The Claremont Club Swim Team

Posted Dec. 11, 2007: The TCC Swim Team competed at the 2007 Senior Winter Invitational, held at the City Of Commerce Natatorium, and put a “chill” on the competition. Leading off the competition was 14-year-old Noelle Tarazona with a Junior National swim in the 1,000 freestyle. Noelle, who placed second overall, with a fast 10:09.33, achieved her fifth Junior National time standard. Noelle also competed in the 200 fly (3rd), 400 I.M. (4th), 100 fly (10th), and 500 free (13th). Other TCC swimmers placing in the top 24 were:

Other senior swimmers that competed were Tara Bletcher (14), Nicole Blum (15), Janai Ederaine (15), Zach Freeno (17), Dylan Gabel (15), Victoria Gibb (16), Madeline Harbach (14), Jason Haney (13), Samantha Keehn (12), Katie Johnson (16), Alexis Salyer (14), Laura Shipman (17), and D.J. Tarazona (16).

“It was a very successful meet. Most everyone had a lifetime best time and we had several make finals,” said Head Coach John Ries. John added, “It was the first senior meet of the season and I think it was a great indication that we are on the right track for a super fast season.”

TEAM RECORDS FALL EARLY IN SEASON

Posted Nov. 19, 2007: Several age group team records have been broken early in the 2007-2008 season - Hunter Sa-Nguansap, Sonia Wang, Oriana Wang, Noelle Tarazona and Sam Jardine are off to a FAST start - CHECK OUT OUR NEW TEAM RECORDS!!

TCC PLACES 13 SWIMMERS ON NATIONAL TOP 16 LIST

Posted Nov. 13, 2007: The Claremont Club Swim Team placed 13 athletes on the U.S.A Swimming National Top 16 List for the 2006-2007 seasons. The list represents the fastest top 16 times in each age group in the country for both the short course and long course season. “This is the largest number of swimmers that we have placed on this list. This is a great accomplishment and all 13 should be very proud of themselves,” said Head Coach John Ries. All 13 swimmers will attend a banquet next spring to honor their achievements.

The following swimmers made the list (event followed by ranking) in individual events:

ERIC BLETCHER AND KARISSA VERMILLION 2007 FALL FESTIVAL CHAMPIONS

Posted Oct. 22, 2007: TCC swimmers Eric Bletcher, 7, and Karissa Vermillion, 11, were the "BIG" 2007 winners at our annual Fall Fundraiser Festival.

Eric won the grand prize, a complete Wii system with games while Karissa rode off on a pretty pink beach cruiser. They both did an AWESOME job of raising money for our swim team. Congrats to Eric and Karissa!!

THANK YOU!

Posted Oct. 22, 2007: Thanks to Valerie Carazo for her "Wonder Woman" efforts with our super fun fall fundraiser!! Everyone looked great in their Halloween costumes and the food was awesome. Thanks also to Mrs.Liemsakul and Mrs. Strong for helping set-up early in the day and to Doug Broyles, Tony Keehn, and Joe Wilson for cooking those yummy TCC hot dogs.

JUNIOR NATIONALS ENDS SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR TCC SWIMMERS

Posted Sept. 5, 2007: Indiana is no longer known just for its fast tracks (home of the Indianapolis 500) but now can claim it has speed in its pools as well. Noelle Tarazona, David Chen and Dean Holcomb, along with Head Coach John, traveled to Indiana, August 6-12, to compete at the 2007 USA Summer Junior Nationals.

Noelle, 14, competing at her first Junior National meet, had a very successful trip.

Noelle finished 6th in the 400 I.M. (she was awarded a fancy medal and pretty flowers) and 15th in the 200 butterfly. She also swam the 100 butterfly and 200 I.M. “It has been an incredible summer for Noelle. She qualified for the Olympic Trials in June (at the Swim Meet of Champions) and then in July became a member of the USA Junior National Team (Janet Evans Invit) that will compete in Australia later this year. I think Juniors was a great learning experience for her and will propel Noelle into an exciting 2007/2008 season,” said Coach John.

David, 17, competed in the 100 and 200 fly as well as the 200 and 400 free. “I had hoped David might have a stronger meet but again this is a great way for him to learn how to handle difficult swimming situations. I look for David to continue to get faster as he heads to UCLA this fall,” stated John.

Dean, 17, was also a Junior National rookie, competing in both the 200 butterfly and 400 I.M. “Dean’s swimming career is just getting started. He has a lot of talent and I hope this meet gave him confidence that he can compete at this level. I am sure he will only improve while at Cornell,” said Head Coach John.

“I am very proud of these 3 young athletes. They are wonderful people and great students. Overall, they are a huge part of a tremendous year for the TCC Swim Team,” stated one happy head coach.

FANTASTIC FINISH AT 2007 SUMMER JUNIOR OLYMPICS

Posted Sept. 5, 2007: The Claremont Club Swim Team finished the summer season in grand style at the 2007 Summer Junior Olympic Championships held in Fullerton (FAST). The women’s team finished in 2nd place overall (against 45 other swim teams), only trailing Mission Viejo by 9 points after the individual events while the men’s team placed an impressive 5th. Overall, the team combined to finish a fantastic 4th behind only Mission, Rose Bowl, and FAST.

It was a SUPER job out of EVERYONE. It takes all of you to finish 2nd in the women’s and 5th in the men’s. Once again, we ended the season with an AWESOME TEAM effort and we should only get tougher and better. GREAT job to all of you!!!

NORTH AMERICAN CHALLENGE CUP RESULTS

Posted Aug. 31, 2007: Eight of our TCC swimmers competed, August 10-12 at U.S.C., at the first-ever international competition for Southern California Swimming. The all-star meet pitted the best young age group swimmers from Canada, Mexico and Southern California. Our eight had some outstanding swims and helped Southern California finish second to the all-stars from Canada (by only 115 points). The following are the TCC all-star highlights:

TARAZONA WILL “FLY” TO OMAHA

Posted June 26, 2007: TCC swimmer Noelle Tarazona will join her teammate, Courtney Eads, in Omaha, Nebraska for the 2008 U.S.A. Swimming Olympic Trials. Noelle, 14, qualified in two events at the Swim Meet of Champions held in Mission Viejo. Noelle achieved her first Olympic Trial standard in the 200 meter butterfly with a time of 2:16.06, placing her 5th overall. Her second Olympic Trial time was accomplished with a 2nd place in the 400 I.M. in a blazing 4:55.65. Noelle also had lifetime bests in the 200 I.M. (2:24.04, placing 8th) and the 200 breast (2:43.47, placing 21st). Coach John Ries was extremely proud of his young swimmer, “Noelle had an amazing meet. Her hard work and dedication to swimming has paid off and she deserves this success. I am very happy for her.” Congratulations Noelle!!

SEVEN SELECTED TO NORTH AMERICAN CHALLENGE CUP

Posted July 22, 2007: Congratulations to our seven TCC swimmers who have been selected to the North American Challenge Cup Southern California Swimming All-Star Team:

Samantha Keehn, 12
Oriana Wang, 12
Kayla Clark, 15
Chrysanthia Cheung-Lau, 18
Aaron Woods, 16
Eric Hauck, 17
Winner Sa-Nguansap, 18

These seven will compete at U.S.C. on August 10-12 against All-Star Teams from Canada and Mexico. The all-star selections were based on long course times achieved between March 31 through July 15, 2007. This is a new all-star competition for Southern California Swimming and is open to the public-go down and cheer for our speedy seven!!

Good luck to all of you and have FUN!!

EXCITING SWIMS AT JANET EVANS INVITATIONAL

Posted July 18, 2007: It wasn't just HOT on the deck for TCC swimmers, at the Janet Evans Invitational, held at U.S.C., it was smoking in the water as well. "This is an exciting time for The Claremont Club Swim Team. We had Olympic Trial cuts, Junior National cuts and lots of best times," reported Head Coach John Ries.

Starting the fireworks in the water was 14-year-old NOELLE TARAZONA who qualified for the U.S.A. Junior National Team with her awesome swim in the 200 meter butterfly (2:15.58, placing 11th). Noelle, who has already qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials, will represent our country in Australia in January 2008. "This type of accomplishment comes far and few between. Noelle is the first TCC swimmer that will compete internationally. I am very proud of her," said Coach John. Noelle also placed 11th in the 400 I.M. bettering her Olympic Trial cut to an impressive 4:54.53.

Teammate COUTNEY EADS added some fireworks of her own with top 16 finishes in 4 events. Courtney added another Olympic Trial cut as well (she has previously qualified in the 200 fly, 200 I.M., and 400 I.M.) in the 100 butterfly with a sizzling 1:02.31. Courtney was 9th in the 400 I.M. (4:53.48), 13th in the 200 I.M. (2:22.92) and 7th in the 200 fly (2:14.46).

DEAN HOLCOMB achieved his first Junior National time in the 200 fly with a fast 2:08.42, placing 24th. Dean will join our group headed to Junior Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana, later this month.

WINNER SA-NGUANSAP had his best meet this season. Winner had a sensational drop in his 200 fly (Junior National time), placing 21st (2:07.77) and had a lifetime best in the 400 I.M. CEDRIC CHEUNG-LAU placed in the top 24 in 5 events (20th-1,500 free, 18th-800 free, 20th-200 back, 24th-100 back, 10th-400 I.M.) and had lifetime best times in both backstokes.

"Overall, I think we performed very well. We are definitely on the right track for some "hot" swims by the summer's end," stated a happy head coach.

Other results included:

David Arnold competed in the 100 breast, 50 and 100 free
David Chen placed 20th in the 200 meter fly
Chrysanthia Cheung-Lau was a workhorse competing in the 1,500 free, 800 free, 200 fly and 400 I.M.
Kayla Clark had lifetime bests in the 400 free and 1,500 free
Jordan Harris competed in the 50, 100 and 200 free
Eric Hauck had personal bests in the 200 I.M. and 400 I.M.
Sam Jardine experienced JEI for the first time in the 100, 800 and 1,500 free
New Sa-Nguansap competed in the 100 and 200 breast and 200 I.M.
Laura Shipman swam both the 100 and 200 back and 100 free
Oriana Wang was the only 12 year-old in the 800 free
Aaron Woods had best times in the 100 back and 200 I.M.
Bellona Yuan had a fast 100 fly and 200 I.M.

Congrats to all of you!!

TCC FINISHES A CLOSE 2ND AT JUNE SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Posted July 1, 2007: TCC swimmers competed at the June Southern California Swimming Summer Championships, held in Ventura, and almost swam away with the team victory. The women's team finished in 2nd place overall, only 11 points behind the winning team, while the men's team was an impressive 3rd. TCC scored 2,733 points finishing behind only Canyons with 2,907 points.

SCS Summer Champions included:

Sonia Wang, 10 (200 free, 50 back, 100 back, 200 I.M.)
Samantha Keehn, 12 (100 back)
Oriana Wang, 12 (200 free, 400 free, 800 free, 50 fly, 100 fly, 200 I.M.)
Kayla Clark, 14 (200 free, 800 free)
Noelle Tarazona, 14 (100 free, 400 free, 200 back, 100 fly, 200 I.M.)
Hunter Sa-Nguansap, 10 (50 breast, 100 breast, 50 fly)
Michael Haney, 12 (200 free)
Winner Sa-Nguansap, 18 (100 fly, 200 fly)

Top 3 finalists included:

Maryzyl Garcera, 10 (50 fly, 100 fly, 50 breast, 100 breast)
Sonia Wang, 10 (50 fly, 100 fly)
Samantha Keehn, 12 (50 fly, 100 fly, 200 I.M.)
Kayla Clark, 14 (400 free, 1500 free)
Monique Haney, 14 (200 fly)
New Sa-Nguansap, 14 (100 breast, 200 breast)
Noelle Tarazona, 14 (100 breast)
Hunter Sa-Nguansap, 10 (100 fly, 200 I.M.)
Michael Haney, 12 (100 free, 400 free, 50 fly, 50 back, 100 back)
Sam Jardine, 14 (200 free, 800 free, 1500 free)
Eric Hauck, 17, (200 fly, 400 I.M.)
Winner Sa-Nguansap, 18 (200 back, 200 breast, 200 I.M., 400 I.M.)

Other multiple finalists included:

Madeline Harbach, 14 (200 free, 400 free, 800 free, 400 I.M., 100 fly, 200 fly)
Dylan Tarazona, 12 (50 free, 100 free)
Jason Haney. 13 (50 free, 100 back, 200 back)
Jordan Harris. 16 (100 free, 200 free, 100 breast, 200 I.M.)
Eric Hauck, 17 (200 free, 800 free, 100 fly, 200 I.M.)
D.J. Tarazona, 16 (200 breast, 200 fly)

Relays were also huge scoring machines:

10 & Under Girls

1st - 200 Medley (Sonia Wang, Tiana Wilson, Maryzyl Garcera, Ana Yakovlev)

11 & 12 Girls

1st - 200 Medley, 400 Medley, 200 Free (Oriana Wang, Tana Wilson, Samantha Keehn, Karly Carazo)

13 & 14 Girls

1st - 400 Medley (Noelle Tarazona, New Sa-Nguansap, Madeline Harbach, Kayla Clark)
200 Medley (Alexis Salyer, New Sa-Nguansap, Noelle Tarazona, Kayla Clark)
200 Free (Noelle Tarazona, Kayla Clark, Madeline Harbach, New Sa-Nguansap)
800 Free (Kayla Clark, Katie Lerg, Madeline Harbach, Noelle Tarazona)

Top 3 Relays also included the 11 & 12 Boys 400 Free Relay (Michael Haney, Zeph Handley, Ben Jardine, Dylan Tarazona) and the 15 & Up Boys 400 and 800 Free Relays (Winner Sa-Nguansap, D.J. Tarazona, Jordan Harris, Eric Hauck)

Congrats to everyone on lots of best times - it was a great meet!!

SWIM MEET OF CHAMPIONS

Posted July 1, 2007: Some exciting swimming occurred for The Claremont Club Swim Team at the June Swim Meet of Champions held in Mission Viejo.

Noelle Tarazona, 14, achieved two 2008 U.S.A. Olympic Swimming Trial cuts in both the 200 butterfly and 400 I.M. (see other article).

Her teammate, Courtney Eads, also had a super meet. Courtney finished 3rd in the 200 butterfly (2:14.87), 4th in the 200 I.M. (2:21.66), 5th in the 100 butterfly (1:03.21) and 5th in the 400 I.M. (4:56.62). Courtney has already qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the 200 fly, 200 I.M. and 400 I.M.

Other TCC swimmers having lifetime best swims were:

Eric Hauck, 17, in the 800 free, 200 fly, and 400 I.M.
David Arnold, 17, in the 50 and 100 free
David Chen, 17, in the 200 fly, placing 12th
Dean Holcomb, 17, in the 100 breast and the 400 I.M. where he finished 22nd.
Sam Jardine, 14, in the 400 free
Kayla Clark, 14, in the 200 free, 400 free and 400 I.M.
Winner Sa-Nguansap, 18, in the 100 fly and the 200 I.M., placing him 22nd
Aaron Woods, 15, in the 200 back and 100 free

Overall, it was a great way for the club to start it's summer swimming!!

CHEN WINS 3 CONSECUTIVE C.I.F. TITLES

Posted June 2, 2007: David Chen finished his high school swimming career, in grand style, by winning his third consecutive C.I.F. title.

David, a Claremont High School Senior, captured the 100 yard butterfly crown for the third year in a row. In 2005, David, a sophomore, won his first Division II 100 yard fly with a 51.84. In 2006, he was victorious again, as a junior, with a time of 50.04. In 2007, David culminated his career by breaking the 50 second mark with a 49.93. Congrats David!!

TCC PLACES SEVEN ON USA NATIONAL TOP 16 LIST

Posted June 2, 2007: USA Swimming has announced the NATIONAL TOP 16 Swimming List and TCC has placed 7 swimmers on it for the 2005-2006 seasons.

TCC swimmers making the individual list (their final place in listed next to the event) are:

SAMANTHA KEEHN, 10 - 50 free (8), 50 fly (7), 100 fly (4), 50 M fly (3), 100 M fly (7), 100 I.M. (14), 200 I.M. (6)
ORIANA WANG, 10 - 50 fly (8), 500 free (10)
NOELLE TARAZONA, 12 - 100 fly (13), 200 fly (2), 400 I.M. (7)
NOELLE TARAZONA, 13 - 200 M fly (9)
DAVID CHEN, 16 - 100 fly (7)

TCC swimmers making the relay list are:

KAYLA CLARK, 14 - 400 Medley Relay (16)
ALEXIS SALYER, 13 - 400 Medley Relay (16)
NEW SA-NGUANSAP, 13 - 400 Medley Relay (16)
NOELLE TARAZONA, 13 - 400 Medley Relay (16)

The Top16 List is based on the fastest times swam in each competitive age group throughout both the 2005-2006 short and long course seasons.

SONIA WANG was also recognized for breaking the Southern California Swimming records in both the 8 & Under girl's 50 fly (31.23) and 100 I.M. (1:13.22).

These seven attended a banquet on May 6th at the Costa Mesa Westin honoring their swimming accomplishments.

Congratulations to all of you!

CONGRATS TO OUR GRADUATING SENIORS

Posted June 2, 2007:

Grace Arnold
Kristy Beal
David Chen
Chrysanthia Cheung-Lau
Danielle Coville
Phillip Grigsby
Dean Holcomb
David Hine
Winner Sa-Nguansap
Peter Smiley
Bryan Tamashiro
Ashley Woods

Good Luck To All Of You!!!

NEW SUMMER GROUP TIMES

Posted May 22, 2007: Beginning Tuesday, May 29th, swim team workout times are changing. We have placed each swimmer in a group so that EVERY team member has the best environment to succeed. New groups and times are posted in the swim office. There will be absolutely no changes in these swim groups. Please support what is best for your swimmer and the entire TEAM.

MEMORIAL DAY SWIM PRACTICE WILL REMAIN THE CURRENT SWIM TIMES.

NEW AGE GROUP/TEAM SHORT COURSE RECORDS

Posted May 14, 2007: Check out the fast swims by several of our TCC swimmers this past short course season. All new age group and team records have been posted.

We had a super short course year and congratulations to our new record holders!! GO TCC!!!

ORIANA WANG SMASHES SCS RECORD

Posted Apr. 20, 2007: TCC swimmer, Oriana Wang, 12, smashed another 11-12 Southern California Swimming record, this past weekend, at the Palm Springs ABC long course meet. Oriana's time of 9:23.33 broke the existing 11-12 SCS 800 meter free record by over 14 seconds. This is the second SCS record Oriana has broken this year. Oriana broke the 11-12 girl's 1,000 yard free record in January at the TMEC ABC meet. "I knew she had a great shot at getting the record, but wasn't sure she would get it the first time she swam the 800. It was an awesome swim and we are so happy for her," said her coach Tressa Ries. CONGRATS TO ORIANA!!!

Posted Feb. 4, 2007: TCC's Oriana Wang, 12, broke a Southern California Swimming record for 11-12 girls at the TMEC ABC meet on January 20-21, 2007. Oriana swam the 1,000 yard freestyle in a fast 10:35.80, smashing the 4-year-old record by six seconds. "What makes this swim so impressive is that this is the first time Oriana has competed in the 1,000," said her coach Tressa Ries. Oriana placed first in the 1,000 free along with winning 11-12 50 fly, 200 fly, 50 free, 100 back, and 200 back over the 2-day weekend.

Congratulations Oriana on your SUPER achievement!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR - SWIM TEAM SUMMER LUAU

Posted May 4, 2007: The annual TCC swim team summer luau will be Tuesday, July 24, 2007, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. More information will follow.

SUMMER TRAINING SCHEDULE

Posted May 4, 2007: New summer swim workout times will begin Tuesday, May 29. These hours will remain throughout the summer months. Group times and group lists will be posted in the swim office on May 14. Each swimmer will be placed in the appropriate group so that we ALL can benefit from our long course training. Parents - Please support our GREAT swimmers by working with these new changes!!

TCC WINS EASTERN SECTION "RW" CHAMPIONSHIP

Posted Apr. 2, 2007: The Claremont Club Swim Team hosted the annual Eastern Section "RW" Championship Meet the weekend of March 24th & 25th. With over 800 swimmers in attendance, TCC swam it's way to victory by over 900 points. TCC earned an impressive 2, 399 points while Circle City followed in 2nd place with 1,459 points. "We have had a unbelievable month between this meet and our J.O. meet. Winning this meet by over 900 points is pretty impressive. I could not be happier," stated Head Coach John after accepting the 1st place team trophy. "I want to thank all of our parents for their hard work and support. This was a very successful meet both in and out of the pool," continued Coach John.

Congratulations to all of our "RW" swimmers on a super meet!!

THANK YOU KELLEY!

Posted Apr. 2, 2007: Thanks to Kelley Clark and her accomplices for cooking up a delicious hot dog lunch at Spring J.O.'s. Everyone enjoyed being "wined" and "dined" at the "beach" on relay day. The coaches and kids thought it was a lunch cooked by "champions."

CLAREMONT 2ND IN WOMEN’S, 3RD OVERALL AT 2007 SPRING JUNIOR OLYMPICS

Posted Apr. 2, 2007: Fast swims, national reportable times and J.O. champions were just a few of the highlights at the 2007 Spring Junior Olympics held in Long Beach. "Everyone did an awesome job. We were in 2nd place overall after the individual events. We had one great swim after another. It is absolutely the most fun we have had at J.O.'s," said Head Coach John Ries. The team finished in 3rd place overall behind only Irvine and Mission Viejo. The women's team was an amazing 2nd place overall while the men's team finished in 9th.

TCC Highlights included:

JUNIOR OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS

Oriana Wang, 12, won an incredible 6 out of 6 events. She was crowned champion in the 50 fly, 100 fly, 100 free, 200 free, 500 free, and the 100 I.M.
Noelle Tarazona, 14, swam to victory in the 100 fly, 200 fly, and 400 I.M.
Sonia Wang, 10, was victorious in the 50 back, 200 free, and 100 I.M.

NATIONAL REPORTABLE TIMES (NRT)

Maryzyl Garcera, 10, finished 2nd in the 50 fly (29.43) and 3rd in the 100 fly (1:05.83)
Sonia Wang, 10, had 5 NRT times in the 100 I.M. (1:07.31), 50 back (30.97), 100 back (1:05.89), 50 fly (30.14)and 100 fly (1:04.49)
Hunter Sa-Nguansap, 10, swam an impressive 1:17.37 in the 100 breast
Oriana Wang, 12, had lifetime bests and NRT's in the 100 free (54.09), 200 free (1:56.66), 500 free (5:08.70), 50 fly (27.48) and the 100 fly (59.74).
Noelle Tarazona, 14, was a national reportable swimmer in the 100 fly (56.23), 200 fly (2:02.00), 200 I.M. (2:06.08) and 400 I.M. (4:22. 63). Noelle also qualified for Spring Nationals in both the 100 and 200 fly and 400 I.M.

TOP 16 FINALISTS

Maryzyl Garcera, 10 - 2nd in 50 fly, 3rd in 100 fly, 5th in 100 I.M., 7th in 200 I.M., 9th in 100 breast, 13th in 50 breast
Sonia Wang, 10 - 1st in 50 back, 200 free, 100 I.M., 2nd in 100 back and 100 fly, 3rd in 50 fly
Hunter Sa-Nguansap, 10- 3rd in 50 fly, 4th in 200 I.M. and 100 breast, 5th in 100 I.M.and 50 breast, 7th in 100 fly
Samantha Keehn, 11 - 2nd in 50 fly, 3rd in 100 fly, 4th in 500 free, 200 I.M. and 50 free
Oriana Wang, 12- 1st in 100, 200, 500 free, 100 I.M., 50 and 100 fly
Michael Haney, 12 - 6th in 500 free, 13th in 50 fly and 100 back, and 15th in 200 free
Bennett Yuan, 12 - 3rd in 100 back and 200 I.M., 5th in 100 I.M., 50 back, 50 fly, and 100 fly
Kayla Clark, 14 - 2nd in 1000 free, 6th in 500 free and 1650 free, and 11th in 200 free
Monique Haney, 14 - 13th in 200 fly
New Sa-Nguansap, 14 -3rd in 200 breast, 5th in 100 breast, 10th in 100 fly and 400 I.M., and14th in 200 fly and 200 I.M.
Noelle Tarazona, 14 - 1st in 100 fly, 200 fly, 400 I.M., 2nd in the 500 free and 200 I.M. and 11th in 100 free
Jason Haney, 13- 14th in 200 back
Sam Jardine, 14 - 5th in 500 free, 6th in 1650 free, 11th in 1000 free, 12th in 200 free, 14th in 100 free, and 12th in 200 back

"It was wonderful to see finalists in every age group, both male and female. The kids swam super in the morning but were even tougher at night. The whole coaching staff is thrilled with their great attitudes and accomplishments," said a happy Coach Jennifer.

Other highlights included:

Tiana Wilson, 10 - best times in the 50 and 100 back
Julian Verdon, 9 - super best time in 100 fly
Crystal Antuna, 12 - first "AAA" J.O.'s
Karly Carazo, 12 - battled a sore foot and had best 100 fly
Tana Wilson, 12 - lifetime bests in the 50 breast, 50 and 100 fly
Dylan Tarazona, 11 - super swims in the 50 and 100 fly, 100 I.M., and 50 free
Jade Berniared 14 - best time in 200 fly and lead-off 200 free
Janai Ederaine, 14 - best time in 50 free
Tara Bletcher, 14 - lifetime bests in 200 breast, 1000 free
Madleine Harbach, 13 - fast swims in the 1000 free, 200 I.M., 200 free and 200 fly
Katie Lerg, 14 - battled illness and still had best 200 fly
Alexis Salyer, 14 - lifetime best swims in the 100 back and 200 fly

The excitement continued on RELAY day with TOP 8 finishes from:

10 & Under Girls - 5th in 200 Medley
11 & 12 Girls - 2nd in 400 Free and 400 Medley, 4th in 200 Medley, and 5th in 200 Free
11 & 12 Boys - 6th in 400 Free, 7th in 200 Free, 8th in 200 and 400 Medley
13 & 14 Girls - 2nd in 400 Medley, 4th 800 Free, 6th 200 Medley and 7th 200 Free

Helping out with relays were Kennedy Clark (9), Brandon Whittington (10), Brian Whittington (9), Sydney Escalante (12), Emily Liemaskul (12), Mari Johnson (11), and Zeph Handley (11), Jon Appleberry (13), and Raymond Shipman (13).
Congratulations to everyone - you were AWESOME!!!

TCC ANNUAL SWIM BANQUET

Posted Feb. 13, 2007: Can you imagine a world where an "F" on a report card means "FUN", "FANTASTIC". AND "FABULOUS?" Well, that's exactly the grade this year's TCC Swim Banquet received. Janice Whittington, our awesome social chairman, did a super job making sure the night was extra special for our swimmers. "What a FUN night," said Head Coach John, "the room was elegant and the food was a great choice. The kids also proved that they not only are the best in the pool but on the dance floor as well." The evening got underway with a very motivating speech by 2-time Olympian Josh Davis. We would like to give a big thank you to Gary Johnson, of Mutual of Omaha, for sponsoring our special guest. "The whole evening was FANTASTIC. Josh Davis was incredible. He was so engaging and funny, probably the best I have ever heard. We are very fortunate to have had him as our banquet speaker," stated Coach Tressa. Another of the evening's highlights included the seniors (Chrysanthia, Winner, Ashley & Grace, Kristy, David H., David C., Dean, Bryan, Phillip, Danielle, Bryan and Peter) and their tributes to John. "I thought the seniors were terrific. David's rap was hilarious. The entire group was FABULOUS and we will miss them," said Coach Jennifer. The evening was "capped" off by a great video (produced by DJ Tarazona) of all our FUN, FANTASTIC AND FABULOUS TCC swimmers. Thanks to everyone who helped make this banquet a special memory.

NOELLE AND ORIANA BRING HOME CANADIAN GOLD

Posted Feb. 4, 2007: TCC swimmers Noelle Tarazona, 14, and Oriana Wang, 12, arrived back home with more than just their Canadian souvenirs. Both Noelle and Oriana left Canada with individual gold medals won at the 2007 Pacific Coast All-Star Swim Meet held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Competing against all-star teams from Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, it was the first time both girls raced in a short course meter pool. However, it didn’t seem to affect either Oriana or Noelle. Oriana won the 11-12 girls 100 free, placed 2nd in both the 200 and 400 free, and finished 3rd in the 200 I.M. Noelle captured gold in the 100 and 200 fly, placed 2nd in the 200 and 400 I.M. and was 7th in the 200 back. Coach John Ries (he was the coach of the 11-12 boys) said, “Both girls had a great meet and scored lots of points for the Southern California squad. They did an awesome job both individually and as relay members. Their hard work and great attitude is what make these two all-stars everyday.” Congrats to Noelle and Oriana!

TCC ALL-STARS SHINE AT SWIM FESTIVAL

Posted Feb. 4, 2007: Nine TCC swimmers had a great time (and times) at the recent Southern California All-Star Swim Festival held at Belmont Plaza in Long Beach. Both Samantha Keehn, 11, and Sonia Wang, 10, were crowned Swim Festival Champions in two individual events respectively. Samantha won the 11-12 girls 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle while Sonia was victorious in the 9-10 girls 50 backstroke and 50 butterfly. Others scoring points for their all-star teams were:

Mari Johnson, 10, was 5th in both the 50 fly and 100 I.M.
Hunter Sa-Nguansap, 10, placed 3rd in the 50 fly and 3rd in the 100 I.M.
Michael Haney, 12, scored a 4th in the 100 fly and a 5th in the 200 free
Kayla Clark, 14, was 2nd in the 500 free and 3rd in the 200 free
Madleine Harbach, 13, finished 5th in the 500 and 6th in the 200 free
New Sa-Nguansap, 14, took a 2nd place in the 100 breast and a 5th in the 200 I.M.
Sam Jardine, 14, placed 2nd in both the 200 and 500 free.

All nine swimmers were also members of some very exciting team relays.

Congratulations to all of you on a very successful swim meet.

WINTER LEADS TO SPRING FOR TCC'S CHEN, EADS AND TARAZONA

Posted Jan. 7, 2007: At the recent 2006 Winter Invitational, held at the indoor Commerce facility, TCC Head Coach John Ries received his Christmas gifts early. Three TCC swimmers swam to Spring National times while two others just missed.

David Chen, 17, won the 200 fly in an impressive time of 1:50.24 earning him his second Spring National time standard (David has the 100 fly). David also had lifetime bests in the 50 free (22.52), placing him 21st and in the 100 free (47.53), placing him 5th overall.

Courtney Eads bounced back with a solid meet, winning both the 200 fly (2:01.64 - Spring Nationals) and the 500 free (4:52.85). Courtney was also 2nd in the 200 I.M. (2:05.41), 3rd in the 200 free (1:51.43) and 3rd in the 400 I.M.

Noelle Tarazona, 13, qualified for Spring Nationals in the 200 fly with a speedy 2:03.65 (4th overall). Noelle also had lifetime bests, placing her 4th in the 400 I.M. (4:26.66), 9th in the 100 fly (57.82), 9th in the 200 I.M. (2:08.62), and 10th in the 200 back (2:10.27).

Samantha Shellem, 14, just missed two national cuts in both her 200 and 500 free. Sam was 3rd in the 500 (4:55.06) and 5th in the 200 (1:51.72). She had lifetime bests in both her 50 free with a quick 24.96 (19th) and 100 free with a 52.65 (7th).

New Sa-Nguansap, 14 inched closer to her junior national cut in the 200 breast, finishing 2nd, with a fast 2:21.51. New was also 9th in the 100 breast (1:07.03) and 16th in the 200 I.M. (2:10.57).

Other outstanding swims included:

Jordan Harris, 15, placed 24th in the 50 free with a 22.67
Eric Hauck, 16, was 6th in the 400 I.M. (4:10.86), 17th in the 200 fly (1:58.37, and 17th in the 400 free (4:48.26).
Dean Holcomb, 17, placed 4th in the 400 I.M. (4:08.21) and 10th in the 1650 free (16:35.86)
Sam Jardine, 14, finished 24th in the 1000 free with a lifetime best of 10:08.52
Winner Sa-Nguansap, 17, scored in both the 200 fly (8th) and 200 I.M. (6th)
Aaron Woods, 15, was 24th in the 100 breast with a 1:03.39
Chrysanthia Cheung-Lau, 17, had lifetime bests in the 1000 free (10:28.27), finishing 9th and the 1650 free (17:50.40), finishing 10th overall.

Congrats to all of you!!!

ORIANA, NOELLE, AND SAMANTHA HEAD TO CANADA

Posted Jan. 6, 2007: Oriana Wang (12), Noelle Tarazona (13), and Samantha Shellem (14) have been selected to the 2007 Southern California Swimming Pacific Coast All-Star Team. Our three young ladies will compete on January 20-21 in Vancouver, British Columbia against all-star teams from Pacific Swimming, Pacific Northwest, Oregon and British Columbia. These three were selected on their excellent performances at the “AA” Winter Championships and the 2006 Senior Winter Invitational. All three will compete in six individual events and team relays. Coach John (he will coach the 11-12 boys) will attend the meet and keep an eye on our speedy threesome. We hope you all have a great trip and swim fast!!

NINE SWIMMERS ARE S.C.S. SWIM FESTIVAL ALL-STARS

Posted Jan. 6, 2007: Congratulations to nine of TCC’s swimmers for their selection to the Southern California Swim Festival All-Star Meet. This meet will be held on January 20, 2007 at Belmont Plaza in Long Beach. The following are the TCC youngsters who were selected:

Mari Johnson, 10
Sonia Wang, 10
Samantha Keehn, 11
Kayla Clark, 14
Madeline Harbach, 13
New Sa-Nguansap, 14
Hunter Sa-Nguansap, 10
Michael Haney, 12
Sam Jardine, 14

Our super “nine” were chosen based on their fast swim at the “AA” Winter Championships in Las Vegas. Great job – we are very proud of you!

2007 Activities and News

2007 WINTER INVITATIONAL IS A “COOL” EXPERIENCE FOR TCC SWIMMERS