The Rodney Heights Aquatic Center (RHAC) Invitational Club Meet came to a successful conclusion over the weekend, with three national records and 17national age group records established and participation of over 340 competitive swimmers from 17 swim clubs from around the Caribbean.
With swimmers from Barbados, Trinidad, Antigua, Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia in competition, this year’s meet again cemented the event as one of the premier swim events for the eastern Caribbean and created another big “bump” for swimming in St Lucia, under the organization of Dr Diane Worrell and the Rodney Heights Aquatic Center.
The younger swimmers dominated the meet as most clubs sent their predominantly younger age groups to give them regional exposure to swimming at this level. It was also a test of endurance, as the swimmers began competition from Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon.
The meet was attended by 17 clubs from the six Caribbean islands and was characterized by excellent competition, efficient organization and a large crowd attendance supporting the swimmers and the sport.
Antigua Aquatic Club captured the top club spot for the second time, with an overall solid performance with 704 points while St Lucia’s Racers secured second place with 700 points and Sea Jays Swim Club third with 651 points.
Antigua Aquatic Club demonstrated their power in the juniors with the young swimmers helping them to first place. The Antigua clubs again demonstrated their depth and strength especially at the younger age groups and sent a clear message to their OECS competitors for 2013.
Following are the team standings: Antigua Aquatic Club, 704; Racers Swim Club, 700; Sea Jays Swim Club, 651; Sharks Swim Club, 607; Marlins Swim Club, 597; Alpha Swim Club, 456; Southern Flying Fish, 318; Grenfin Swim Club Grenada, 303; Lightning Aquatics Swim Club, 249; Black Sands Swim Squad, 238, Wadadli Aquatic Racers, 220; Pirates Swim Club Barbados,130; Heatwave Aquatics Swim Club,119; Blue Marlins, 92; Cobra Adventures Swim Club, 67; HighTide Stingrays Swim Club, 64; Titans Aquatic Swim Team,12.
Brad Worrell of Racers stepped up to the plate to set two national records in the 100 and 200 M SC breast stroke with times of 1:07.65 and 2:36.92 respectively.
In the 800 M free, Jonathon McLennon also of Racers swam a 10:55.88 to set the other national record.
Eight of the seventeen national age group records were registered by Ethan “Speedy” Dyke Elliott of Sea Jays Club, who clearly enjoyed this meet with his record performances.
Following are the Age group records: Female 8 & Under 100 Breast, Naima Hazzel (1:54.32); Female 8 & Under 100 Fly, Jenna-lee Campbell (2:48.89); Female 11-12 200 Fly, Katelin Samuel (3:18.65); Male 8 & Under 100 Fly, D’Andre Blanchard (2:20.50); Male 9-10 50 Free, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (30.63); Male 9-10 100 Free, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (1:08.68); Male 9-10 200 Free, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (2:32.55); Male 9-10 400 Free, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (5:26.47); Male 9-10 50 Back, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (36.10); Male 9-10 100 Back, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (1:21.17); Male 9-10 100 Breast, Terell Monplaisir (1:34.88); Male 9-10 100 Fly, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (1:17.20); Male 9-10 200 IM, Ethan Dyke-Elliott (2:52.18); Male 11-12 800 Free, Nicholas McLennon (11:54.63); Male 15-17 800 Free, Jonathon McLennon (10:55.88); Male 18 & Over 100 Breast, Bradford Worrell (1:07.65); Male 18 & Over 200 Breast, Bradford Worrell (2:36.92).
Dr Diane Worrell was extremely satisfied with the meet. She expressed gratitude to the sponsors and all the officials who made this event possible. There was special mention made of Kathleen Beckles (Meet Referee) and Hilroy Emanus (Starter), Lily Bergasse, Edith Clashing, David Worrell Jr, Donovan Brown, Joyce Huxley and Antoinette Desrivierre.
The sponsors were Diamonds International, Dominoes Pizza, Marigot Bay Marina, Bay Gardens Hotel, JE Bergasse and Company, Plural Agencies Limited, Ferrands Food Products, DuBoulay’s Bottling Company, Pinnock Brothers – Geely Auto and Windward and Leeward Brewery.
