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FEDERAL WAY SWIMS STRONG AT 2007 SPRING NATIONALS
Congratulations to all the Federal Way Kings who competed at the 2007 Short
Course Nationals here at the Aquatic Center. The reports are in and I heard that
some of you had some very good swims, some of you had challenging swims, and
some had outright poor swims. Some of you had all three. But from everyone I
talked to, you enjoyed the meet, the competition, the crowds, and all of you
were glad you took part.
Many from our team placed well in individual events, and many also took part in
the madhouse known as PNA relays. I believe there were a total of 75 PNA relays
during the meet. It was great to be part of a larger group with PNA here at the
meet, and I was glad to wear the red cap, but when I had other Kings on my
relay, or saw some Kings up on the blocks for their individual swims, I bled
Federal Way Kings Green!
One proud moment I had for our team came from one of our most humble swimmers.
As I was perusing Friday’s National records that were set for the Nationals
News, I saw a familiar name, Jean Blackburn. She had been part of a relay with
Sarah Welch, Sally Dillon and Charlotte Davis who set a new record for the Women
55+ 200 Freestyle relay at 2:01.59, three and a half seconds than the prior
record. I saw Jean the next day and shared with her how great it is that she
will be coming away from this meet with a National record. She meekly said she
was lucky to be on the relay. While Jean might have been at the right place at
the right time, she still went a fantastic 35.01 leading off the relay, and we
all know it takes four to set a record. Congratulations again, Jean, wear your
patch proud!
There were three other Kings swimmers who are make us proud with their 1st place
championship patches in individual events. Taunya Roberts took first in the 200
fly with a 2:21.17 and scored the most points of any Kings swimmer. Zena
Courtney took first in the 200 backstroke with a 2:19.72. Tom Taylor did a fine
job winning the 500 Free with a time of 7:08.37.
Some proud moments came after the meet. You may not know that LeeAnn
McGhie-Stoermer did a synchronized swimming exhibition and John Leet‘s water
polo team, the Otters, did a water polo scrimmage. Thank you both for putting
your unique talents and passion on display as well.
Wendy and Jenn did a great job getting splits for all PNA swimmers, but thank
you both for the special attention you gave to us. And thank you to, my
teammates. Every time Kings swimmers were on the blocks I could hear their names
being cheered on from the bleachers. And a special thanks to John Williams, our
chief cheer meister.
Kings swimmers scored a lot of points at this meet, 187 on individual events
alone. On the last pages of the newsletter you will find all the times, splits
and scoring for Federal Way Kings swimmers. Great job to everyone who placed,
especially if you were in the 45-49 and 50-54 year old age groups which had the
most swimmers in them. We were a solid core of the points that PNA scored in
winning the meet. Great showing, Kings!
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