by: Coach Emer Matienzo
July 13, 2024 – Filinvest Subdivision Club House
Today, the Filinvest Subdivision Club House in Cainta, Rizal, buzzed with excitement as it hosted the 2nd Aquatic Mammal Swimming Club Novice Meet. Despite intermittent rain, the energy was high, and the enthusiasm of both swimmers and spectators remained undampened.
The meet, organized by the dedicated head coach Robert Thruelen, featured a single-age format with a cut-off time to distinguish the faster, more advanced swimmers. The event aimed to provide a competitive yet encouraging environment for novice swimmers to showcase their talents.
Medals were awarded to the top three swimmers in both the novice and class C divisions. Gold, silver, and bronze medals highlighted the exceptional efforts of the young athletes. In addition to the medals, trophies for the Most Outstanding Swimmers (MOS) were presented to those in the novice class who accumulated the highest points.
A highlight of the event was the announcement by Fred Ancheta, the tireless president of Swim League Philippines. Upon learning that the high-point swimmers who met the cut-off time would not receive any trophies, he pledged to award MOS medals donated by Swim League Philippines. This generous gesture was met with applause from both the swimmers and their parents, adding an extra layer of excitement to the meet.
Among the standout novice swimmers were Jean Gabriel Fernandez, Rovy Luisiana Castro, Lucas Zane Arañas, Jaxine Caylee Baldovino, Ernesto Luis Lucas, Soffia Ysabel Mondejar, Eduardo Tambaoan III, Solana Aili Maglaqui, Ian Matthew San Juan, Ianna Ysabel Umapas, Cassius Lim, Crista Angela Laylay, Kirke Yosef Ethan Amurao, Nadia Hizon, Kyle Andrew Bersabal, Joudilyn Demetion, Yuan Jacinto, Rinoa Orellano, Prince Huey Ledesma, Jundy Tenorio, Merylle Elisa Diona, and Franz Angelo Danan. These young swimmers displayed remarkable promise and skill, making them names to watch in future competitions.
The top three teams are the Pasig Rave Barracudas Swim Team, which emerged as the champion with 684.50 points, followed by the Aquos Prime Swim Club as the 1st runner-up with 387 points, and the Marikina Poseidon Swimming Club as the 2nd runner-up with 333 points.
The event was made possible by the support of major sponsors, including Cainta Municipal Mayor Ellen Nieto, Splash N Dash Philippines, MCGI Cares and Savory Spoon. The meet was officiated by Mr. Danilo Anore, with Emerson Matienzo handling the encoding and computerization of the results.
Coach Robert Thruelen, reflecting on the success of the meet, promised an even more exciting and fun-filled novice meet next year. The 2nd Aquatic Mammal Swimming Club Novice Meet not only highlighted the talent of young swimmers but also fostered a sense of community and sportsmanship, leaving everyone eager for the next event.