Summer tryouts for Melrose team start April 28
SEAN KAY, ELLIE WALSH, Emma Wright & Catherine Curry (left to right) competed in the 2015 USA New England 12 & Under Championships in White River Junction, Vermont. They represented the YMCA of Metro North Sharks in this elite meet. (courtesy photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — It’s been another successful season for the Melrose YMCA Shark swim team.
Their winter swim season has culminated in appearances in the YMCA New England Champions and the prestigious USA Swim Age Group Finals in Vermont
USA Age Groups is a hard feat for swimmers with very narrow qualifying times in various strokes. That didn’t stop Catherine Curry of Melrose, age 9, Ellie Walsh of Melrose, age 12, Sean Kay of Melrose, age 12 Emma Wright of Melrose, age 12, from securing their place in the elite event.
The four represented the YMCA of Metro North Sharks in competition at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center in White River Junction, Vt. over the days of Feb. 27-March 1. They had to qualify with tough times to make the meet and were able to place in over 75 percent of their races in the top 25.
Sean Kay took off 3 seconds in his 500 free, placing 14th and dropped 3 seconds in his 200IM. Ellie Walsh dropped time in her 100IM, 200 IM and 100 Back. She gained a spot in finals in the 200 IM and 100 back, Emma Wright improved on her 50 breast time. Catherine Curry fought through the 50 free with some tough competition.
“All the swimmers who came to Vermont showed great team spirit and such a willingness to improve,” says head coach Laura McCormack. “They all swam their hardest even though the competition field was tough this year.”
During the season nearly 70 Shark swimmers out of 100 qualified for the 2015 YMCA District Championships. Thirteen Sharks represented Melrose at the 2015 YMCA New England Championships including: Ben Fiesel, Cameron Dunn, Adam Ho, Olivia Lloyd, Cleverina Cong, Lily Wright, Ellie Walsh, Emma Wright, Julia Ho, Cecilia Kay, Catherine Curry, Sean Kay and Rowan Emerson.
Do you have what it takes to be a Shark? Then come by to try out for the summer season on April 28 at the Melrose YMCA pool on Main Street, Melrose from 6-7 p.m. or on April 30 from 6-7 p.m. You may choose one session to attend. Swimmers of all ages welcome. Those 8 and under must be able to swim freestyle and backstroke one length of the pool with an understanding of what the other strokes are. Swimmers 9 through 11 must be able swim a 50 of each stroke and understand flip turns and dives. Twelve and over must be able to swim a 50 free under 40 seconds and also show the ability to swim 100 yards of each stroke with competency.
Please note that there is limited space on the swim team and trying out does not guarantee a spot. They are quite heavy with female swimmers but are able to take a few more male swimmers in the 9-12 age range.
