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Sports

These Sharks have bite

Locals fill New England Top 10 YMCA swimmer list

By Matt Williams
staff writer
Published: November 5, 2008

BEVERLY — The 2007-08 swimming season was another successful one for the YMCA of the North Shore Sharks.

The group recently saw 29 of its members earn recognition from USA Swimming for recording racing times ranked in the top 10 in New England in their age groups.

"We are extremely proud of all our YSN swimmers. This recognition shows we have exceptional swimmers in all age groups across many events — and their hard work and dedication through last season pad off," said Sharks head coach John Ogden.

The times were compiled from all meets submitted to USA Swimming by clubs in New England from September 2007 through Aug. 31, 2008.

Astrid Swensen, an 11-year-old swimmer from Beverly, was one of only two Sharks to attain outstanding swimmer status, which is based on accumulating points through the top 10 standings. Swensen received a blue jacket patch to signify her honor.

"Most of my friends swim, and it's a lot of fun," said Swensen, who ranked in the top 10 in nine short course (fall and winter) events. She set team records in the 100 freestyle (1:10.58), the 200 free (2:13.86), the 500 free (5:58.53), the 100 backstroke (1:23.83), the 50 butterfly (35.21) and the 200 IM (2:56.33).

Marblehead's Ellie Ronan, who competes in the 8-and-under age group, was the other outstanding swimmer. She earned top 10 rankings in the 50 free, 50 back, 25 fly and 100 IM.

The diversity to excel at many distances and strokes is something isn't uncommon among strong swimmers, especially with the Sharks. In all, 21 swimmers earned top 10 status in more than one event.

"I think everybody would like to be good at every stroke, if they can. It comes easier for some than for others, and as you get older it seems like you tend to specialize more," said Beverly's Aaron Athanas, a St. John's Prep student who set a Sharks record in the 100 back (1:08.03).

The Sharks represent the whole of North Shore YMCAs and includes swimmers from YMCAs in Beverly, Cape Ann, Haverhill, Ipswich, Marblehead/Swampscott and Salem. With approximately 600 registered swimmers, the Sharks are the largest swim team in the United States.

"It's pretty cool to go to Y Nationals and look around and have one of the biggest, most competitive teams there," said Amy Needham, a Manchester native who placed in the 15-16 age group and set a team record in the 100 fly (58.99) and 200 fly (2:11.54). Her sister Emily also earned top 10 times in the 100 and 200 fly.

"It's a great feeling when you're racing and there are so many other swimmers from your team around to cheer you on," said Molly McSweeney, who was in the top 10 for the 50 free.

Peabody's Patrick Shea, who will swim at Division 1 Marist next fall, earned the top 10 rating in six events, including new team records in the 500 free (4:41.13) and the 1650 free (16:12.7).

Meanwhile, Ted Millett of Marblehead earned top ten status in nine events. He set Sharks records in the 100 breast as well as the 200 breast, 200 IM and 400 IM.

While the youngsters set to improve their times and win individual races rather than to attain a highly ranked time, it is an accomplishment that helps close the book on the previous season and shows them how far they've come.

Also among the top 10 were Marblehead's Megan Alexander, Ryan Alexander, Sara Daher and Katherine Foley; Salem's Tyler Lareau and Amy Nguyen; Wenham's Joseph Hines and Andrew Klobucher; Beverly's John Bateman and Kelly O'Connor; Hamilton's Christopher Li; Ipswich's Tim and Brian Bouvier, and Andrew Reid.

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