Fifty two TNT swimmers competed at the 2009 GPAC Winter Invitational Meet, January 9 - 11 at the University of West Florida in Pensacola. Fifteen teams attended the meet, which featured more than 500 swimmers from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
TNT had a strong showing, finishing 5th place in the boys team scoring, 6th place in the girls, and 7th place over all. TNT swimmers accounted for 6 first place finishes, 11 New Southeastern SC Championship Qualifying Times, 16 New Team Records, 64 Improved Time Standards and 217 Personal Best Times.
“I am proud of the effort of all our swimmers who chose to participate in this meet and am grateful to our team parents who helped make it a success,” said TNT Head Coach, Jan Mittemeyer. "It was very gratifying to see our parents contributing in a positive way, working as meet officials and providing food for our swimmer friendly snack table."
This particular meet was very challenging for several swimmers in TNT’s top training group, who competed in every officially recognized senior level event offered at the meet, including the 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1650 freestyle; the 200 and 400 individual medleys, and 100 and 200 butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke.
“Six of our swimmers age 13 and older swam the full range of senior events,” said Mittemeyer. “Leading up to this meet, we talked about approaching it as a training experience in preparation for the next month’s championships, with the goal of focusing on race tactics and mental toughness.”
Kyle Simpson, age 14 from Spanish Fort, was TNT’s leading male performer, scoring 90 points and earning the 13 – 14 boys runner up high point award. Kyle finished 1st place in three individual events including the 100 backstroke, 200 and 400 individual medleys. He finished 2nd place in the 1650 freestyle, 200 backstroke, 100 butterfly and 200 freestyle, and 3rd place in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 butterfly.
Griffin Fisk, age 14 from Daphne, was TNT’s leading female performer, scoring 30 points. Griffin, who won two events, finished 1st place in the 13 – 14 girls 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly.
“Because we intentionally limit training time with our swimmers below the ages of 13, it is especially exciting to see them advancing at the senior level and winning events at meets of this caliber,” said Mittemeyer.
Sarah Meehan, age 8 from Gulf Shores also swam well, finishing 1st place finish in the 8 & under girls 50 butterfly, 2nd place in the 25 and 100 freestyles, and 3rd place in the 50 backstroke.
TNT’s 8 & under girls medley relay team of Kennedy Hendryx (backstroke), Emily Smith (breastroke), Meehan(butterfly) and Carly Arnone (freestyle) also finished 1st place with a new team record time of 1:15.82.
Rounding out TNT’s individual point scorers were: Will Anderson, 28; Harrison Costantini, 24; Kennedy Hendryx, 16; Emily Smith, 13; Lauren Chastang, 13, Lauren Kinsey, 7; Hannah Denham, 7; Ashley Szydel, 5; Killian Kahalley, 5; Tyler Powell, 4; Ryan Simpson, 2; Olivia Smith, 2; Connor Schmidt, 2; Sahra El – Hamaki 1, Anna Ramsey, 1; and Jackson Tunks, 1.
Several TNT swimmers also achieved new qualifying times for the 2009 Southeastern Swimming Championships, scheduled to be held February 26 – March 1 in Nashville, TN. New qualifying times were achieved by: Will Anderson, 1000 free; Lauren Chastang; 100 fly; Harrison Costantini, 50 back, 50 fly; Griffin Fisk, 1650 free; Cameron Grant, 50 free; Lauren Kinsey, 1650 free; Tyler Powell, 100 back; Ryan Simpson, 50 back, 100 back; Ashley Szydel, 100 free.
"This year's championship squad continues to grow and I am looking forward to more qualifying times next month at the Ralph Crocker Invitational in Auburn and at the District Championships in Pensacola," said Mittemeyer.
TNT Swimming provides year round instruction, coaching and competitive opportunities for children of all abilities, ages 5 & older at the Bounds Family YMCA. For information call 599 – 1019 or visit www.swimtnt.com.
