Gold! Gold! DSC Tops Leader Board at 2011 East Regionals

The golden rays of the sun were glinting off the gold medals during the 2011 East Regionals held April 9-10, 2011 at the Nepean Sportsplex (Nepean, ON). Hosted by the Gloucester Synchro Club the disadvantage of not being in a home pool didn’t hamper the efforts of DSC’s Provincial level swimmers who performed fantastically against formidable opponents such as the Ottawa Synchro Club, Kawartha Trent and Gloucester Synchro.With four athletes placing in the top three for Figures in their respective age categories and an additional six placements within the top three in Team, Solo and Duet Finals Championships categories, DSC swimmers were all aglow on the podium. Despite the hot, humid climate within the Nepean Sportsplex exaggerated by the discomfort from sitting hours on the plastic stadium seating, the enthusiasm amongst the families and supporters of the DSC athletes never wavered.

With such Figures as the Porpoise, Albatross, and Front Walk Over and up to four panels per age group with as many as twenty or more swimmers standing in line, the waiting game of a Figures meet is as much of a nerve wracking experience for some swimmers as it is in performing in front of a panel of judges. In the 10 & Under category, Alicia Lopers took first place with Emily Barton narrowly missing the podium coming in seventh. Their provincial team mates also demonstrated strong performances in Figures placing well; Sarah Bianco (8), Madeleine Schropp (10), Nicole Exley (18). Competing in the 11-12 Figure category were Madeleine MacNeil (10), Erin Clark (21) and Tianna Henry (32). Head Coach Holley Lundmark and Coach Jenilee Keslering proudly congratulated their young 10 & Under team after their first place finish in the Team Finals Championships. Alicia Lopers also performed a lively solo in front of an enthusiastic crowd of spectators.

10 & Under Provincial Team Soloist Alicia Lopers performs her routine at the East Regionals Meet

Line ups of swimmers in black swimsuits and white caps became a familiar scene during the Figures segment of this competition. In the 11-12 Yr. Old division, Samantha Low once again illustrated her prowess in the pool as she claimed another first place finish in Figures. Her team mates held their own against many strong swimmers and achieved some personal bests; Julie Donnelle (12), Nieve Iannarelli (14), Hope Grant (20), Mina Mladneovic (29) and Amelia Massie (32).Then during the 11-12 Team Finals Championship, DSC’s team of that category (Coaches Sarah Stokes and Debbie Sands) ranked third in a fantastic performance. Continuing top podium finishes in this age category were Samantha Low (1), 11-12 Solo Finals Chamionship and the duet team of Tianna Henry & Madeleine MacNeil (3), 11-12 Duet Finals Championship.

10 & Under Provincial Team Soloist Alicia Lopers performs her routine at the East Regionals Meet

By the time the 13-15 Yr. Old team (Coach Kirsten Femson) entered the water for their turn at Figures, the precedence had been set. In 13 Yr. Figures, Elizabeth Kozak (11), Brooke Evans (15), Alison Exley (16), and Madelyn Minaret (18). In. 14 Yr. Figures, Reyanne Padgett took third place followed by strong finishes by Rhiannon Major (8), McKenzie Broad (13), and Victoria Wight. In 15 Yr. Figures Caitlin Schropp had no competition as she took the top podium spot and in the 16-20 category Karissa Schippers (23). Holding their own against two strong opposing teams, DSC’s 13-15 Provincial team earned a third place finish in Team Championships displaying the power of dance to win over a crowd. Finally, after a long day of competing the swimmers entered into the Duet Finals were called to the water. Taking the second podium spot in 13-15 Duet Finals Championship was the duet team of Reyanne Padgett and Caitlin Schropp (Coach Jenilee Keslering) while duet team of McKenzie Broad and Karissa Schippers (Coach Kirsten Femson) performed a charming routine to place twelfth.

11-12 Yr Old Provincial Team Back Row: Nieve Iannarelli, Mina Mladenovic, Coach Sarah Stokes, Amelia Massie Front Row: Julie Donelle, Samantha Low, Hope Grant

13-15 Yr Old Provincial Team McKenzie Broad, Elizabeth Kozak, Rhiannon Major, Alison Exley, Madelyn Minaret, Brooke Evans, Victoria Wight, Karissa Schippers

After a weekend of running on adrenaline, granola bars and fruit not to mention strong coffee for the parents and chaperones, DSC left the East Regionals not only with top rankings but also pride in accomplishment. As a good glimpse of things to come for the 2011 OOAGSS (Age Group) Championships to be held at the Etobicoke Olympium on May 19-22, much will be anticipated from these young competitive synchronized swimmers.