ELITE NEWS BULLETIN               06-04-07

 

BACK TO RACING, SWIMMERS WIN “HEAT WINNER” AWARDS,  JUNIOR OLYMPIC CUT TIMES AT “HEAT MADNESS”:

 

On Saturday, the Elite Senior and Wavebuster training groups competed at Heat Madness held at Rutgers University, as the “Long Course” competition heats up during the Summer of 2007. For many of Elite’s younger swimmers, it was the very first time they had competed in a long course (50 meter) pool.  In addition to performing best times, many Elite swimmers loved the fact that the host team Scarlet Aquatic Club awarded gag gifts to each “heat” winner such as bouncey balls, candy, plastic footballs, etc. By the end of the meet, Elite swimmers had earned a variety of gifts by winning their heats!

 

Leading the way for Elite were Chris Dart, Michael Strand, Aaron Levin and Brittany Ross.

 

Dart, swimming in events he normally does not compete in, placed 2nd in both the Open 200 meter butterfly (2.21.15) and the Open 400 meter free 4.26.03.

 

14 year old Strand  placed 2nd in the 13-14 100 meter breast (1.19.40) and 3rd in the 200 meter butterfly (2.34.44).

 

The 9 year old Levin qualified for JO’s in all 3 events he competed in, placing 2nd in the 9-10 100 meter free (1.17.31), 4th in the 50 meter butterfly

(42.91) and 5th in the 100 meter breast (1.46.76).

 

            Ross churned to a 3rd place finish in the Open 200 Meter butterfly (2.38.02).

 

            Also scoring Junior Olympic times were Kaitlin Stearns, who added the 100 meter free (1.21.45) to her roster of events and Juliet Felsen who added the 200 meter IM (3.21.47) to her JO list.

 

Swimmers who participated (# in parathesis is number of best LCM best times): Lindsay Anderson (2), Arlynn Baer (2), Chris Balbo (2), Lindsay Behar (3), Nicole Blum (3), Courtney Brosnan (3), Meg Brosnan (3), Alexa Burkard (3), Taylor Campolattaro (3), Brannon Cho (1), Victoria D’Altrui (2), Chris Dart (1), Tad Deatly (2), Jeffrey Dong, Alli Doreno (3), Corey Duren (3), Sam Duren (3), Krishna Duvvuri (2), Priya Duvvuri (3), Venkatesh Duvvuri (2), Helena Elston (3), Maya Epelbam (2), Cassandra Farnow, Madeleine Faust (3), Kristen Fedor (3), Juliet Felsen (1), Andrea Ferrell (2), Spencer Fisch (3), Breana Fitzpatrick (2), Hannah Gleason (1), Katie Golway (3), Lydia Gracey (3), Andre Guacelli (2), Julia Guacelli (3), Payton Hakes (2), Brent Jones (3), Greg Keiser (2), Brandon King (3), Emmie Lai (3),  Patrick Lai (3), Aaron Levin (3), Micheal Li, Jessie Lowe (3), Robert Maloney (2), Daniela Manzi (3), Danielle Martinez (3), Ricky Martin (2), Katie McGrath (3), Sarah McGrath (2), Brendan Miller-Radest (3), Kara Miller-Radest (1), Ali Morreale, Isabella Morreale (1), Dan Muro (2), Julia Muro (3), Kendall Murray (1), Caroline Nash (3), Dara O’Gorman (3), Nick Pachiolo (3), Christina Pick (3), Gabrielle Pick (3), Michelle Pick (1), Katie Ragan (2), Brittany Ross (3), Amanda Scherb (3), Jonathan Scott (3), Kaitlin Stearns (2) , Michael Strand (3), Erica Takahashi (2), Lexi Tedesco (2), Rachel Tortorella (3), Michael Wang (3), Sarah Weinbrom (3), Natalie Wetmore (3) & Richard Yu (3).

 

ATTENDANCE RISES SHARPLY IN MAY!! MARLIN TEALS LEAD WITH 87%:

 

Attendance improved significantly in May as a more stable pool situation plus a conclusion of vacations got the Elite swimmers back on the attendance track.

 The Marlin Teals lead the training group attendance race with an 87% attendance rate!! The Marlin Teals are closely followed by the Marlin Blacks and the Wavebuster Teals, both at 82%. The Seniors and the Senior Preps come next with 74% attendance while the Wavebuster Golds (at 68%) and the Wavebuster Blacks (67%) bring up the rear.

 

Elite swimmers know that significant improvement starts with regular attendance at practice. The astonishing improvement by Elite swimmers during the past 3 years is directly related to the significant increase in attendance at Elite practices.

 

Swimmers who currently have an 85% or higher attendance record are (* designates perfect attendance!):

 

            Marlin Teals:  Megan Balbo*, Ethan Blum*, Elizabeth D’Altrui*, Erika Fresen, Jessica Kraus, Brandon Li ,  Sarah Lowe*, Colin Miller-Radest* & Katie Shepard.

 

            Marlin Blacks:  Katie Brosnan, Keegan Brown, Emily Goad, Alexardra Gordon*, Dominique Gordon*, Alyssa Hartigan, Sarah Kleppe, Jared Kovacs, Clark LaRaia & Isabel LaRaia

 

Wavebuster Teals: Arlynn Baer, Chris Balbo*, Lindsay Behar, Nicole Blum, Kevin Chen, Juliet Felsen, Andrea Ferrell, Lydia Gracey, Andre Guacelli*,  Julia Guacelli, Emma Harris, Raleigh Heap, Patrick Lai, Katie McGrath, Julia Muro, Caroline Nash, Nick Pachiolo, Christina Pick*, Gabrielle Pick*, Michelle Pick* & Rachel Tortorella

 

Wavebuster Blacks: Taylor Campolattaro, Alli Dorneo, Aaron Levin, Jessie Lowe*, Kara Miller-Radest*, Collin Reilly & Richard Yu.

 

Wavebuster Golds:  Brandon King, Regan Kology*, Emmie Lai, Sarah McGrath, Brendan Miller-Radest & Lindsay Stearns

 

Senior Preps:  Lindsay Anderson, Victoria D’Altrui, Tad Deatly*, Greg Keiser, Michael Li & Danielle Martinez  

 

            Seniors:  Alex Morrison, Brittany Ross & Michael Strand

 

INTRACLUB LCM MEET THIS THURSDAY & FRIDAY:

 

            In response to getting shut out the Long Course Cup Elite will hold a LCM time trial this Thursday (June 7) and Friday (June 8) at the Summit Municipal Pool. Warm-up will start at 5:00 pm with the events starting at 5:30 pm.

 

            All Wavebuster Golds, Wavebuster Blacks and Wavebuster Teals are entered. The meet will be held under less than ideal circumstances: 1) without starting blocks 2) with less than appropriate lane lines and 3) without electronic starting or timing equipment. Swimmers will be encouraged to do their best under the circumstances.

 

            Because the time line is longer than 2 hours on both days (and we only have the pool until 7:00 pm), if you are unable to make one or both days, please email Bill asap so that we can can prepare accordingly. If a parent can help time, it would also be greatly appreciated.

 

ESCPO PRESIDENT MOYA CHEW-LAI AWARDED FOR ELITE VOLUNTEER WORK, MONEY GOES TO ESCPO:

 

Moya Chew-Lai, who was elected President of ESCPO at the March Awards Banquet, has received a $250 award from her employer Prudential for her volunteer work on behalf of Elite.

 

The award was part of Prudential’s CARES Volunteer Grant program. In addition to the cash award to the organization Moya respresents, Moya will receive a certificate recognizing her valuable work.

 

COACH LEIGHANN TO OFFER TUTORING AT MBS:

 

            Coach Leighann Marcelliano will now be offering private swim technique lessons to Wavebuster (Gold, Black and Teal) level Elite Swimmers only.

Leighann will not be offering this to swimmers outside of Elite or outside of these training groups.

 

            Leighann has secured a contract with Morristown Beard so all lessons will be held at MBS, and swimmers will sign an insurance contract with Leighann before participating. While working with Elite swimmers, this tutoring school is independent of Elite in every capacity.

 

            The swimmer will decide what swim topics will be covered. It is suggested that a swimmer get a group of friends together and sign up in groups of 2-4

kids, although this is not required.  Swimmers who want to sign up and have Leighann place them in an appropriate group based on topic and ability are

welcome to do so.

 

            Pool time is very limited and all swimmers will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis, so email Leighann directly and early to set up

times.  Most times available will be from 6:15-7:15 AM weekdays, with the possibility of very few lessons offered in the afternoons or on weekends.

These time slots will change in late June when Elite begins its early morning training at Springfield, thus Leighann will not be available during

the summer at that time.

 

      Swimmers who are interested in technique lessons should contact Leighann directly through email first, (yan98@aol.com) and give Leighann a

number where she can call back to schedule lessons.  Any questions should be directed to Leighann through email or phone (973-214-5340).

 

COACH MIKE TURKOT RAISES $2,300 (MORE THAN $1000 FROM ELITE!) IN POLICE UNITY TOUR BICYCLE RIDE:

 

Michael Turkot, an Elite assistant coach, rode from Morris Township to Washington, DC in the Police Unity Tour from May 9th thru 13th, an over 300 mile bike ride.

 

Officers from around the country fly into New Jersey to participate in the event. Each rider is tasked with not only completing the ride, but also raising $1700 towards the charity. The money is donated to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington. Over the past 11 years, the Tour has become the largest single donor to the memorial. Donations are then gifted to the families of fallen officers from around the country. The Tour's singular focus is to help support the families of these brave, selfless men and women who gave their lives protecting the general public.

 

            According to Turkot, “there were over 400 riders from northern NJ, 200 from southern NJ, and 400 from Virginia. We all met up at the Pentagon and rode into the National Law Enforcement Memorial in DC where we held a candlelight vigil for the fallen officers and their families that night. It was without a doubt one of the most moving and proud moments I've ever had. I can't wait to go back next year.”

 

            Michael wishes to express his sincere gratification to those Elite family members who contributed financially to the Police Unity Tour on his behalf!

 

SUMMER SEASON/PROMOTION SCHEDULE EXPLAINED:

 

            With the Summer Session now in sight, below is an explanation of how training at Elite will work. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bill.

 

            For Marlin Teals, Marlin Blacks and Wavebuster Teals, the Spring 2007 Season has been extended to Friday, June 15. There will be no practice the preceding weekend (Saturday, June 9 & Sunday, June 10 for these training groups. Wave Teals will have the option to train with Elite this summer (more on that later in this article).

 

            For the Wavebuster Blacks, Wavebuster Golds, Senior Preps and Seniors, practice will continue thru late July/early August.

 

            Marlin Teals: the Spring 2007 Season has been extended to Friday, June 15. There will be no practice the preceding weekend (Saturday, June 9 & Sunday, June 10). There is no summer training for Marlin Teals (they should participate for their local swim clubs and shine!!!). Letters regarding which training group a swimmer will be placed in for Fall 2008 will be send in mid-June (including promotions-there may be a few into Marlin Blacks). Swimmers will need to send in their $200 deposit to reserve their roster spot by Saturday, July 14.  

 

            Marlin Blacks: the Spring 2007 Season has been extended to Friday, June 15. There will be no practice the preceding weekend (Saturday, June 9 & Sunday, June 10). There is no summer training for Marlin Blacks (they should participate for their local swim clubs and shine!!!). Letters regarding which training group a swimmer will be placed in for Fall 2008 will be send in mid-June (including promotions-there may be a few into Wavebuster Teals). If a swimmer is promoted into Wavebuster Teals by reason of the June roster letter, that swimmer is invited to train as a Wavebuster Teal this summer (see Wave Teal explanation). If a newly promoted swimmer chooses to train with Elite this summer, they will be entered into whatever meet we can enter the swimmer in at such a late date. Swimmers will need to send in their $200 deposit to reserve their roster spot by Saturday, July 14.  

 

Wavebuster Teals: the Spring 2007 Season has been extended to Friday, June 15. There will be no practice the preceding weekend (Saturday, June 9 & Sunday, June 10). The Wavebuster Teals have the option to train with Elite this summer at Morristown-Beard School & Springfield (see summer schedule). Wave Teals who anticipate training with Elite should email Leighann to inform her they plan to train with Elite this summer. Swimmers who indicate they will train with Elite this summer will be placed in any meet they can be placed in. Swimmers who want to train but have conflicts (vacation, car pools, etc) are strongly encouraged to come to practice whenever they can. Letters regarding Fall 2008 will be send in mid-June. Swimmers whom at that time have earned a promotion into Wavebuster Blacks will receive a letter of promotion at that time. Those swimmers will instantly become Wavebuster Blacks and will be expected to train with the Wavebuster Blacks from that point forward this summer. In addition, some Wavebuster Teals could earn a promotion into the Wavebuster Blacks thru their practice and performance this summer and be notified of that promotion in mid-late July. These swimmers would become Wavebuster Blacks starting with the Fall 2008 session. Regardless of placement, all swimmers will need to send in their $200 deposit to reserve their roster spot by Saturday, July 14.  

 

Wavebuster Blacks; Wavebuster Golds, Senior Preps & Seniors:  Swimmers in these training groups are expected to train with Elite this summer. Swimmers in these training groups will be placed in meets thoughout  the summer.  Letters regarding the Fall 2008 session will be send in mid-June. However, no swimmer in these training groups will be promoted for the Fall 2008 Session until mid-late July. Regardless of placement, swimmers will need to send in their $200 deposit to reserve their roster spot by Saturday, July 14.   

 

BILL ELECTED TO ADMINISTRATIVE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF NJ SWIMMING:

 

            As the result of an election at the House of Delegates meeting held Wednesday, May 16, Bill Deatly was elected Administrative Vice-Chairperson of New Jersey Swimming. While there are a number of other duties that Bill will perform on behalf of New Jersey Swimming, the main duty will be administrating all New Jersey Sanctioned Swim Meets. This includes reviewing and sanctioning all 40 some-odd NJ Swimming sanctioned meet held each year.

 

            Bill will also continue as NJ Swimming’s Membership and Registration Chairperson, a position Bill has held for 3 years.

 

24 SWIMMERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN 6th ANNUAL ELITE-A-THON: PLEASE CONTACT COREY DEATLY!!:

 

The 24 Elite swimmers who participated in the 6th Annual Elite-a-thon fundraiser on May 12th are requested to contact Corey Deatly email her at corey32@comcast.net  with their pledge totals!!!

 

Swimmers who participated were: Abbie Bigham, Courtney Brosnan, Katie Brosnan, Brannon Cho, Corey Deatly, Tad Deatly, Alli Doreno, Juliet Felsen, Andrea Ferrell, Emmie Lai, Jessie Lowe, Greg Keiser, Danielle Martinez, Katie McGrath, Caroline Nash, Evan O’Hara, Christina Pick, Gabrielle Pick, Michelle Pick, Brittany Ross, Nicki Ross, Kaitlin Stearns, Lindsay Stearns & Rachel Tortorella.

 

WINTER 2007-08 PRACTICE SCHEDULE TO CHANGE; MORE TIME SLOTTED FOR MARLINS & WAVE GOLDS; SCHEDULE POSTED UNDER PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

 

            In its never ending pursuit of using the allotted pool time as efficiently as possible, Elite will have a new practice schedule starting September 2008. The practice schedule is now posted on the team website under Practice Schedule. The schedule changes allows Elite to offer significantly more pool time to 3 of the 5 Age Group Training Groups training at Newark Academy. 

 

            The Marlin Blacks and the Marlin Teals will now practice at the same time on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. In keeping with its policy of never having more than 36 swimmers in a training group, the total number of swimmers between the two groups will never exceed 36. By using the pool for both training groups simultaneously, both groups will be offered 4 practices a week for a total of 3.75 hours. In addition, the Marlins will start 15 minutes early from Sept thru November 15 (5:00 pm) so they can get a full hour of practice when the pool is available.

 

            The Wavebuster Gold training group will also gain practice time. Currently, the Wave Golds have 10 hours of practice a week. Under the current schedule, when a swimmer earns a promotion from the Wave Golds to the Senior Preps, the amount of practice time jumps to 17 hours a week. The change in the practice schedule will better prepare the Wave Golds for this expanded practice time as a Senior Prep.