 200 FR 1:57.30 (NRT)
Christopher Doherty (15), Chudchane Sangtippawan (15), Gabriel Yanez (17), Larry Barbosa (15) 200 MR 2:00.03
Christopher Doherty (15), Chudchane Sangtippawan (15), Gabriel Yanez (17), Larry Barbosa (15) 400 MR 4:22.86
Larry Barbosa (15), Christopher Doherty (15), Gabriel Yanez (17), Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) 200 FR 1:48.49
2008 ESG TRIALS
A record 11 TWISTERS will represent New York City at this year Empire State Games: Larry Barbosa (15), Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Chris Doherty (15), Karina Hain (14), Agata Michalak (15), Zuzanna Michalak (17), Jin Park Woo (16), Phoon Sangtippawan (15), Maria Skeivys (15), Mariel Vanderlinden (15) and Gabriel Yanez (17). Seven more swimmers earned a spot in the team but will compete in the Summer JO instead: Benjamin Ching (13), Ronald Georgescu (14), George Martinez (14), David Torres (14), Annie Zhu (13) and Victoria Ponzo (17). Swimming mostly odd events, the TWISTERS lowered 14 team records, 5 of which are in the 1500 free!! by Tabitha Barbosa (12), Mike Domagala (12), George, Victoria and Larry.
New Team Record (METERS):
Tabitha Barbosa (12) 1500 free 20:05.31
Michael Domagala (12) 100 back 1:10.08, 1500 free 19:14.17
Karina Hain (14) 400 free 4:59.78
Yuria Haruki (14) 800 free 10:17.81
George Martinez (14) 1500 free 18:18.48
David Torres (14) 400 IM 5:03.65
Victoria Ponzo (17) 1500 free 18:30.84
Maria Skeivys (15) 400 IM 5:30.56
Larry Barbosa (15) 400 free 4:37.17, 800 free 9:27.86, 1500 free 18:00.47, 400 IM 5:02.56
Christopher Doherty (15) 200 back 2:24.86
Annie and coach Dragos Coca honored at 2008 Metropolitan OF dinner
The Twisters where recognized twice for the past year achievements at the 2008 Metropolitan swimming Hall of Fame dinner. First, Annie Zhu received a special Award for her 200 meters breastroke National Record (her fifth) and I received the 2007-2008 Metropolitan Swimming Age Group coach of the year . If Annie's award is a direct recognition of her talent and hard work, mine is actually an award for the whole club. Is an award for all our swimmers who responded to my training demands, winning the 2007 Summer Junior Olympics and breaking 10 Metropolitan relay records, for Coach Verny and Coach Jeff for preparing younger swimmers for the high level of competition, and for all our supporting parents. Thank you all (pics)
2008 LIAC spring kickoff
Swimming in the second meet of the season Annie Zhu (13) earned her third Olympic Trial Cut in the 200 IM Open race, touching in 2:19.86 which also lower her last week Metropolitan record for 13-14 girls. She lead the Twisters pack to 42 Zone cut swims in this meet by 17 swimmers, not too shabby after just one month of practice. New Summer Zone cuts: Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Ronald Georgescu (14), Yuria Haruki (14), Victoria Ponzo (17), Austin Pu (12), Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) and Angela Sun (13). The Twisters won 15 events with 9 second and 8 third place swims. (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Annie Zhu (13) 200 free 2:10.54, 200 back 2:26.66, 100 fly 1:06.75, 200 IM 2:19.86 (Metro)
David Torres (14) 200 IM 2:23.82
Thomas Wadolowski (14) 200 back 2:24.51
Victoria Ponzo (17) 200 free 2:16.50, 800 free 9:44.27, 100 fly 1:11.78, 200 fly 2:35.29
Sangtippawan Chudchane (15) 100 breast 1:13.74, 100 fly 1:03.43
Larry Barbosa (15) 800 free 9:32.23, 200 IM 2:23.07
Christopher Doherty (15) 200 back 2:25.02
2008 L.I.E. LCM MEET
The first meet of the season in Hofstra was a very good test for where we stand in training and where we go from here. We had some very good swims with many best times and 7 new team records, one Metro. Ten swimmers already qualified for the Summer Zones in 22 events: Michael Domagala (12), Richard Dong (12), Karina Hain (14), Brandon Koo (11), George Martinez (14), Agata Michalak (15), David Torres (14), Thomas Wadolowski (14), Mateusz Zezula (10) and Annie Zhu (12). We finish 19 times in first place, 11 times in second and third. Outstanding swims: Annie in 200 IM coming close to make her third OT cut; George at his first Zone cut in 200 fly, Mateusz (10) with a NRT in 50 free and Jasmine Bouzarouata (7) with 3 JO cuts. (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Annie Zhu (13) 200 back 2:26.95, 200 IM 2:20.65 (Metro)
David Torres (14) 200 IM 2:24.64
Victoria Ponzo (17) 200 fly 2:37.56
Sangtippawan Chudchane (15) 200 breast 2:42.39
Larry Barbosa (15) 200 IM 2:25.61
Christopher Doherty (15) 100 back 1:06.83
2008 SCY EASTERN ZONE CHAMPIONSHIP
With the help of 12 TWISTERS Metropolitan LSC won the combined title at this year Eastern Zone Championship. Scoring: Angela Sun (13), 2nd in 100 back and part of the 1st place 200 medley relay in Zone record, 2nd place 400 free relay with the best Metro split of 53.79, 2nd place 400 medley relay, 3rd place 200 free relay with a 24.98; Zuzanna Michalak (16) 3rd in 100 and 200 breast, 2nd as part of 200 and 400 medley relay; Yuria Haruki (14) 5th in 100 fly; Maria Skeivys (15) 5th in 400 IM; Michael Domagala (12) 8th in 200 IM, and part of the winning 400 free relay; Victoria Ponzo (17) 5th in 200 fly, 6th in 1000 free; Larry Barbosa (15) 6th in 200 fly, 8th in 1000 free; Karina Hain (14), 2nd in 200 back with her first sectional cut, 5th in 200 IM; Agata Michalak (14), 5th in 200 back; Gabriel Yanez (17) 5th in 200 fly. Sean Kim (12) just short of making finals in 200 back swam a PB by 3 seconds. Phoon Sangtippawan(15) finished 2nd in 200 breast with a personal best of 2:13.72 but was DQ with a questionable call.
New Team Record (YARDS):
Angela Sun (13) 100 back 58.51
Larry Barbosa (15) 1000 free 10:22.00, 1650 free 17:14.01
2008 SCY METRO JUNIOR OLYMPICS CHAMPIONSHIP
On the last team Championship of the season the Twisters use all their might for the three days of fierce competition at this year SCY Junior Olympics. We finish 3rd overall in combine team standings, one place higher than last year and the best place ever for the team in the short course format. The 13-14 Twisters proved to be the best in Metro winning the combine Age Group; Annie Zhu (13) finished first and Michael Domagala (12) third in HP. We had 14 individual and 6 relay swims in team record time with two new Metro records in 100 breast 13-14 by Annie and the 13-14 girls 200 medley relay by Angela Sun (13), Annie, Yuria Haruki (14) and Sarah Bouzarouata (14). Angela won the 100 back in her first cut time for the National Spring Junior meet and the 15-18 boys 400 medley relay of Chris Doherty (15), Phoon Sangtippawan (15), Gabriel Yanez (17) and Dexter Brierley (16) made first sectional cut for boys. In total we had 10 first, 6 second and 10 third place individual finishes by Mike, Richard Dong (12) Zuzanna Michalak (16), Alexandra Rubiano (12), Maria Skeivys (15), Angela, David Torres (13), and Annie; 4 first (sweep by 13-14 girls), 3 second and 2 third place in relays.
New Team Record (YARDS):
Michael Domagala (12) 50 free 24.95, 50 fly 27.20
Annie Zhu (13) 100 free 51.89 (NRT), 200 free 1:53.69, 500 free 4:57.87 (NRT), 200 back 2:05.43, 100 breast 1:02.87 (Metro), 100 fly 57.47, 200 fly 2:05.69 (NRT)
David Torres (13) 100 fly 56.17, 200 IM 2:05.51
Maria Skeivys (15) 200 free 2:03.46, 400 IM 4:45.00
Christopher Doherty (15) 200 back 2:01.80
Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Angela Sun (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Annie Zhu (13) 200 FR Girls 13-14, 1:41.14 (NRT)
Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Angela Sun (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Annie Zhu (13) 400 FR Girls 13-14, 3:40.52
Angela Sun (13), Annie Zhu (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Sarah Bouzarouata (14) 200 MR Girls 13-14, 1:49.55 (NRT, Metro)
Angela Sun (13), Annie Zhu (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Sarah Bouzarouata (14) 400 MR Girls 13-14, 3:58.78 (NRT)
Julia Wadolowska (16), Zuzanna Michalak (16), Susan Diaz (15), Kamara Lewis (15) 400 MR Girls 15-18 4:29.97
Christopher Doherty (15), Chudchane Sangtippawan (15), Gabriel Yanez (17), Dexter Brierley (16) 400 MR Boys 15-18, 3:45.79
12 TWISTERS EARN A SPOT FOR THE 2008 METRO ZONE TEAM
This year the Zone Qualifying meet marked another accomplishment for the team as 12 TWISTERS qualified to represent Metropolitan LSC at the 2008 SCY Zone Championship in Buffalo NY. This is by far the largest number of swimmers from our club to qualify in the spring when only two fastest swimmers for each event makes the Zone team. In fact the TWISTERS will represent almost 15% of the whole Metro team this year. Going to Buffalo: Michael Domagala(12), Sean Kim(12), Angela Sun(13), Karina Hain(14), Yuria Haruki(14), Agata Michalak(14), Maria Skeivys(15), Larry Barbosa(15), Chudchane Sangtippawan(15), Zuzanna Michalak(16), Victoria Ponzo(17) and Gabriel Yanez(17). We had some very fast swims with many personal best times and again 12 new team records.
New Team Record (YARDS):
Michael Domagala (12) 100 free 53.63, 50 back 27.97 (NRT), 100 back 59.91
Thomas Wadolowski (14) 50 free 23.15, 100 free 51.10
Maria Skeivys (15) 400 IM 4:47.86
Christopher Doherty (15) 200 back 2:02.52
Larry Barbosa (15) 200 IM 2:03.60, 400 IM 4:23.47
Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) 200 breast 2:14.80
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:09.15
Victoria Ponzo (17) 200 fly 2:13.63
LGAC RECOGNIZED WITH THE BRONZE MEDAL FOR THE NATIONAL CLUB EXCELLENCE
I am very pleased to let you know that our club has been awarded the 2008 bronze medal for U.S.A. National Excellence Club Program. It is a big accomplishment if we consider that only about 150 of more than 2500 swimming clubs in USA are recognized every year for this awards. This is an excellent result for all the hard work and skills proved by our swimmers and coaches with the invaluable support from the parents. Many of the top clubs recognized each year have between 300 and 1500 swimmers registered; We accomplished this with less than 150 swimmers and just 3 coaches which proves the continuous quality and dedication in this club. Congratulations
2008 8 AND UNDER METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIP
The youngest TWISTERS participated on this year Metropolitan 8 and under swimming championship under the guidance of coach Jeff Chen. Our girls continued the tradition by dominating the 7 year old girls category with Kayla Polanco in first place overall with 5 wins and one second place, followed closely by Jasmin Bouzarouata in second place overall with 4 individual wins and two second place finishes. The 7 year old girls had a clean sweep on relays with Kayla, Jasmin, Frederica Ionescu, Kalina Wroneka, Miriam Thom and Katarzyna Zezula. On the boys side Andy Lee (6) finished third overall with 1 first and 2 third individual swims. (results)
ONE OLYMPIC TRIAL CUT, TWO INDIVIDUAL AND TWO METRO RELAY RECORDS AT SPEEDO CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (03/06 - 09/2008)
Our up and coming, young but tough sectional squad had a very good showing at this year Spring Sectionals. Being a Olympic year the competition was held in a Long course meters format to allow for Olympic trial qualifying times. Annie did not let the occasion pass and added to her collection another qualifying time in the preliminaries of the 100 breaststroke event, with a 1:12.00 performance, more than 8 tenths under her previous time. She also swam the 200 breast under the OT cut coming second to the Junior National team member Laura Sogar in 2:34.59. For good measure she added a second place finish in 400 IM (first time under 5:00.00) and a bronze medal swim in 200 IM (0.9 seconds of the OT cut). She scored 13 points in 50 free with a sixth place and, for the first time breaking the 1:00.00 barrier in 100 free, she finished 11th in the event and secured the 2nd place in the overall girls standings. Our Sectional veteran at 13 years old rallied her girls relays with Agata Michalak, Angela Sun, Sarah Bouzarouata and Yuria Haruki (the youngest relays of the meet) for better than expected swims. They scored with a 12th place finish in 400 Medley, 13th in 200 Medley, (a big improvement from last year 38th and 43rd) both NRT times, 19th in 200 and 26th in 400 free (no cut last year). The 200 medley and 200 free relay times are both new 13-14 girls Metro records (200 medley a whooping 3 seconds faster).
At her first Sectional, Zuzanna Michalak (16) continue to improve her times with every meet and added two new team records in 100 and 200 breaststroke to her collection. Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) was the only boy to attend, swimming close to his best times in 100 and 200 breaststroke after a grueling high school season.
New Team Record (METERS):
Annie Zhu (13) 100 FREE 59.55, 100 breast 1:12.00 (Metro), 200 breast 2:34.59 (Metro), 200 IM 2:21.39, 400 IM 4:59.68
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:19.70, 200 breast 2:52.15
Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Angela Sun (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Annie Zhu (13) 200 free relays girls 13-14, 1:55.29 (Metro, NRT)
Sarah Bouzarouata (14), Angela Sun (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Annie Zhu (13) 400 free relays girls 13-14, 4:13.96
Angela Sun (13), Annie Zhu (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Sarah Bouzarouata (14) 200 medley relay girls 13-14, 2:06.29 (Metro, NRT)
Agata Michalak (14), Annie Zhu (13), Yuria Haruki (14), Sarah Bouzarouata (14) 400 medley relay girls 13-14, 4:36.07 (NRT)
SENIOR METROPOLITAN (02/21 - 24/2008)
After great performances in Metro Junior Olympics in past years, we start now to have an impact in the Senior Metro Championship as well. This past weekend (Feb 21 - 24) 22 Twisters competed in the 2008 Senior Metro Championship, with good results: 9 place in combined rankings, girls in 6th place and boys in 14th place out of 36 teams. Annie Zhu (13) lead the team with wins the 100 and 200 breaststroke, second place finish in 200 IM and 3rd in 400 IM, and also making first final in 100 back and 50 free. Other Twisters in finals: Larry Barbosa (15) in 100 breast and 1650 free on which he lower his time by some 20 seconds; Yuria Haruki (14) 11th in 100 fly and 200 fly; Agata Michalak (14) in 100 and 200 back; Zuzanna Michalak (16) in 100 and 200 breast (her 200 breaststroke swim qualified her for her first Sectionals); Victoria Ponzo (17) in 1650 free and 200 fly just shy of sectionals; Phoon Sangtippawan (15) in 100 and 200 breast; Angela Sun (13) in 100 and 200 fly and 200 back; and David Torres (13) in 400 IM, 200 fly and 200 breast. The Twisters lowered 16 team records, in 13 individual and 3 relay events (results)
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 100 breast 1:03.32
Victoria Ponzo (17) 500 free 5:16.61, 1000 free 10:51.99, 1650 free 15:55.53, 200 fly 2:13.93
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:09.50, 200 breast 2:28.30 (SEC), 200 IM 2:16.37
Christopher Doherty (14) 100 back 57.24
David Torres (13) 200 IM 2:06.38, 400 IM 4:22.96
Larry Barbosa (15) 1000 free 10:30.41, 1650 free 17:18.22
Bouzarouata S.(14), Haruki Y.(14), Sun A. (13), Zhu A.(13) 400 FR 3:42.39
Bouzarouata S.(14), Haruki Y.(14), Sun A. (13), Zhu A.(13) 800 FR 8:08.73
Sun A. (13), Zhu A.(13), Haruki Y.(14), Bouzarouata S.(14) 400 MR 3:59.49 (NRT)
BOYS PSAL CHAMPIONSHIP (02/10/2008)
As usual our high school swimmers made an impact at this year PSAL boys swimming Championship in Lehman College, making finals, scoring and qualifying for the NY State Championship. Chudchane Sangtippawan swimming for Francis Louis HS as freshman won the 100 breaststroke and the 200 IM with States qualifying times for both events; he also helped his school for 1st place in 200 Medley and 2nd place in 200 free relays. Other freshman Thomas Wadolowski representing Brooklyn Tech finished 4th in both 100 free and 100 back and was a very important part of winning the NYC playoffs for the Tech this year. Junior Gabriel Yanez from Hunter finished runner up in 100 fly and 6th in 100 back and along with Jan Stepinski helped his school for a 3rd place finish in 400 free relay. Senior Jeffrey Wong with a very good performance finished 3rd in 100 breast. Congratulations to all (results)
OWA CLASSIC (02/02-03/2008)
The last tune-up before the championships was a very good measure where the team stands, with swims that give us high hopes for this season. The Twisters had a 65/55/43 record for first, second and third with 47 swimmers wining medals. Multiple wins: Gaby Almeida (9), with 4; Larry Barbosa (14) with 4, breaking the 8 year old team record in 100 fly; Benjamin Ching (12) with a clean 8 of 8, matching Annie Zhu (13) performance. She also lowered her fly team records; Kayla Polanco (7) with 3; Alexandra Rubiano (11) with 7 out of 8, Phoon Sangtippawan (15) with 4 and Jena Yun (8) and Matt Zezula (10) with 3 apiece. Breakout swims: Arthur Uszynski (11), Thomas Wadolowski (14) breaking a 4 year old record in 100 free; Sean Kim (12), Agata Michalak (14), Austin Pu (12) and Matt (results)
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 100 fly 58.93, 200 fly 2:08.89
Larry Barbosa (14) 100 fly 56.53
Thomas Wadolowski (14) 100 free 51.72
M L King Invitational (01/18-20/2008)
Once again, in heavy training, the Twisters put some very good swims at the 27th M. L. King Invitational in Eisenhower pool. We had 32 swimmers on the podium: 29 first, 34 second and 31 third in individual events and 8 relay wins, 5 in second and 3 in third place. The Twisters lowered 18 team records, 13 in individual events and 5 relays with the 13-14 girls: Angela Sun (13), Annie Zhu (13), Yuria Haruki (14) and Sarah Bouzarouata (14) swimming the 400 Free and 400 Medley in Sectional time and the 200 free boys 11-12 relay by Alen Dervisevic (12), Benjamin Ching (12), Richard Dong (12) and Mike Domagala (12) in National Reportable time. We had breakout swims by Brandon Koo (11), Mike, Richard, Sean Kim (12), and Phoon Sangtippawan. Annie with 7 wins and Mike with 5 first and 2 second scored more than enough for the High Point Trophy in their Age Group.(results)
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 200 free 1:54.61, 100 fly 59.23
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:09.58, 200 breast 2:31.93, 200 IM 2:18.40, 400 IM 4:51.07
Michael Domagala (12) 50 free 25.01, 100 free 53.82
Larry Barbosa (14) 200 IM 2:06.50, 400 IM 4:23.72
Sangtippawan Chudchane (15) 100 breast 1:00.76, 200 IM 2:03.72, 400 IM 4:32.61
Bouzarouata S.(14), Haruki Y. (14), Sun A. (13), Zhu A. (13) 400 FR 3:44.21
Sun A.(13), Zhu A. (13), Haruki Y. (14), Bouzarouata S.(14), 400 MR 4:06.93
Dervisevic A. (12), Ching B. (12), Dong R. (12), Domagala M. (12) 200 FR 1:42.10 (NRT)
Doherty C. (14), Barbosa L. (14), Torres D. (13), Wadolowski T. (14) 400 FR 3:36.01
Doherty C. (14), Torres D. (13), Barbosa L. (14), Wadolowski T. (14) 400 MR 3:54.87
Burgdorf Invitational: 20 new (meters) team records (01/11-13/2008)
Right in the middle of the short course season some top Twisters traveled to New Jersey for the Burgdorf Era Long Course Invitational. It was a very strong meet with some events having more than 5 OT seed times in the Open Category and many National Reportable Times in Age Group. Our swimmers had a blast with no less than 20 new team records meters by Benjamin Ching (12): winning the 100 breast, second in 50 and , Mike Domagala (12) first in 50 free and 50 fly, second in 50 back and 100 free, Annie Zhu (13) swimming Open with a win in 200 breast (new team and Metro record), second in 100 breast and third in 200 IM and David Torres (13) second in 200 breast. (results)
New Team Record (METERS):
Benjamin Ching (12) 400 free 4:47.95, 50 breast 34.82 (NRT), 100 breast 1:16.24 (NRT), 200 breast 2:47.57 (NRT), 200 IM 2:31.70
Michael Domagala (12) 50 free 27.82, 100 free 1:00.78, 200 free 2:14.22, 50 back 32.91, 100 back 1:11.69, 50 fly 30.34
Annie Zhu (13) 100 free 1:00.44, 200 free 2:11.67, 100 back 1:07.90, 200 back 2:31.27, 100 breast 1:13.11, 200 breast 2:35.89 (Metro), 400 IM 5:00.85
David Torres (13) 200 IM 2:25.00, 400 IM 5:06.09
Marist Holiday Meet
Even without the complete team the last meet of 2007 in Poughkeepsie was a success for the TWISTERS with 36 first, 31 second and 32 third races on the podium. Breakout swims: Mateusz Zezula (10), Jay Moon (12), Benjamin Ching (12), Sean Kim (12), David Torres (13), George Martinez (14), and Dexter Brierley (16). (results)
Winners: Gaby Almeida (9), Larry Barbosa (14), Benjamin Ching (12), Alen Dervisevic (12), Mike Domagala (12), Ronald Georgescu (13), Karina Hain (14), Yuria Haruki (14), Agata Michalak (14), David Torres (13), Arthur Uszynski (10), and Thomas Wadolowski (14)
New Team Record (YARDS):
Victoria Ponzo (16) 500 free 5:18.99, 1000 free 10:53.77, 200 fly 2:16.22
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:10.17
Annie Zhu makes "B" final in 200 breaststroke at 2007 US Nationals in Atlanta
It fees like the grand ball of the USA swimming down south in Atlanta, the city of "Gone with the wind" and glamour. With all the big stars attending: Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Ryan Lochte, and many other Olympic swimmers ready to showcase their high class. After few debutante getters, Annie got into the tune and proved her skills with a 15th place overall in the 200 breaststroke race after placing 50th in 200 IM, 30th in 400 IM and 28th in 100 breaststroke. You can watch her 200 breast race at 1:55.00 on this CLIP
Big Apple Classic
At the end of a marathon month of back to back meets, the TWISTERS swam in the Big Apple Classic winning 49 races (39 individual and 10 relays), with 36 second and 33 third place finishes. Overall in the High Point Trophy we had four swimmers in first place: Arthur Uszynski (10), Mike Domagala (11), Annie Zhu (13) and Zuzanna Michalak (16). Actually in the boys 11-12 and girls 13-14 category the Twisters completed the sweep with Benjamin Ching (12) second and Kevin Lin (12) third, and Yuria Haruki (14) and Sarah Bouzarouata (14) in second and third. In 11-12 girls category Alexandra Rubiano (11) finished second, in 13-14 boys, Larry Barbosa (14) finished second with Chris Doherty (14) third, and finally in Open Boys Phoon Sangtippawan (15) finished second. Our swimmers lowered no less than 22 team records in 17 individual and 5 relays with the standout performance by Mike, Benjamin, Kevin and Alen Dervisevic in 400 free relay 11-12 touching in 3:43.47, some 2.5 seconds faster than the previous Metropolitan LSC record.
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 1650 FREE 17:45.22, 100 BACK 58.57, 100 FLY 59.57, 200 FLY 2:08.89
Christopher Doherty (14) 200 free 1:53.95, 100 back 57.35
Larry Barbosa (14) 500 free 5:04.01, 400 IM 4:26.64
Susan Diaz (15) 500 free 5:43.19
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 1650 free 19:36.12, 100 breast 1:10.50, 200 breast 2:32.29, 200 fly 2:20.40, 400 IM 4:55.11
Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) 1650 free 17:45.04, 100 breast 1:02.34, 200 breast 2:16.30
Dervisevic A. (12), Ching B. (12), Lin K. (12), Domagala M. (11) 200 free relay 1:43.63 (NRT)
Dervisevic A. (12), Ching B. (12), Lin K. (12), Domagala M. (11) 400 free relay 3:43.47 (NRT, Metro)
Dervisevic A. (12), Ching B. (12), Lin K. (12), Domagala M. (11)(11) 200 medley relay 1:53.96 (NRT)
Bouzarouata S. (14), Haruki Y. (14), Sun A. (13), Zhu A. (13) 400 free relay 3:46.12
Bouzarouata S. (14), Zhu A. (13), Haruki Y. (14), Vanderlinden M. (14), 200 medley relay 1:56.28
High School Girls
With the girls High School season 2007 over our swimmers left their mark on this year competition: Angela Sun representing Great Neck South, only 8th grade, had a great season, winning the very strong Nassau county championship in 100 back and placing second in 100 fly; Agata Michalak (9th) won the same 100 back event at the PSAL Championship in New York City finished runner up in 100 free, and helped her school (Townsend Harris) in two winning relays. Her performance at the meet were sufficient for receiving the Rookie of the Meet award; Both qualified to swim in the NY States Championship. Also in PSAL Sarah Bouzarouata (9th) attending Brooklyn Tech finished 3rd in 200 IM and 4th in 100 back; In Long Island Catholic league Victoria Ponzo (10th) from Mary Louis Academy had some good post recovery swims in 200 and 500 free and helping her school relay to qualify for the NY State Championship. PSAL and NY States results.
NY Open
No less than 18 team records fell at the 2007 NY City Open meet in Asphalt Green. Actually every single Twister swimming in the meet had at least one to brag about. Leading the way Annie Zhu (13) had a very good meet, finishing 2nd overall in the High Points after National team Elisabeth Beisel. Annie won the 100 and 200 breaststroke, finished second in 200 and 400 IM, and forth in 50 and 100 free. Her breaststroke and IM swims qualified her for the National Championship and the 200 yards breast, 200 yards IM and 200 meters breast are her first, second and third Metro Records for 13-14 girls. Yuria Haruki (14) and Angela Sun (13) both qualified for 200 fly with Yuria breaking the meters team record in prelims and Angela the yards record in finals. Benjamin Ching (12) lower Phoon's 200 meter breast team record with a NRT performance. Phoon Sangtippawan (15) took down the 100 yards breast record, and Dexter Brierley (16) and Zuzanna Michalak (16) swam for new records in 100 meters back and 100 meters breast.
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 50 free 24.31, 100 breast 1:03.86, 200 breast 2:14.39 (Metro), 200 IM 2:01.64 (Metro), 400 IM 4:20.15 (NRT)
Angela Sun (13) 200 fly 2:10.68
New Team Record (METERS):
Benjamin Ching (12) 200 breast 2:47.85 (NRT)
Annie Zhu (13) 50 free 27.38 (NRT), 100 free 1:00.69, 100 breast 1:14.05, 200 breast 2:36.72 (Metro) 200 IM 2:22.07, 400 IM 5:06.11
Angela Sun (13) 100 back 1:12.07
Haruki Yuria (14) 200 fly 2:34.24
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:20.31
Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) 100 breast 1:15.12
Dexter Brierley (16) 100 back 1:08.88
Empire/Shark meet
Winners: Larry Barbosa (14), Benjamin Ching (12), Mike Domagala (11), Andrew Guo (10), Chris Doherty (14), Agata Michalak (14), Zuzanna Michalak (16), Irene Park (8), Arthur Uszynski (10) and Annie Zhu (13)
26 first, 14 second and 19 third
111 JO, 82 Zone and 13 Mets Cuts
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 50 free 24.47, 100 free 52.79, 200 back 2:06.17, 100 fly 59.61
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 100 breast 1:11.34
Chris Doherty (14) 200 back 2:04.22
Oktoberfest in Hofstra
Winners: Benjamin Ching (12), Alen Dervisevic (12), Chris Doherty (14), Mike Domagala (11), Andrew Guo (10), Alexandra Rubiano (11), Phoon Sangtippawan (15) Thomas Wadolowski (14), Arthur Uszynski (10) and Annie Zhu (13)
37 first, 24 second and 23 third
195 JO, 147 Zone and 29 Mets cuts
New Team Record (YARDS):
Annie Zhu (13) 50 free 24.58, 100 free 54.02, 200 free 1:54.87, 500 free 5:07.65, 100 back 58.98, 200 back 2:07.00, 100 breast 1:04.11 (NRT), 100 fly 1:00.01, 200 IM 2:06.41
Haruki Yuria (14) 200 fly 2:13.53
Chris Doherty (14) 100 back 57.73, 200 back 2:04.85
Larry Barbosa (14) 400 IM 4:29.22
Zuzanna Michalak (16) 200 breast 2:36.51
Chudchane Sangtippawan (15) 100 breast 1:02.46, 200 breast 2:19.49
Twisters start the new season with the long distance meet
Winners: Gaby Almeida (9), Larry Barbosa (14), Benjamin Ching (12), Chris Doherty (14), Agata Michalak (14), Irene Park (8), Alexandra Rubiano (11), Phoon Sangtippawan (15) and Arthur Uszynski (10)
23 first, 20 second and 16 third
60 JO , 37 Zone and 1 Metro cut
New Team Record (YARDS):
Angela Sun (13): 500 free 5:30.20, 1000 free 11:26.68