Sailfish Spear Dolphins & ‘Cudas in Third Win

The McArthur YMCA Sailfish sped to another victory last Saturday, dominating the Dye-Clay Dolphins and Yates Barracudas. Blistering heat and strong competition could not keep the home team from rewriting the record book, with twelve swimmers posting fifteen new individual team records. First-time record-breakers included Aidan Pedersen, who broke a three-year-old record in the 6-&-under boys’ 25 butterfly, Matthew Stillwell (6-&-under boys’ 25 freestyle), Aaron Johnson (13-14 boys’ 200 IM), and Rachel Taylor (senior girls’ 200 IM). Evan Crayton (8-&-under boys’ 25 freestyle and 25 butterfly), Jasmine Duke (11-12 girls’ 50 butterfly and 100 IM), and Juan Cardenas (13-14 boys’ 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke) continued their streaks, adding two records apiece. Rounding out the romp were repeat record-holders Taylor Radcliffe (8-&-under girls’ 25 backstroke), Ciera Wilcox (8-&-under girls’ 100 IM), Maisie Gooch (10-&-under girls’ 100 IM), Jared Smith (10-&-under boys’ 50 backstroke), and Leah Wright (13-14 girls’ 100 butterfly).
Sofia Dupee, Maisie Gooch, and Juan Cardenas maintained perfect personal records, swimming undefeated in each appearance this season. Showing the depth of this year’s team, 41 swimmers turned in an impressive 83 National Time Standards, including 6 ‘A’ times, 25 ‘BB’ times, and 52 ‘B’ times.
The Sailfish host the Region AAA Meet on July 11. Top finishers in this meet will advance to the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast League Championships July 24-25 in Jacksonville, where the McArthur swimmers will defend their team’s title.

SAILFISH SIZZLE IN SEASON OPENER

Taking on not one but three challengers, 2008 YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Swimming Champions the McArthur Sailfish launched their title defense in a commanding 319-point victory on the road at Orange Park’s Bob Dye-Clay Family YMCA.
An unexpected change in venue led to a triple dual meet pitting the Sailfish against the Dye-Clay Dolphins, the Barco-Newton Fighting Marlins, and the St. Augustine Rays. Sailfish dominated across the board, racking up points from the first splash to the last touch. From the tiniest rookie (4-year-old Jules Hines) to the most seasoned veteran (18-year-old 2009 FBHS grad Amanda Stein), Sailfish swimmers showed their determination to stay unbeaten. As did 10 & Under Girls Freestyle relay team of (Devan Hines, Lindsey DeLille, Faith Leipau, and Lexie Sutton) showed their strength as they have been undefeated for 3 straight years.
8 year-old Ciera Wilcox captured first place finishes with two “A” times in the 25 back and 25 fly. Six individual Sailfish swam a total of ten “BB” times and twenty-five swimmers posted a total of thirty “B” times.
Ten new team records were set, including two each by veterans Juan Cardenas (13-14 100 back and 100 fly) and Katy Weaver (13-14 100 back and 200 IM). Sailfish newcomers Evan Crayton ( 8&U 25 free and 25 back) and Jasmine Duke (11-12 100 IM and 50 breast) made powerful debuts with two records apiece. Jillian Lunt (13-14 100 fly) and Amanda Stein (Senior 100 fly) each added one record to their collections.
The Sailfish are a record high 155 swimmers and eight volunteer coaches strong this season. Head Coach Mary Donn Bowman confirms the 2009 team is promising to be the best yet.
Next up for the Sailfish is the first of a three-meet home stand, taking on the St. Augustine Rays and the Arlington Riverfins in Fernandina Beach on Saturday.