Provincial Teams Take Top Spots at East Regional Championships in Nepean

The Durham Synchronized Swimming Club returned to the Nepean Sportsplex in Ottawa during the weekend of April 9-11, 2010 for the 2010 East Regionals Championships. DSSC’s Provincial 10 Years and Under team coached by Michele Lopers, 11-12 Year Old team coached by Kirsten Femson and the 13-15 Year Old team coached by Sarah Rowe were determined to return home victorious. Pink shirts dotted the stands as supporters of the DSSC teams donned the club colours in support of their swimmers. The energy of the swimmers was infectious leaving the crowd wanting to see more from these young women.

Competing initially in individual Figures meets, the swimmers were faced with personal challenges to outdo past results. Results for the 10 Years and Under category are as follows: Alicia Lopers (2), Kayla Lowe (7), Madeleine Schropp (12). In the 11-12 Year Old category, the results are as follows: Samantha Low (6), Madelyn Minaret (30), Nieve Iannarelli (33), Andrea Beekman (35), Elizabeth Kozak (37), Genevieve Thorton (39), Brooke Evans (42) and Nicole Weisemberg (50). Competing in the 13 Year old category were Nicole Milligan (5), McKenzie Broad (7), Rhiannon Major (13), Nicole Rayment (15) and Victoria Wight (17). Four swimmers were competing in the 14 Year Old category, Caitlin Schropp and Megan Caulfield (8), Stephanie Dalgleish (13) and Kathleen Fung (15). A lone swimmer represented DSSC in the 15 Year old category, Karissa Schippers ranked 12th.

Before her team took to the water, Coach Lopers gave her 10 Year and Under team a few quick words of motivation. With team mascot waiting on the sidelines, these young girls took to the water with unrestrained confidence. Their smiles won the crowd over as they glided easily through their routine. They were dazzling in bug themed, sparkling suits. There were no surprises as this team took first place in the 10 and Under division. Comprising this team are Alycia Lopers, Kayla Lowe, Madeliene Schropp, Genevieve Thornton and Nicole Weisemberg. Look out for these young athletes in the future!

The mood amongst the DSSC’s 11-12 Year Old team supporters became tense as this team assumed their positions in and out of the water waiting for the music to begin. After months of group and individual practice this event was their time for a place on the podium. Glittering gold dragons flashed in the water as these competitors swam in self assured synchronicity reminiscent of the fluidity of a karate kata. Not a dry eye was to be had when the music finished. Even before the scores were revealed it was known that they had taken top scores in routine. As the girls tried to restrain themselves from jumping for joy while walking off the deck, the scores revealed first place in routine, and third place in Championship scores overall. An emotional, Coach Kirsten Femson hugged and congratulated each member of her team. A very proud moment for competitors, coach and supporters alike. The DSSC 11-12 Year Old provincial team is comprised of Andrea Beekman, Brooke Evans, Nieve Iannarelli, Samantha Low, Elizabeth Kozak, Rhiannon Major, Madelyn Minaret and Victoria Wight.

Photo courtesy of Sharlene Beekman, Black Swann Studios www.blackswann.ca

Finally, the 13-15 Year Old division coached by Sarah Rowe took to the water. Their routine was a lively mix of dance and arabesque to tribal theme music. Their suits reflected the African theme of their routine. These young women were determined to make it to the podium and narrowly missed their chance despite strong individual Figures scores. Their assertive performance displayed determination to finish in first however, fierce competition left them with a fourth place finish. This team consists of McKenzie Broad, Meagan Caulfield, Stephanie Dalgleish, Kathleen Fung, Nicole Milligan, Nicole Rayment, Karissa Schippers and Caitlin Schropp. A wonderful performance!

Photo courtesy of Sharlene Beekman, Black Swann Studios www.blackswann.ca

Competing in the 2010 East Regional Championships was an experience for the first time competitive parents. For those seasoned veterans, this was another step in the path of their athletic careers and personal futures. Sportsmanship between team members as well as between competitors was evident in the assured conduct of the swimmers from the DSSC. Finally when the event was finished, the DSSC teams left with medals and most importantly special memories of a meet where anything was possible!