Lakelands resident Nick Ransing spreads his wings during the butterfly.
The Lakelands Lionfish finished top of the Montgomery County Swim League “J” division, earning second place in the divisional meet but enough overall points throughout the season to take the first place trophy.
The Lionfish are tentatively slated to compete next year in the “H” division of the MCSL as a direct response to this year’s swimmers’ times in their events. MCSL officials pit teams in the league against one another using a virtual meet in order to split the league into divisions. Those with the most wins are ranked in the highest division, division “A.” Those with the fewest wind up in the lowest division, division “O.” Other teams fall somewhere in the middle. Because swimmers best times are often so close, it is not usual for teams to bump up or down as many as two divisions. Teams compete only against those teams ranked in their division.
“I am excited about the new division assignment,” said Lakelands Coach Brooke Hoffman. “I feel that this division will be competitive for our swimmers.”
Kentlands wrapped up their fourth season in the “D” division, also coming in fourth place in the divisionals meet.
“We swam extremely well at divisionals. Even though we got fourth, most of our kids got best times and moved up places in their events,” said Kingfish Coach Jonathan Taylor. The medley team of John Freeman, Colm Lister, Warren Beecroft and Rio Hodges shattered the Kingfish team record for the open-age medley event, according to Taylor.
In 2011 Kentlands swimmers are tentatively slated to compete in MCSL’s “F” division.
Taylor noted his favorite part of the season was recognizing the team’s seniors with special personalized robes and crowns.
“It is a touching presentation that we do. That is the most memorable for me,” he said. Taylor also thanked Assistant Head Coach Aimee Moores for her career with the team.
“She has been a tremendous swimmer, leader and mentor of our young people,” he said.
Hoffman touted the highlight of this season as “watching all of the swimmers receive best times throughout the season.” Making the season so successful was the team’s ability to score points in both halves of the meet, including all four strokes.
She said next year she hopes to work on breaststroke and butterfly in the younger swimmer categories.
The Lionfish team is expecting some coaching changes for next season as Assistant Head Coach Danielle Nesmith departs for law school.
“We are in the process of reevaluating how our coaching staff is set up, and I look forward to helping the committee get a staff that will be a great fit for next year’s Lionfish team,” Hoffman said.