***************************************************
BARRACUDAS IN THE NEWS
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Barracudas' Jones tops herself at Cary meet
CARY -- Ten-year-old Cassie Jones had a record-setting day as she helped the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team to an 11th-place overall finish at the Tar Heel States Invitational East at the Triangle Aquatic Center on July 30-Aug. 1.
Jones broke her own Barracudas team records in the Female Ages 9-10 50- and 100-yard butterfly races. Jones smashed her previous mark of 1 minute, 39.26 seconds in the 100 fly, set in May, with a time of 1:34.73. Her time of 39.99 seconds in the 50 fly was 1.7 seconds better than the record she set in May.
Overall, Jones earned 75 points, highlighted by third-place finishes in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly. She placed seventh in the 50 fly and ninth in the 50 backstroke.
Zechariah Chastain also had a solid meet, picking up 28 points with 13 coming on a sixth-place finish in the Male 11-12 50 backstroke. He was ninth in the 50 freestyle.
Also earning points for the Barracudas were Katherine Johnson in the Female 10-under 100 butterfly and Samuel Johnson in the Male 11-12 100 butterfly.
Others competing in the meet for the Barracudas were Katharine Bailey, Alexandra Cosimeno, Joshua Hunter, Elizabeth Johnson, Isabelle Johnson, Aly Jones, Makila Laird, Luke Page, Sadie Page, Catherine Potter, Lyrica Squires, Melody Squires and Philip Sullivan.
Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:26 AM
Holsten rewrites Barracudas record book
CHARLOTTE -- John Holsten set four new Wilson Barracudas Swim Team records at the 2010 North Carolina 14 and under Long Course Championships last weekend at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center.
Holsten, whom Barracudas coach Don Kimball said "rewrote the (team) record book," scored points in the male ages 11-12 200-meter individual medley as he finished 16th with a time of 2 minutes, 45.91 seconds which was .03 seconds better than Will Thompson's Barracudas record set in 1991.
In the 50 backstroke, Holsten erased Doug Shanks' 22-year-old mark of 36.39 seconds with a time of 35.86. Holsten clipped Shawn Hunter's 2006 mark of 1:19:43 in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:18.56 and took out Hunter's 400 freestyle record of 5:34.54, also set in 2006, with a finish of 5:27.08.
Holsten was joined at the meet by teammates Neal Blackwell and Zechariah Chastain.
"The boys swam well," Kimball said. "Zech and Neal made their goals by qualifying for the meet and improving all their times. They will be back next year and plan to medal."
Blackwell finished 19th in the 11-12 age group in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:31.40. He also competed in the 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke and the 50 backstroke.
Chastain finished 51st in the 50 backstroke (37.57) and 53rd in the 100 backstroke.
The Barracudas will host their annual fun meet at the Recreation Park Pool on Aug. 4 and a free clinic on Aug. 9. For more information, call Kimball at 399-2269
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Holsten's record-setting weekend helps Barracudas
John Holsten set three new club records as he helped the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team finish fifth out of 11 in the combined team standings at the N.C. East Carolina Swim League 2010 Long-Course Championships last week in Morehead City. Holsten racked up 40 points in 10 events, with a seventh-place finish in the Male Senior 200-yard breaststroke as his best showing. He shattered his Barracudas record of 3 minutes, 27.27 seconds in that event at the ECSL Long-Course championships last summer with a time of 3:17.29. Holsten also eclipsed his record of 11:36.70 in the Male 11-12 800 freestyle, also set last June, with a sixth-place finish in 11:35.88. Holsten erased Shawn Hunter's 11-year-old mark of 5:34.54 in the Male 11-12 400 freestyle in 5:23.11. In his other top-5 finishes, Holsten won the Male 11-12 200 individual medley, was second in the 50 breaststroke, took third in the 50 backstroke and was fourth in each of the 50 and 100 freestyle. Jennifer Eldridge matched Holsten's points total in eight events. She won the Female Senior 200 butterfly in 2:54.07 and was second in the 100 butterfly in 1:18.41. Eldridge was third in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM while taking fifth place in each of the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle. Neil Blackwell had a solid meet, earning 33 points highlighted by his win in the Male 11-12 50 backstroke in 36.63. Blackwell was second in the 50 fly and third in the 50 free and 50 breaststroke. Other points-earning performances were Katharine Bailey taking third in the Female Senior 800 free (12:38.11); Harrison Dollar in seventh in the Male 13-14 200 IM; Joshua Hunter in seventh in the Male 13-14 50 free; Claire Jones taking fifth in the Female Senior 800 free (13:08.04) and sixth in the 200 fly; Sofia Popowitch was fourth in the Female 11-12 50 breaststroke (43.41), fifth in the Female Senior 100 breaststroke (1:33.03) and seventh in the Female 11-12 200 IM; Lyrica Squires was seventh in the Female Senior 100 back; Melody Squires took fifth in the Female 13-14 100 back (1:26.64) and Misty Varnell was sixth in the Female Senior 100 fly. The Barracudas boys and girls were sixth in their respective standings. The Greenville Swim Club finished atop both boys and girls as well as combined points totals
Thu, May 20, 2010
Blackwell, Holsten, Jones pace Barracudas in long-course opener
May 20--GOLDSBORO -- Neil Blackwell, John Holsten and Cassie Jones combined to score 295 points for the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team in the first long-course meet of the season May 7-9 at the Goldsboro YMCA. The Barracudas brought 38 swimmers to the Goldsboro Open Long Course Invitational with 15 picking up points. Additionally, the Barracudas' four relay teams all earned points. The male 12-under 200-yard medley relay team of Blackwell, Holsten, Harrison Dollar and Andrew Terdik was fourth as was the female 10-under 200 medley relay unit of Makila Laird, Elizabeth Johnson, Jones and Katherine Johnson. Blackwell was third in the 12-under 50 butterfly in 37.22 seconds and the 50 backstroke in 37.52 seconds. He was fifth in the 200 freestyle and 50 freestyle. Holsten placed fourth in the 12-under 50 breaststroke (43.86) and 50 backstroke (37.90) and fifth in the 100 breaststroke and 50 butterfly. Jones was third in the 10-under 50 butterfly (41.69) and fourth in the 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly. Terdik won his 12-under 100 breaststroke in 17.45 seconds for the Barracudas' top individual performance. Other swimmers who earned individual points for the Barracudas were Harrison Dollar, Caitlin Hill, Elizabeth Johnson, Isabelle Johnson, Bronwyn Jones, Makila Laird, Shane Matrejek, Sadie Page, Sofia Popowitch, Andrew Stevens and Samuel Stevens. Matrejek was third in the male 8-under 50 breaststroke (1:00.43) and Laird was fifth in the female 8-under 50 freestyle (50.78).
___
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 12:38 AM
Barracudas trim times at ECSL meet
BUIES CREEK -- The Wilson Barracudas Swim Team enjoyed another fine outing this weekend at the Eastern Carolina Swim League Autumn Invitational at Campbell University. Posting first-place finishes for the Barracudas were Neil Blackwell, Zechariah Chastain, Caitlin Hill, Shane Matrejek and the Male 12-under 200-meter freestyle relay team of Harrison Dollar, Andrew Terdik, Chastain and Blackwell. "Some of our swimmers took their performances to another level," Barracudas head coach Don Kimball said. "I think this was expected as their practices are really improving." Hill, 7, won the Female ages 7-8 25-meter butterfly (25.63 seconds) and 50 freestyle (44.13) while taking second in the 100 individual medley (2:06.12). Blackwell won the Male 11-12 50 backstroke in 32.25 and was the runner-up in the 50 freestyle (28.66), 100 freestyle (1:04.56), 50 butterfly (33.49) and 100 IM (1:12.03). Blackwell was third in the Male Senior 400 IM (5:45.75). Chastain won the Male 9-10 50 backstroke in 36.04 and was second in the 100 freestyle (1:08.6), 50 breaststroke (44.96), 50 freestyle (31.21), 50 butterfly (34.83) and 100 IM (1:18.8). He placed third in the Male Senior 200 butterfly (3:10.73). Besides winning the Male 7-8 25 butterfly (21.27), Matrejek took second in the 50 freestyle (41.81) and 100 IM (1:46.13). The 200 free relay's winning time was 2:03.14. Second-place finishes were recorded by John Holsten (Male 11-12 50 breaststroke, 37.54) and Sofia Popowitch (Female 11-12 50 breaststroke, 39.31). Also competing for the Barracudas were Jordan Bizzell, Joseph Brown, William Brown, Anna Dollar, Elena Dolman, Jennifer Eldridge, Asa Gunter, Elizabeth Johnson, Isabelle Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Samuel Johnson, Bronwyn Jones, David Lewis, Anthony Matrejek, Danielle Matrejek, Thomas Matrejek, Bethany Ray, Andrew Stevens, Lehn Terdik and Katie Wilkinson. The Barracudas hit the water next Dec. 4-6 at the 2009 NC WAVE Winter Classic Invitational at Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary as well as the 2009 Racin' Rudolph Invitational in Rocky Mount's Harrison Family YMCA. "We are always looking for new swimmers to take advantage of our free three week trial," said Kimball, who can be reached at 399-2269.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Blackwell, Chastain pace Barracudas in Kick-off meet
CARY -- The Wilson Barracudas turned in top performances at the N.C. RSA Kick-off swim meet from Oct. 16-18. Robert Blackwell finished in the top 10 in each of his eight races in the Male Ages 11-12 category, with four top-five finishes. Zachariah Chastain finished in the top three in seven races, taking first in the Male 10-under 50-meter backstroke and took second in three races. John Holsten finished in the top 10 in eight races, including a third place finish in the Male 11-12 100 breaststroke. Meanwhile, Shawn Hunter finished in the top 10 in six races in the Male 15-16 division, with a second-place finish in the 100 individual medley. For the girls, Jennifer Eldridge led the Barracudas in the ages 15-16 division, with three top-10 finishes, including first in the 50 breaststroke. Cassie Jones finished ninth in the 10-under 50 butterfly and Claire Jones took ninth in the 13-14 50 butterfly. Barracudas coach Don Kimball added that he also distributed several personal best ribbons for performances at the meet. The Barracudas will compete next at Campbell University on Nov. 8.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Relays key 'Cudas in first fall meet
ROCKY MOUNT -- The Wilson Barracudas Swim Team opened its indoor season at the Rocky Mount Fall Invitational at the Harrison Family YMCA last weekend. The Barracudas claimed victory in the Male Ages 11-12 medley relay as Neil Blackwell, John Holsten, Harrison Dollar and Sam Johnson finished with a time of 2:16.90. Taking second place in the Female 10-under medley relay were Elizabeth and Katherine Johnson, Cassie Jones and Sophia Popowitch. Popowitch won the Female 10-under 100 backstroke (1:19.80), the 100 breaststroke (1:30.69), the 100 individual medley(1:18.22) and the 50 breaststroke (0:40.04) while taking second in the 50 butterfly (0:36.13) and third in the 50 freestyle (0:31.15) and 100 freestyle (1:12.26). Holsten posted top-three finishes in the Male 11-12 50-yard freestyle (2nd, 0:28.55), 100 backstroke (2nd, 1:17.91), 100 breaststroke (1st, 1:21.96), 200 freestyle (2nd, 2:20.79), 200 individual medley (2nd, 2:36.37), 50 breaststroke (2nd, 0:38.08) and 100 freestyle (3rd, 1:05.19). Blackwell collected wins in the Male 11-12 50 freestyle (0:28.14), the 100 backstroke (1:10.64) and the 50 butterfly (0:33.07). He was second in the 50 backstroke (0:33.15) and third in the 100 breaststroke (1:25.16). Shawn Hunter was third in the Male Senior 100 backstroke in 0:59.16 and Jones was third in the Female 10-under 100 butterfly in 1:35.81. Dollar was third in the Male 11-12 50 butterfly (0:35.50). Also swimming for the Barracudas in the meet were Hunter Corbin, Jean-Luc Cotrille, Anna Dollar, Jennifer Eldridge, Sara Harris, Caitlin Hill, Isabelle Johnson, Samuel Johnson, Claire Jones, Danielle Matrejek, Shane Matrejek, Thomas Matrejek, Talon Parker, Catherine Potter, Andrew Terdik and Katie Wilkinson.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Barracudas fare well at state meet
CARY -- The four area swimmers represented the Wilson Barracudas swim team with strong performances during the NCS Age Group LC championship Sunday through Wednesday at the Triangle Aquatic Center. Sophia Popwitch, 10, earned the highest finish, taking seventh in the girls 10-under 50 breaststroke and earning a medal. She also finished 12th in the 100 breast -- her two highest finishes among her five events. Zechariah Chastain, 10, also had a top-15 finish in the 100 backstroke, placing 14th. He also placed 16th in the 200 individual medley and 18th in the 50 fly -- his best three finishes in eight events. Robert Blackwell, 11, took 24th in the 50 back. He also competed in the 50 freestyle and 100 back. John Holston finished 58th in his only race, the 200 IM. In the 17 events in which the swimmers competed, 14 were best times. The Barracudas' last meet of the summer will be the Tar Heel state meet July 29-Aug. 2 in Chapel Hill. Then, their final event will be their annual Fun Meet on Aug. 12.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Long course season begins on high note for Barracudas
The Wilson Barracudas Swim Team had a very successful outing at the 2009 Long Course Open at the Goldsboro Family YMCA last Friday through Sunday, with Cassie Jones leading the way. Jones set six new records for the Barracudas in various Female 8 & Under categories. She took first in four 8 & Under events over the course of the long weekend and finished in the top 10 in three 10 & Under events. Highlighting her performances was her 50 fly in which she broke the previous record of 52.40 seconds set in 2004 by more than six seconds with a time of 45.97. She also now holds team records in the 50 freestyle (41.75), 50 backstroke (46.39), 100 backstroke (1:43.42), 50 breaststroke (55.39) and 100 breaststroke (1:59.31). Sofia Popowitch set two new team records of her own while winning three races and finishing in the top five in two more. Popowitch bested the previous Female 9-10 50 fly record of 46.23 set in 2005 with her time of 44.02. She also set a new team record of 46.32 in the Female 9-10 50 breaststroke, beating the old record of 47.58 set in 1999. She won the 10 & Under 50 backstroke, 100 breaststroke (1:43.04), and 50 breaststroke (46.32), took second in the 50 fly (44.02) and third in the 100 backstroke (1:37.25). Shawn Hunter had eight top five perfomances, including wins in the Male Senior 100 backstroke (1:07.48) and 100 freestyle (58.79). Hunter took second in the 200 freestyle (2:13.12), third in the 400 freestyle (4:46.14), fourth in the 100 fly (1:07.74) and 200 backstroke (2:29.75) and fifth in the 100 breaststroke (1:22.17) and 200 IM (2:33.99). John Holsten finished in the top five in six races, including second in the Male 12 & Under 200 IM (2:58.49), 50 breaststroke (43.36) and 100 breaststroke (1:33.47), third in the 100 freestyle (1:11.72), fourth in the 200 freestyle (2:38.95) and fifth in the 50 backstroke (39.14). Also in the Male 12 & Under category, Robert Blackwell finished in the top five in five races, with a second-place finish in the 50 backstroke (37.12), a third-place finish in the 100 backstroke (1:22.60) and 50 freestyle (32.49) and took fifth in the 50 breaststroke (45.20) and 50 fly (38.48). Joshua Hunter took second in two races in the Male 12 & Under division: the 50 freestyle (32.22) and the 50 fly (36.48). He also took third in the 100 fly (1:26.42). Sarah Jones came in fifth in the Female 8 & Under 50 backstroke with a time of 55.20. Two relay teams came up big in the Male 12 & Under division with the 200 medley team taking second (2:44.57) and the 200 freestyle team taking third (2:19.04). The Female 10 & Under 200 freestyle relay team took third (3:04.91) while the 200 medley team set a new 8 & Under record of 3:43.85 with a seventh place finish in the 10 & Under division.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Jones, Hunter, Blackwell top Barracudas' efforts in season-ending meet
GREENVILLE -- Wilson Barracudas swimmers splashed to seven club records in the recent East Carolina Swim League Championships. The Wilson team registered a sixth-place finish among 13 teams. Cassie Jones, in female ages 8 and under; Shawn Hunter, in male 13-14, and Neil Blackwell, in male 10 and under, each established two new records. Jones bettered her mark of 41.91 seconds with a time of 41.39 in the 50 backstroke, and posted a record time of 1:45.28 in the 100 butterfly. She owned the previous record of 1:45.66. Hunter eclipsed his record in the 100 freestyle (49.80), and Justin Eldridge's 2004 mark in the 100 breaststroke (1:06.79). The old records were 50.82 and 1:06.93, respectively. Blackwell posted a new standard of 32.08 in the 50 backstroke and a new mark of 1:10.78 in the 100 backstroke. His previous records were 32.31 and 1:10.85, respectively. In female 10 and under, Sofia Popowitch swam to a record time of 1:26.47 in the 100 breaststroke. The previous mark of 1:26.61 was posted by Casey Umberger in 2000. Hunter emerged as the Barracudas' leading points-getter in the league championship, earning 69 points. His best efforts were fourth in the male senior backstroke and male senior 100 freestyle. First places were claimed by Robert Blackwell in the male 10 and under 100 breaststroke and 50 backstroke; Elizabeth Johnson in the female 8 and under 25 backstroke, and Jones in the 25 butterfly and 25 freestyle; Popowitch in the 50 and 100 breaststrokes. Notching runner-up finishes were Blackwell in the 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 freestyle and 100 individual medley; and Zechariah Chastain in the male 10 and under 50 and 100 butterfly. Taking thirds were Blackwell in the 500 freestyle, Joshua Hunter in the male 12 and under 50 and 100 butterfly; Katherine Johnson in the female 8 and under 25 backstroke; and Popowitch in the 50 butterfly. Salvaging fourth-place finishes were Chastain in the 100 backstroke, 100 individual medley and 50 backstroke; John Holssten in the male 12 and under 50 and 100 breaststrokes; Shawn Hunter in the male senior 50 backstroke and 100 freestyle; Danielle Matrejek in the female 10 and under 100 butterfly; Popowitch in the 50 freestyle and 100 individual medley; and Misty Varnell in the female senior 200 butterfly. Winding up fifth were Holsten in the 50 backstroke and 500 freestyle; and Cassie Jones in the female 10 and under 100 butterfly. In the relays, the male 11-12 200 freestyle quartet of Josh Hunter, Harrison Dollar, Thomas Matrejek and Holsten finished second. Placing third was the female 10 and under 200 medley relay of Cassie Jones, Popowitch, Danielle Matrejek and Sarah Jones. The male 10 and under 200 freestyle relay of Chastain, Shane Matrejek, Sam Johnson and Blackwell wound up fourth, while the female 10 and under 200 freestyle relay of Sarah Jones, Danielle Matrejek, Cassie Jones and Popowitch settled for fifth. The Barracudas now break until April 14, but swimmers interested in a three-weeks free trial are urged to telephone coach Don Kimball at (252) 399-2269.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Barracudas' Blackwell stellar in sectional
CHARLOTTE -- Competing in the 2009 Eastern Sectional Age-Group Championships last weekend, 10-year-old Neil Blackwell produced the highest finish by a Wilson Barracudas Swim Team member in 20 years.
Blackwell collected 14 points in seven events in the Male 10-Under division and his time of 1:10.85 in the 100-yard backstroke broke his club record set last month.
Blackwell was third in the 50 backstroke (32.31), seventh in both the 100 breaststroke (1:25.58) and 50 breaststroke (39.13) and ninth in the 100 individual medley (1:14.18) to go with his fifth-place finish in the 100 backstroke.
The meet at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Complex drew swimmers from eight states.
The Barracudas' next meet is the Eastern Carolina Swim League Championships in Greenville on March 27-29.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Jones sets 5 'Cudas records
RALEIGH -- Cassie Jones of the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team enjoyed an epic day at Saturday's BC States meet in Pullen Park pool.
The eight-year-old broke four individual Barracudas records and was part of a relay team that set a new club mark.
Jones surpassed her own records in the Female 8-under 50-yard backstroke in 41.91 seconds and the 500 butterfly in 40.69 seconds. In the 100 freestyle, Jones erased Buffy Marshall's 21-year-old record with a time of 1:23.28 then knocked off Rachel Akers' 19-year-old mark in the 100 individual medley in 1:31.31.
Jones and 100 freestyle relay teammates Sarah Jones, Katherine Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson established a new club record of 1:18.76. Jones' day included four first-place finishes.
Other top performers for the Barracudas were John Benson with a time of 1:31.72 in the Male 8-under 100 freestyle; Elena Dolman in the Female 13-18 100 breaststroke (1:21.39) and 200 backstroke (2:37.69); Tanner Harold in the Male 11-12 100 breaststroke (1:35.84) and 50 breaststroke (44.67); Katherine Johnson in the Female 8-under 25 backstroke (22.12); Danielle Matrejek in the Female 9-10 100 butterfly (1:49.61) and second-place finish in the 50 breaststroke (48.24); and Sarah Stanley in the Female 13-18 50 freestyle (29.12), 200 backstroke (2:32.73), 100 butterfly (1:11.48) and 200 freestyle (2:12.63).
This weekend in Charlotte, Barracudas swimmers Neil Blackwell and Shawn Hunter will compete in the Eastern Sectional Age Group Championships against top swimmers from eight Southern states.
The Barracudas will conclude their short-course season with the Eastern Carolina Swim League Championships in Minges Natatorium on the campus of East Carolina University in Greenville on March 27-29.
March 4, 2009
Blackwell, Hunter lift Barracuda to strongest finish in 20 years
With strong performances from three area swimmers, the Wilson Barracuda Swim Team put together a strong finish -- its strongest in 20 years -- during the recent 14-under Age Group Championships. Robert Blackwell, 10, scored in eight of nine events in which he raced and medaled in six. He finished among the top 3 in two races, taking second place in the 100 backstroke (1 minute, 12.09 seconds) and the 50 back (32.31) -- setting team records in both races. Shawn Hunter, 14, scored in all six of his events and medaled in five. He placed in the top 5 four times, including fourth in the 100 butterfly (55.76, team record), 50 freestyle (23.10), 200 back (2:03.08, team record) and 100 free (50.82, team record). He also set a team record in the 100 back (56.37), coming in fifth. Hunter and Blackwell's performances lifted the Barracuda Swim Team to 18th, among 35 teams, in the men's rankings -- the highest finish in coach Don Kimball's 20 years with the program. With her performance in the 100 breaststroke, Sofia Popwitch, 10, qualified for her first Age Group Sectional meet. She will join Hunter and Blackwell in competiting against the top swimmers from eight states. That meet will be March 12-15 in Charlotte.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Jones establishes new Barracudas records
GOLDSBORO -- The Wilson Barracudas Swim Team was in action at the Goldsboro YMCA on Saturday with five first-place relay teams and a record-breaking day for eight-year-old Cassie Jones highlighting the day at the 2009 New Year Nick O' Time swim meet. Jones broke her own record from October in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1 minute, 32.58 seconds, and won the 100 butterfly in 1:45.18, breaking teammate Misty Varnell's record by almost 10 seconds. Jones also captured first in the 25 freestyle, the 25 backstroke, the 50 freestyle, the 25 butterfly and the 100 individual medley. The Barracudas took the boys 10U 200 medley relay (Neil Blackwell, Carter Tarkenton, Zechariah Chastain and Sam Johnson), the boys 12U 200 medley relay (Harrison Dollar, John Holsten, Thomas Matrejek and Shane Matrejek), the girls senior 400 medley relay (Carrigan Chastian, Jennifer Eldridge, Varnell and Lyrica Squires), the boys 10U 200 freestyle relay (Carter Tarkenton, Andrew Terdik, Neil Blackwell and Zechariah Chastian) and the girls senior 400 freestyle (Lehn Terdik, Carrigan Chastain, Eldridge and Varnell) all took first place in the relay events. "This was an an outstanding meet for us," Barracudas coach Don Kimball said. "Our swimmers are swimming smart and paying attention to the little things that make you swim fast." Robert Blackwell won the 10U 50 backstroke, the 50 breastroke, the 50 butterfly and the 100 intermural. Margaret Chastain won the 500 freestyle and the 1000 freestyle while Eldridge took first in the 200 intramural. Eleven-year-old Holsten won both the 50 backstroke and the 50 breaststroke. Varnell won the 400 intermural and beat her previous best time by 3.5 seconds. The Barracudas 8U team will compete in the Winter Snowflake Invitational at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh on Jan. 24-25 and Carrigan Chastain will partcipate in the 2009 N.C. Senior Championship the following weekend in Cary.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
**************************************************
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Hunter, Jones set new Barracudas records
ROCKY MOUNT -- Shawn Hunter and Cassie Jones combined to set five new club records for the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team in the Racin' Rudolph Invitational at the Harrison Family YMCA last weekend.
Hunter established three new marks, including furthering his own record of 2 minutes, 20.18 seconds set in January in the Male 13-14 200-yard butterfly. Hunter's new time of 2:14.11 was good enough to win the heat.
The freshman at Hunt High School also erased Justin Eldridge's times in the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly, both set Mar. 20, 2004. Hunter's time of 51:05 was .2 seconds better than Eldridge in the 100 free and his 58.61 in the 100 fly enjoyed the same margin.
Hunter finished first in the 100 fly and second in the 100 free. He also had first-place finishes in the 100 backstroke, the 200 free and 500 free while placing second in the 100 breaststroke and 50 free.
Jones snapped nearly a second off Kaly Price's club record of 43.01, set in 2004, in the Female 8-under 50 back. Jones' 42.04 was good for second place.
She undercut Rachel Akers' 18-year-old record in the 50 fly with a time of 43.68 good for third place. Akers swam it in 44.51 on Nov. 11, 1990.
In her only other event, Jones was second in the 25 free.
Also enjoying an outstanding meet was 10-year-old Neil Blackwell who won all eight of his events -- 50, 100, 200 free; 50, 100 back; 50, 100 fly; 100 individual medley.
Sofia Popowitch, also 10, won the 50 breaststroke and recorded second-place finishes in the 50 back, 100 breaststroke and 100 back. She was third in the 50 fly and 50 free and fourth in the 100 free.
Zechariah Chastain, 9, was second in the Male 10-under 100 fly (his first "A" time: 1:21.01), 100 IM, and 50 fly while placing third in the 100 free, 50 back, 200 free and 100 back. He was fourth in the 50 free.
Josh Hunter was second in the Male 11-12 50 breaststroke and 50 fly while taking thirds in the 50 free and 50 back and finishing fourth in the 100 free, 100 breaststroke and 200 IM. He was fifth in the 100 back.
Misty Varnell, 16, placed second in the Female Senior 200 fly while taking seventh in the 100 fly and ninth in the 500 free.
Other top performers included: Haley Beamon (Female 10-under -- 50 back, 10th); John Benson (Male 8-under -- 25 free, fourth; 25 breast, sixth); Carrigan Chastain (Female Senior -- 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, fourth; 100 back, 50 free, fifth); Hunter Corbin (Male 10-under -- 200 free, 10th); R.J. Cosimeno (Male 11-12 -- 100 fly, sixth); Jennifer Eldridge (Female Senior -- 200 IM, 10th); Sam Johnson (Male 10-under -- 50 fly, sixth); Sarah Jones (Female 8-under -- 25 free, 10th); Danielle Matrejek (Female 10-under -- 50 fly, sixth); Shane Matrejek (Male 8-under -- 25 back, 10th); Thomas Matrejek (Male 11-12 -- 100 breaststroke, seventh; 50 back, 100 free, 10th); Carter Tarkenton (Male 10-under -- 50 breaststroke, fourth; 100 breaststroke, 100 back, sixth); Andrew Terdik (Male 10-under -- 50, 100 fly, third; 100 breaststroke, fifth; 100 IM, sixth; 50 free, eighth; 100 free, ninth; 100 back, 10th).
Barracudas coach Don Kimball was pleased with the results, noting: "The team continues to improve. We are especially strong in the 9-10 boys but need more depth on the girls side."
The next team meet will be Jan. 10-11 in Goldsboro but five swimmers -- Blackwell, Josh and Shawn Hunter, Zechariah Chastain and Popowitch -- will compete in the WAVE Fall States Invitational next weekend at Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
**************************************************
Thursday, November 27, 2008
More Barracudas records tumble
GOLDSBORO -- The Wilson Barracudas swim team got standout performances from 10-year olds Neil Blackwell and John Holsten at the 2008 Goldsboro Thanksgiving Open last weekend at the Goldsboro YMCA.
Blackwell continued to break team records for the Barracudas with a 32.68-second finish in the boys 10U 50-meter backstroke.
"This is an exceptionally good time and should be one of the top five in North Carolina," Barracudas coach Don Kimball said.
Blackwell also earned first-place finishes in the 50-meter breaststroke, the 50-meter free stroke and the 50-meter butterfly.
Holsten won the 100-meter backstroke, the 100-meter breaststroke and the 200-meter individual medley.
The 10U 200-meter medley team of Blackwell, Holsten, Zach Chastian and Andrew Terdick captured first place as did the 10U 200-meter freestroke team of Blackwell, Holsten, Chastain and Carter Tarkenton.
"This has always been a good meet for us," Kimball said. "This year was no exception."
Sofia Popowitch won the 100-meter breaststroke with a time of 1:32.69.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
******************************************
November 14, 2008
Hunter sets new 'Cudas mark
After watching several of his club records broken at the previous meet for the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team, Shawn Hunter did something about it last Friday at the Blue Moon Invitational in Cary. The 14-year-old established a new Barracudas record in the Male Ages 13-14 200-meter butterfly with a a time of 2 minutes, 20.18 seconds, eclipsing Justin Eldridge's November, 2003, time of 2:20.89. Hunter finished seventh overall with. "Shawn had a very good meet improving in eight out of nine events he entered," Barracuda coach Don Kimball said. Hunter had top-five finishes in the 100 freestyle, the 200 backstroke, the 200 freestyle, the 100 backstroke, the 200 breaststroke and the 100 butterfly. Also competing for the Barracudas in Cary were 9-year-old Andrew Terdik, 10-year-old Neil Blackwell, 10-year-old Sofia Popowitch and 15-year-old Lehn Terdik. The Barracudas will participate in the 2008 Goldsboro Y Thanksgiving Open next weekend.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
******************************************
October 30, 2008
Jones, Holsten, Blackwell set new Barracudas records at ECSL meet
BUIES CREEK -- Cassie Jones, John Holsten and Neil Blackwell broke records for the Wilson Barracuda Swim Team at the East Coast Swim League Autumn Invitational at Campbell University last weekend.
Jones won the Female Age eight-and-under 100-meter backstroke in 1 minute, 36.68 seconds. She clipped more than five seconds off the mark set by Aly Jones in March, 2003.
The 10-year-old Holsten set team bests in the Male 10-and-under 500-meter and 1,000-meter freestyle. Holsten finished the 500-meter in 6:24.8, eradicating current Barracudas teammate Shawn Hunter's record of 6:35.34 set in March, 2005.
Holsten placed third overall in the 1,000-meter with a 13:09.16 showing that also victimized Hunter, whose 15:48.21 was set in October, 2004.
Holsten won the 100-meter individual medley (1:17.66) as well.
Meanwhile, Neil Blackwell, another 10-year-old, joined in the assault on Hunter as his winning time of 1:12.74 in the Male 10-under 100 backstroke outdid Hunter's February, 2005 time of 1:13.53.
Blackwell also improved his own Barracudas record of 33.62 in the Male 10-under 50 backstroke set on Sept. 27 when he swam the event in 33.29 on Saturday. He had a second-place finish in the Male 9-10 50 breaststroke (42.45) and was third in the 100 freestyle (1:08.22).
Carrigan Chastain won the Female 15-over 100 backstroke (1:09.25) and placed second in the 1,000-meter freestyle as well as the 500, 100 and 50 freestyle races. She was fourth in the Female Senior 200 freestyle, 200 backstroke and Female 15-over 100 butterfly while taking fifth in the Female Senior 400 individual medley.
Nine-year-old Zechariah Chastain won the Male 12-under 100 butterfly in 1:27.97. Sixteen-year-old Misty Varnell captured the Female Senior 200 butterfly with a 2:33.15 time.
Jennifer Eldridge had a trio of second-place finishes in the Female 15-over 200 individual medley and100 butterfly as well as the Female Senior 200 breaststroke. Six-year-old Cailin Hill earned second in the Female 6-under 25 freestyle, backstroke and butterfly races.
Other top-10 finishers for the Barracudas were Harrison Dollar, Elena Dolman, Elizabeth Matrejek, Sofia Popowitch, Lyrica Squires, Sarah Stanly and Carter Tarkenton.
"This was a very good meet for us," said Barracudas coach Don Kimball. "With all age groups swimming in the same session, there was a lot of cheering. One of the best things about our sport is the interaction between younger and older swimmers."
Some of the Barracudas will swim next at the 2008 WAVE Blue Moon Invitational on Nov. 7-9 at Triangle Aquatic Center. The next full team meet will come Nov. 22-23 for the Goldsboro Family YMCA Thanksgiving Open.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
******************************************
October 02, 2008
ROCKY MOUNT -- A pair of 10-year-olds -- John Holsten and Neil Blackwell -- led a strong effort by the Wilson Barracudas Swim Team in its first meet of the short-course season.
In the RMY Fall Invitational at the Harrison Family YMCA last weekend, Blackwell established a new club record in winning the Male 10-under 50-yard backstroke in 33.62 seconds, eclipsing the mark of 34.03 set by Shawn Hunter in 2005. Blackwell also won the 50 freestyle (30.09) and 100 backstroke (1:14.6) in the same age division while placing second in the 100 breaststroke (1:31.92) and taking third in the 100 individual medley (1:17.27).
Holsten took first place in four of his eight Male 10-under events while finishing second in the rest. He claimed victories in the 100 freestyle (1:06.17), 100 breaststroke (1:28.19), 100 IM (1:15.57) and 50 breaststroke (40.5). Holsten's runner-up finishes were in the 50 backstroke (36.64), 200 freestyle (2:24.86), 100 butterfly (1:23.92) and 100 backstroke (1:16.7).
Also winning races in their respective age divisions for the Barracudas were Cassie Jones in the Female 8-under 25 backstroke (19.91), Sofia Popowitch in the Female 10-under 50 breaststroke (44.81) and 100 breaststroke (1:34.63) and Shawn Hunter in the Male Senior 200 butterfly (2:21.52). Jones owned a pair of second-place finishes in the 25 butterfly (21.06) and 50 breaststroke (55.3) while Hunter took second in the 100 butterfly (1:00.89).
Others posting top-10 finishes were John Benson (Male 8-under 25 breaststroke, 25 freestyle and 50 backstroke); Blackwell (10-under 100 IM, 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle); Carrigan Chastain (Female Senior 100 backstroke); Natalie Craven (Female 10-under 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke);
Jennifer Eldridge (Female Senior 100 butterfly, 200 breaststroke, 200 butterfly); Harold Tanner (Male 11-12 100 breaststroke, 200 IM, 50 breaststroke, 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke); Hunter (Males Senior 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle, 200 IM, 100 breaststroke, 200 backstroke); Cassie Jones (Female 8-under 50 freestyle);
Sarah Jones (Female 8-under 100 freestyle); Popowitch (Female 10-under 100 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly, 100 IM, 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke); Lyrica Squires (Female Senior 200 backstroke); Melody Squires (Female 11-12 200 IM, 50 breaststroke, 100 backstroke); Carter Tarkenton (Male 10-under 50 breaststroke, 100 breaststroke); Andrew Terdik (Male 10-under 50 butterfly, 100 breaststroke) and Misty Varnell (Female Senior 200 butterfly).
Sarah Jones and Tarkenton were swimming their first meet as were six others.
"It was a good first meet with a lot of best times and good finishes," said Barracudas head coach Don Kimball.
The Barracudas hit the water next at the East Coast Swim League Autumn Invitational at Campbell University on Oct. 24-26.
Kimball said the team is still seeking new swimmers. "We offer a three-week free tryout," Kimball said.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
******************************************
Barracudas Blackwell & Hunter Qualify for Championships
June 12, 2008
GOLDSBORO -- The Wilson Barracuda Swim Team will send two swimmers on to their respective championships after making the cut Saturday at the Liberty Invitational meet in the Goldsboro Family YMCA pool. Neil Blackwell, age 10, advanced to the Junior Olympics meet in the male 10-under 200 individual medley, male 9-10 50 butterfly, male 10-under 100 breaststroke and male 10-100 butterfly. Shawn Hunter, 14, reached the Senior Championships in the male 13-18 200 freestyle. Blackwell won six events (10-under 200 IM, 9-10 50 breast, 9-10 50 fly, 10-under 100 free, 10-under 100 breast and 10-under 100 fly) and finished second in another (10-under 200 free). Carrigan Chastain, 15, won five events (female 13-18 200 IM, 13-18 200 backstroke, 13-18 100 fly, 11-18 400 free, 13-18 200 free) and also took second (13-18 200 fly). Hunter won two of his three events, taking the 13-18 200 fly and 13-18 200 free. Jennifer Eldridge, 15, also won the female 13-18 100 breast, 13-18 100 free and 13-18 200 fly. Josh Hunter, 12, finished with wins in the male 11-12 50 fly and 11-12 50 free. From 12 swimmers competing in 68 events, the Barracudas finished among the top 8 in 40 times. The Barracudas will next compete June 20-22 in the East Carolina Swim League Long-Course Championships in Morehead City.
WBST Announces the Pat Greene Thompson Committment Award
May 24, 2008
June 14, 1952 - September 24, 2007
Pat served the Wilson Swim Team from 1986 until 2007. For over 20 years, she volunteered in one capacity or another and filled every position on the Board you could serve. She was very instrumental in the formation of the Wilson Barracuda Swim Team. Pat was also very involved with USA Swimming and NC Swimming where she was a swimming referee and stroke and turn judge for over 10 years.
At the time Pat's first born started to swim at age 7, the team was called the Wilson Water Warriors and soon changed to the Wilson Swim Club. By the time Caroline started at the age of 7, the team finally changed to the Wilson Barracuda Swim Team. Both Pat*s children, Will and Caroline, had a passion for swimming and both excelled in the sport. Pat loved to watch her children in the water and she loved being a part of the Wilson Swim Team.
The last year she served, as President, was a struggle for Pat. Her mother was in her last year of life, with Pat taking care of her, while trying to juggle being a wife, a mom, a new grandmother, a full time medical technologist, a Wilson Recreation Board Member and serving as President on the Wilson Barracuda Swim Board. Still she rarely missed a Barracuda Board Meeting and was able to keep up her duties as President.
She was sad to leave the team after Caroline went off to college. It had been such an important part of her life and she had contributed so much to building a strong, positive team for Wilson. Her husband, Joe and both children supported Pat in her commitment to our team. We will be forever grateful for all the love, support, and commitment not only Pat gave, but also Joe, Will and Caroline have given to our team.
Pat died September 24, 2007 after a courageous fight with leukemia showing as she did in life, grace and dignity along the way.
WBST is proud to announce The Patricia Greene Thompson Commitment Award to be presented annually to the swimmer that shows outstanding commitment, a genuine love of the sport of competitive swimming while supporting the Wilson Barracuda Swim Team.
Barracudas Smash Records at Good Stuff Meet
May 21, 2008
CARY -- Team records tumbled like dominoes for Wilson Barracudas swim team last weekend at the Triangle Aquatic Center in the 2008 Good Stuff Long Course Meet.
Five team records, including two that were more than 15 years old, were erased by six Barracudas in the open meet hosted by Raleigh Swimming Assocaition.
Fourteen-year-old Shawn Hunter was on both sides of the situation as he established three new team marks but saw one of his records eclipsed by John Holsten and Neil Blackwell.
Holsten, a 10-year-old, smashed Hunter's benchmark in the male ages 9-10 200-yard individual medley by almost 19 seconds with a time of 3 minutes, 2.71 seconds. Hunter's previous record of 3:21.18 set in 2004 was also surpassed by Blackwell, who finished in 3:19.99.
Blackwell toppled Will Thompson's time of 40.11 seconds in the male 9-10 50 backstroke which was set in 1989. Blackwell's new standard is 39.42.
Thompson, who would go on to win a state championship for Fike High School, was also victimized by Hunter in the male 13-14 50 freestyle. Hunter's time of 27.76 wiped out Thompson's 28.52 seconds set in 1993.
Hunter took on another Fike state champion as he rewrote a pair of records set by Justin Eldridge in 2003. Hunter put up a new team standard in the 100 freestyle with a time of 1:02.28 compared to Eldridge's 1:01.36.
Now swimming at University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Eldridge was erased in the 100 backstroke as Hunter's 1:10.45 was a second better than Eldridge's best in 2003.
The 100 backstroke was also Hunter's best finish as he came in third.
Holsten won the 10-under 100 breaststroke (1:40.47) and was second in the 200 individual medley. He was third in the 100 backstroke (1:26.69) and fourth in the 50 backstroke (40.58).
Blackwell's record-setting backstroke was good for second place while he managed fourth-place finishes in the 100 backstroke (1:26.81) and 200 individual medley (3:19.99).
Also swimming for the Barracudas were Jennifer Eldridge and Carrigan Chastain
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
Hunter & Varnell Lead Barracudas
May 15, 2008
GOLDSBORO -- The first meet of the long-course season went well for the Wilson Barracudas swim team at the Goldsboro YMCA Long-Course Invitational last weekend.
The Barracudas placed fourth out of eight teams in each of the male, female and combined results for the BB/B/C standards meet.
Leading the charge for Wilson was 11-year-old Josh Hunter, who compiled 138 points, and 16-year-old Missy Varnell, who totaled 134 points.
Hunter swam to victory in the Male 12-under 100-yard butterfly, 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly while posting a runner-up finish in the 100 freestyle. He was third in the 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley.
Varnell prevailed in the Female Senior 100 and 200 butterfly races while taking second in the 200 individual medley, the 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle. She was third in the 200 freestyle.
Zechariah Chastain, a nine-year-old swimming in the Male 10-under division for the first time, racked up 98 points. His best finish was second in the 50 butterfly.
Chastain was third in the 100 butterfly.
Other top-three finishes for the Barracudas were 15-year-old Elena Dolman's runner-up in the Female Senior 100 breaststroke; seven-year-old Cassie Jones' runner-up spots in the Female 8-under 50 backstroke and 50 butterfly; nine-year-old Sofia Popowitch with second place in the Female 10-under 50 breaststroke and third in the 100 breaststroke and 16-year-old Sarah Stanley, who was second in the Female Senior 200 freestyle.
The Barracudas' "A" swimmers get in the water this weekend in the Koury Natatorium on the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill for the Josh Weaver Memorial "Meet on The Hill" Long-Course Invitational.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
Barracudas wrap up short-course season at Rocky Mount
April 8, 2008
The Wilson Barracudas swim team concluded its winter short-course season with an impressive showing at the Rocky Mount YMCA Spring Invitational last weekend.
Eight-year-old Zechariah Chastain won all eight of the events he entered as the Barracudas took first place in 41 of the 97 events. Ten-year-old John Holsten earned six top finishes while Chastain's older sister, Carrigan, claimed victory in five races.
"This was a small meet with five teams and 150 swimmers but it was a good way to finish a fine short-course season," said Barracudas head coach Don Kimball.
The team takes a short break then jumps back in the water on May 9 at the BB/B/C Invitational in the Goldsboro YMCA pool in a meet for development swimmers. The more experienced team members will compete in the RSA Good Stuff Meet in Cary's Triangle Aquatic Center on May 16.
Any swimmers interested in joining the Barracudas program should telephone Kimball at 399-2269.
Copyright ©, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina
Holsten breaks Barracudas record in Cary meet
CARY -- John Holsten's debut in a new age group resulted in a Wilson Barracudas Swim Team record at the WAVE Fall States Invitational at Triangle Aquatic Center last weekend.
Swimming in the Male Ages 11-12 division for the first time, Holsten registered a time of 3 minutes, 0.57 seconds in the 200-yard breaststroke, toppling the former mark of 3:02.78 set by Matthew Patty in 2001. Holsten finished fourth in that event but took second in the 100 breaststroke in 1:25.57.
Neil Blackwell scored 43 points for the Barracudas in the Male 10-under division, highlighted by a pair third-place finishes in the 50 backstroke (33.15 seconds) and 100 breaststroke (1:25.72). Blackwell also took fourth in the 100 backstroke (1:12.97), 50 breaststroke (39.57) and 100 individual medley (1:13.94) while placing seventh in the 50 freestyle (29.22) and ninth in the 100 freestyle (1:05.93).
Zechariah Chastain had a trio of third-place finishes in the Male 9-under division to finish with 37 points -- 100 butterfly (1:21.83), 50 butterfly (35.39) and 100 breaststroke (1:39.97). Chastain was fifth in the 100 IM (1:24.08), seventh in the 100 freestyle (1:12.38) and eighth in the 200 freestyle (2:44.29).
Also competing for the Barracudas in the invitation-only event were 12-year-old Josh Hunter and 10-year-old Sofia Popowitch.
The entire Barracudas team hits the pool again at the New Year Nick O'Time Invitational at the Goldsboro YMCA on Jan. 10-11.