AWARDS BANQUET 2024/25
S4S : Best in Group Girl: Navia Zagar & : Sebastian Pftali
S4S: Most Improved: Matteo Miljan & Emi D’Alimonte
Seal Jr: Best in Group Girl: Leighton Gillis & Knox Funkenhauser
Seal Jr: Most improved : Aspen Auger & Max Mailloux
Seal Sr: Best in group: Rose Mohamed & Victor Lou
Most improved- Milo Wachna & Clara Dudfield
Comp 1: Best in Group Girl: Jocelyn Root & Valerio Di Matteo
Comp 1: Most improved : Ally Belawetz & Eva Hillier
Comp 2: Best in group: Morleigh Ufford & Danzangaldan Galbadrakh
Comp 2: Most improved: Annabelle Xu & Eva Duran
AGD: Most Improved: Rusty Cragg & Livlyn Li
AGD: Best in Group: Tessa Le & Cooper Roos
Age group: Best in Group: Cason Ye and Celina Langlois.
Age group: Most improved: Alex Melamed and Gloria Gao.
Provincial: Best in Group: Nina Laird & Henry Ufford
Provincial: Most Improved: Ben Levack & Olivia Bentley
SD: Best in Group: Clarice Arbex & Hassanen Mansour
SD: Most improved: Abbas Mansour & Lorena Sarkadi
Senior: Best in Group: Taya Hutchison & Gavin Schinkelshoek
Senior: Most Improved: Sofia Ristancev & Rhys Walda
Age Group Awards:
10U:
Adleigh Kane - 50 fr SC (326 pts)
Cason Ye - 200 br LC (214 pts)
11-12:
Mariam Mansour - 200 fr LC (494 pts)
Nicholai Pan - 200 br LC (408 pts)
13-14:
Alee Lalonde - 100 br LC (597 pts)
Rhys Walda - 100 bk LC (656 pts)
15&O:
Taya Hutchison - 100 fr LC (762 pts)
Gavin Schinkelshoek - 100 fr LC (696 pts)
WAC Awards:
Ironman – Lucas Safta
High Point – TBD
Blue & Orange – Liam Reeves
Matteis Award: Violet Duranovich
Lou Pocock award: Tabi Main
QUALIFIERS: (first time qualifier in BOLD)
Regionals: Clarice Arbex, Magnus Bujak, Mia Cecile, Owen Cortese, Valerio Di Matteo, Lily Funkenhauser, Danzangaldan Galbadrakh, Adleigh Kane, Lauren Keirl, Boldin Kendrick, Madelynn Kendrick, Tessa Le, Brielle MacEachern, Haidar Mansour, Isabel Newton, Nyla Pachejo, Jack Roberts, Cooper Roos, Jocelyn Root, Dennis Sarkadi, Simon Schertzer, Lauren Shier, Michael Shier, Ipek Uslu, Brayden Visser, Cason Ye, Livlyn Li, Alex Melamed, Alyssa Belawetz, Benjamin Little, Carson Walda, Effie Wydzynski, Ethan Andrews, Alex Hirmiz, Matias Felix Basantes, Michael Yu, Seraphina McBeth, Anabella Xu
OAG: Nikolaus Bujak, Avah Cappadocia, Aviana Dimasuay, Nina Laird, Sophia Xu, Cameron Schinkelshoek, Grayson Bates, Nikola Lackovic, Isabella Driedger, Rafe Gibson, Melanie Levack, Sofia Ristancev, Paige Fiorino, Antony Hirmiz, Liam Reeves, Abbas Mansour, CeCe Langlois, Emerson Jazvac, Gloria Gao
OSC: Benjamin Levack, Hassanen Mansour, Mariam Mansour, Nikola Mesic, Nicholai Pan, Ethan Senakiewich, Henry Ufford, Olivia Bentley, Lorena Sarkadi, Leo Lei, Payton Rinas, Julia Lane, Michael Church, Avril Lei, Finnegan Brennan, Abbie Fu, Violet Duranovich, Sasha Kucha
OJI: Abby Duvall, Logan Cortese, Aaron Barta, Lucas Safta, Mia Arlotti
Trials: Riley Carswell, Taya Hutchison, Troy Liu, Tabitha Main, Quinn Matteis, Gavin Schinkelshoek, Rhys Walda, Harry Wei, Alee Lalonde
ICG TEAM: Alee Lalande, Lorena Sarkadi, Sophia Xu, Rhys Walda, Nicholas Bujak,
Owen Cortese, Nikola Mesic
SENIORS:
Aaron Barta, Riley Carwell, Paige Fiorino, Rafe Gibson, Antony Hirmiz, Taya Hutchison, Tabi Main, Liam Reeves, Sofia Ristancev, Cameron Schinkelshoek, Isabel Newton, Hazem Al Ashraf, Lucas Safta, Melanie Levack, Madelynn Kendrick, Abby Duvall
WAC cup winners: Team #6
Click HERE for Team 6 roster.
AWARDS BANQUET 2023/24
Awards Banquet : 23-24 SEASON
S4S:
Best in Group (Female): Tessa Le & Minwoo Yoon
Most Improved: Everleigh Oades & Morleigh Ufford
SEAL JR:
Best in Group: Nyla Pachejo & Rusty Cragg
Most Improved: Maggie Coulter & Isaiah Wang
SEAL SR
Best in Group: : Liko Li & Julian Basantes
Most Improved: Livlyn Li & Danzan Galbadrakh
COMP:
Best in Group: Olivia Bentley & Brayden Visser
Most Improved: Rain Sun & Gloria Gao
AGD:
Best in Group: Abbie Fu & Alessio Di Salvo
Most Improved: Lauren Shier & Cason Ye
AG:
Best in Group: Mia Cecile & Henry Ufford
Most Improved: Emma Wessman and Edward Ecaterinescu
PROV:
Best in Group: Lauren Keirl & Hassanen Mansour
Most Improved: Emerson Jazvac & Zackery Langlois
SD:
Best in Group: Violet Duranovich & Rhys Walda
Most Improved: Mia Dipierdomenico & Grayson Bates
SR:
Best in Group: Taya Hutchison & Lucas Moavro
Most Improved: Madelyn Kendrick & Gavin Schinkelshoek
6
Outstanding Achievement Award – Julia Lane
Matteis Leadership Award- The Matteis Leadership Award was established in 2022 to recognize the impact that leadership has on the success of our WAC swimmers and the Club, as a whole. In recognition of the significant contribution to the team atmosphere that Quinn Matteis made on the Windsor Aquatic Club.
Matteis Leadership Award recipients embody the following:
- Self respect and appreciation of your individual journey as a swimmer
- Putting forth your best effort day in and day out, both in practice and at meets
- Demonstrating leadership skills to swimmers of all levels on the deck and in the water
- Celebrating both days to learn from and those filled with success.
- Recognizing and supporting other swimmers, throughout the Club
The recipient of this award will be given $500 towards their membership fees for this season – generously donated by the Matteis family!
Winner of the Matteis award: Aaron Barta
Blue and Orange Award -The swimmer who best demonstrates throughout the season, the true spirit of Windsor Aquatic Club swimming. It is given not only for hard work and personal improvement, but for a willingness to understand, to learn, to enter a partnership with the coaches and teammates in an effort to lead the team to greatness. – Melanie Levack
Ironman Award- The swimmer who not only has been exemplary in their attendance, commitment, and work ethic, but has also demonstrated the highest degree of durability in their training. – Jackson Bates
High Point Award – The swimmer who achieves the most combined points at Provincials, Easterns, or any National Level meet. As the season is not finished, this award will be given out at the beginning of next season at the WAC Welcome Day.
The Lou Pocock Bursary Award: Jackon Bates
Honourable Mention – & WAC Alumni
- Maddy Gatrall – represented Canada at Canadas Pan Am Team finishing 4th in the 100 and 200 back and getting gold as a member of the 4 X 100 medley relay team.
- ICG TEAM – only WAC swimmers will be competing this year: Mia Dipierdomenico, Sophia Xu, Violet Duranovich, Avril Lei, Gavin Schinkelshoek, Rhys Walda, Logan Levack, Nikola Lackovic
- Gavin Schinkelshoek – broke an Ontario record in the 50 back
- Gavin Schinkelshoek and Rhys Walda – on the 2024 National Development Program ID team
- List of Qualifiers
- This is the highest level achieved by each swimmer -highlighted ones are first time qualifiers at each level.
- Regionals (WOSA): Giuliana Castagna, Owen Cortese, Cristiano DiSalvo, Aviana Dimasuay, Gloria Gao, Alex Jazvac, Emerson Jazvac, Finleigh Kane, Lauren Keirl, CeCe Langlois, Julia Langlois, Zackary Langlois, Abbas Mansour, Isabel Newton, Abby Polewski, Sophia Soulliere, Cason Ye, Carson Walda, Rain Sun, Simon Schertzer, Magnus Bujak
- 2
- Festivals: Abbie Fu, Adleigh Kane, Nina Laird, Brielle MacEachern, Hassanen Mansour, Mariam Mansour, Nicholai Pan, Lauren Shier, Sophia Xu, Finnegan Brennan, Caellum Brennan, Olivia Bentley, Mia Cecile, Henry Ufford, Brayden Visser, Ben Levack
- OYJ: Clarice Arbex, Violet Duranovich, Paige Fiorino, Rafe Gibson, Antony Hirmiz, Liam Reeves, Sofia Ristancev, Jack Roberts, Allisyn Shephard, Alee Lalonde, Boldin Kendrick, Haidar Mansour, Nikola Mesic, Michael Shier, Nikolaus Bujak
- OSC: Nikola Lackovic, Avril Lei, Mia Dipierdomenico, Cameron Schinkelshoek, Julia Lane, Grayson Bates, Amr Elsheshtawy
- Easterns: Madelynn Kendrick, Melanie Levack, Payton Rinas, Rhys Walda, Aaron Barta, Logan Cortese, Jackson Bates, Logan Levack
- CJC: Mia Arlotti, Leo Lei, Lucas Moavro
- CSC : Jayne Harkarufka
- Trials: Xzana Duranovich, Abby Duvall, Taya Hutchison, Tabi Main, Gavin Schinkelshoek
AWARDS BANQUET 2022/23
- S4S: Best in group: Danzan Galbadrakh & Nyla Pachejo
- S4S: Most Improved: Alex Melamed & Saya Janfada
- Seal Jr: Best in Group: Braydan Visser and Abbie Fu
- Seal Jr: Most Improved: Clarah Beneteau & Maryann Chan
- Comp: Best in group: Finnegan Brennan & Lauren Shier
- Comp: Most improved: Ben Levack & Edward Ecaterinescu
- AGD: Best in group: Nina Laird & Zackery Langlois
- AGD: Most improved: Cassia Emery & Alee Lalande
- Age Group: Best in group: Nicholai Pan & Mariam Mansour
- Age Group: Most improved: Mia Dipierdomenico & Jacqueline Steed
- Prov: Best in group: Isabel Newton & Rhys Walda
- Prov: Most improved: Haidar Mansour & Logan Levack
- SD: Best in group: Mia Arlotti & Gavin Schinkelshoek
- SD: Most improved: Nikola Lackovic & Liam Reeves
- Sr: Best in group: Alex Lackovic and Taya Hutchison
- Sr: Most improved: Abby Duvall & Aaron Barta
Age Goup – high points awards:
Honourable Mention – WAC Alumni
Quinn Matteis – 778 FINA points for his 400 Free at Summer OSC
Maddy Gatrall – 848 FINA points at Canadian Trials & made Canadas Pan Am Team
ICG TEAM – Payton Rinas, Avril Lei, Violet Duranovich, Logan Cortese, Gavin Schinkelshoek, Leo Lei
Abby Duvall – Represented Indigenous Games
Overall Club AWARDS
High Point Award – The swimmer who achieves the most combined points at Provincials, Easterns, or any National Level meet. – Taya Hutchison
Blue and Orange Award -The swimmer who best demonstrates throughout the season, the true spirit of Windsor Aquatic Club swimming. It is given not only for hard work and personal improvement, but for a willingness to understand, to learn, to enter a partnership with the coaches and teammates in an effort to lead the team to greatness. – Ari Rice
Ironman Award- The swimmer who not only has been exemplary in their attendance, commitment, and work ethic, but has also demonstrated the highest degree of durability in their training. – Jackson Bates
Resilience Award- Jayne Harcarufka
Outstanding Achievement Award – Julia Lane
Matteis Leadership Award – Jayne Harcarufka
List of Qualifiers
This is the highest level achieved by each swimmer and I have bolded who are first time qualifiers at each level. I just did it for highest level achieved – some made many meets for the first time this year.
Trials - Xzana Duranovich, Jayne Harcarufka, Taya Hutchinson, Alexandar Lackovic, Tabitha Main, Emilija Mesic, Lucas Moavro, Ariana Rice, Abigail Duvall, (Amy Pan), (Quinn Matteis), (Madelyn Gatrall)
Nationals – Mia Arlotti, Cameron Schinkelshoek, Gavin Schinkelshoek, Leo Lei, (Troy Liu)
Easterns – Logan Cortese, Aaron Barta, Melanie Levack, Mateja Mesic
OSC – Julia Lane, Avril Lei
OYJ – Clarice Arbex, Jackson Bates, Mia Dojcinovski, Violet Duranovich, Paige Fiorino, Rafe Gibson, Antony Hirmiz, Alexandra Jazvac, Boldin Kendrick, Nikola Lackovic, Logan Levack, Abby Polewski, Liam Reeves, Payton Rinas, Sofia Ristancev, Aidan Wagner, Rhys Walda, Moira Bujak, Owen Chickee, Ally Shepherd
Festivals – Nikolaus Bujak, Finnegan Brennan, Alee Lalande, Benjamin Levack, Brielle MacEachern, Hassanen Mansour, Miriam Mansour, Nicholai Pan, Sophia Xu, Nina Laird
Regionals – Grayson Bates, Caellum Brennan, Giuliana Castagna, Mia Cecile, Owen Cortese, Aviana Dimasuay, Mia Dipierdomenico, Audrey Dojcinovski, Edward Ecaterinescu, Emerson Jazvac, Finleigh Kane, Lauren Keirl, Madelynn Kendrick, Aliviah Leal, Abbas Mansour, Haidar Mansour, Nikola Mesic, Isabel Newton, Jack Roberts, Lauren Shier, Michael Shier, Jackie Steed, Henry Ufford, Ipek Uslu, Brayden Visser, Gabriel Carcelen, Zachery Langlois, Lauren Spenser
2022-23 Award Recipients
Most Improved (any 2 )
The swimmers who, through dedication and outstanding work ethic, has shown the most improvement in his/her performance throughout the year. (male OR female)
S4S: Lily Oiu & Brayden Visser
SEAL: Mia Cecile & Oliva Burnham
Competitive: Sophia Xu & Jacqueline Steed
Age Group Dev.: Gabriel Carcelen & Madison Shier
Age Group: Ipek Uslu & Emerson Jazvac
Provincial: Gavin Schinkelshoek & Alex Jazvac
Senior Dev.: Leo Lei & Melanie Levack
Senior: Charla Tatic & Cameron Schinkelshoek
Best in Group 1 male/1 female
This award is chosen by the coaches and is given to the swimmers who have shown dedication, commitment, and a hard work ethic throughout the year.
S4S: Clair Laframboise & Henry Ufford
SEAL: Nina Laird & Nicholai Pan
Competitive: Audrey Dojcinovski & Amr Elsheshtawy
Age Group Dev.: Hassanen Mansour & Aliviah Leal
Age Group: Lauren Keirl & Michael Shier
Provincial: Clarice Arbex & Aidan Wagner
Senior Dev.: Tabi Main & Aaron Barta
Senior: Alex Lackovic and Jayne Harcarufka
Age Group Award: This award is given to the individual with the highest FINA points in an individual event with the Age Grouping over the course of the season.
10 & Under Girl/Boy: Finleigh Kane – 50 back: 41.56 (LC) WAC Splash 1 (276pts)
Hassanen Mansour – 100 Free: 1:20.69 (LC) Festivals (196pts)
11-12 yrs Girl/Boy: Mia Arlotti 50 free- 31.15 (LC) WAC Splash 2 (442pts)
Gavin Schinkelshoek- 100 free: 1:02.21 (LC) Spring Forward (428pts)
13-14 yrs Girl/Boy: Taya Hutchison – 50 Free: 26.13(LC) WOSA LC Regionals (748pts)
Logan Cortese – 50 fly: 27.12 (LC) WOSA LC Regionals (565)
15 & Over Girl/Boy: Jayne Harcarufka – 100 fly: 1:03.57(LC) Easterns (682pts)
Alexandar Lackovic – 50 back: 27.12 (LC) WOSA (696 pts)
High Point Award – The swimmer who achieves the most combined points at Team Champs, Provincials, Festivals, or any National Level meet.
Award Recipient – Taya Hutchison
Blue and Orange Award - The swimmer who best demonstrates throughout the season, the true spirit of Windsor Aquatic Club swimming. It is given not only for hard work and personal improvement, but for a willingness to understand, to learn, to enter into a partnership with the coaches and teammates in an effort to lead the team to greatness.
Award Recipient – Ari Rice
Ironman Award - The swimmer who not only has been exemplary in their attendance, commitment, and work ethic, but has also demonstrated the highest degree of durability in their training.
Award Recipient – Jackson Bates
Outstanding Achievement Award - The swimmer who had an amazing achievement this season.
Award Recipient – Julia Lane
Perseverance Award - The swimmer who o overcame obstacles – either mental or physical circumstances. Persevered through the hard times and was a role model to others.
Award Recipient – Sophie Gatrall
Matteis Leadership Award. The Matteis Leadership Award was established in 2022 to recognize the impact that leadership has on the success of our WAC swimmers and the Club, as a whole.
This award is in recognition of the significant contribution to the team atmosphere that Quinn Matteis made on the Windsor Aquatic Club
Award Recipient – Sophie Gatrall
QUALIFIERS: Highest level meet competed at:
WOSA:
Emerson Jazvac Boldin Kendrick Aubrey Boratto
Brielle MacEachern Haidar Mansour Isabel Newton
Jack Roberts Ipek Uslu Mia Dipierdomenico
Sophia Xu Guiliana Castagna Anthony Hirmiz
Nicola Mesic Finnegan Brennan Lauren Spencer
Anastasia Filipski Liam Reeves
FESTIVALS:
Clarice Arbex Grayson Bates Nicolaus Bujak
Owen Cortese Violet-Jean Duranovich Alexandra Jazvac
Linleigh Kane Lauren Keirl Nikola Lackovic
Nina Laird Alee Lalande Avril Lei
Logan Levack Hassanen Mansour Miriam Mansour
Nicholai Pan Gavin Schinkelshoek Aidan Wagner
Rhys Walda
OYC:
Moira Bujak Owen Chickee Mia Dojcinovski
Paige Fiorino Isabella Gibson Rafe Gibson
Madelyn Kendrick Natsha Rawlins
OSC:
Mia Arlotti
Aaron Barta
Julia Lane
EASTERNS:
Jackson Bates Abigail Duvall Sophie Gatrall
Ari Rice Payton Rinas Allisyn Shephard
Charla Tatic Melanie Levack
NATIONALS (Jr & Sr)
Logan Cortese
Cameron Schinkelshoek
Leo Lei
TRIALS
Mateja Mesic Jayne Harcarufka Emilija Mesic
Alexandar Lackovic Quinn Matteis Taya Hutchison
Tabi Main Xzana Duranovich Lucas Moavro
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET 2020
Pandemic style....
2019/20 Season:
Even though our season was cut short, we still had some amazing accomplishments, and tons of great swims! Here are your winners:
From Coach Iris and Coach Marek:
BEST IN GROUP: S4S
Nathan Downer: Since his first practice for WAC this fall, Nathan has continuously been one of the best male swimmers in the S4S program. He came in with a competitive spirit and was always eager to make progress every practice so he could move up into the competitive stream. He was one of the hardest workers in his group and it showed in his consistent improvement in technique and results when he competed. It was fantastic to see Nathan compete in his first Seal Meet, and continue to rise to the challenge of Seal Sr as he graduated from S4S, which is why Nathan is S4S's MVP.
Valentina Serra: Since her first practice for WAC this fall, Valentina has consistently been one of the best female swimmers in the S4S program. She came in with a great attitude towards every practice as she continued to learn new skills to become a better swimmer. Valentina was one of the hardest working swimmers in her group and became more confident in her abilities every session. She rose to every challenge her coaches gave her which is why we're delighted to present her with S4S's MVP. We look forward to seeing her progression continuing over to the competitive stream in the near future.
MOST IMPROVED: S4S
Mia Dipierdomenico: Mia joined us this fall, but has made tremendous progress since her first practice. Starting in our Blue group, she has continuously improved her stroke technique, race starts, and turns. Mia was one of the most competitive swimmers in the program and it showed as she continuously got faster as her technique improved. It was great to see this in her results at every House League Meet, as well as being invited to compete in her first Seal Meet. Mia was one of the hardest workers in S4S during dryland and in the water which is one of the many reasons why she deserves this award.
Alexandria Serra: Since joining WAC in the blue group this fall, Alexandria has consistently been improving her stroke technique. From never swimming Butterfly, to becoming one of the strongest in the stroke in all of S4S, her improvements have been fantastic to watch. She continuously took in feedback from her coaches, and it showed as she took off time every S4S House league Meet. She always came into practice with a positive attitude and an eagerness to improve which is one of the many reasons why she deserves this award.
From Coach Marek:
BEST IN GROUP: SEAL JR
Brielle MacEachern: Brielle has consistently been one of Seal Jr's best swimmers this year. Every practice she has continuously pushed herself and her team mates to be at their very best. Whether we were working on stroke technique, or our starts and turns, she was always looking for feedback to get better. All her hard work showed in the results as she consistently set personal bests at nearly every meet. If she made a mistake, she learned from it and smashed her next race to make up for it. Brielle was Seal Jr's strongest swimmer, but always supported her teammates in Seal Jr and from other groups. That is one of the many reasons why she is Seal Jr's MVP
Hassanen Mansour: Hassanen has consistently been one of Seal Jr's Strongest Swimmers this year. Whether during dryland activation, or in the water, he has always risen to any challenge given by his coach. Hassanen was looking for ways to improve at every practice, and he showed his improved technique when it came to the next meet. He was one of the most competitive swimmers in the group, and pushed himself and his team mates to get faster and more efficient every practice and race. If he made a mistake at a meet, he quickly learned from it and went off to set a new personal best time. Hassanen always pushed himself and helped his teammates get better along the way which is one of the many reasons why he is Seal Jr's MVP.
MOST IMPROVED: SEAL JR.
Cassia Emery: Cassia has consistently been improving since her first Seal practice this Fall. She was always one of the first ready for practice and helped others through activation after she had finished. In the water, Cassia would consistently push herself to become better. She was always taking coaches' feedback to improve her technique which showed in her race results. Every race she would set a new personal best in at least one stroke as she continued to improve, including her butterfly. That is why Cassia is Seal Jr's MIP.
Demetri Colisnic: Demetri is one of the swimmers in Seal Jr. who has consistently been improving in his stroke technique and turns since the fall. Although he is already aware of his stronger strokes, he constantly kept pushing himself in practice to work on strokes he didn't feel as confident in. He was always looking for feedback and to find ways to become a stronger swimmer. His hard work would pay off when he would set a new personal best time at every meet. Demetri's confidence increased with every session as he became a stronger and more efficient swimmer which is one of the many reasons why he is Seal Jr's MIP.
From Coach Iris:
BEST IN GROUP: SEAL SR.
Milana Chertova: Milana is one of the outstanding swimmers in SEAL Sr. She is one of the youngest swimmers and has successfully cut time every SEAL meet she attended. Her eagerness during swim practice and encouragement for others during swim meets has proven her to be an amazing team player and swimmer. Milana's goal to always aim higher and achieve more has influenced my decision to award her as MVP.
Jack Roberts: Many different swimmers were considered for this award, however, Jack's competitive spirit stood out because of his overall work ethics which gave great results. From the fall session until his move up to Competitive, he successfully made regionals and continously cut times off many races. Aside from those achievements, what really stood out was his form and technique. No matter the results from past competitions, or how his day went, he always gave it his all in every single practice. He focused on technique and finished every set to the best of his ablility. Aside from training hard during practice, he encourages others to do the same both in practice and competition.
MOST IMPROVED: SEAL SR.
Molly Tarte: Molly listens very well every swim practice and does her best for every meet. She has tried many new races with many successful results. Her technique is always improving, and it is evident during swim meets. She is quiet during practices but when she goes into competition, everyone can see that she has worked hard to achieve her hard-earned results. Molly has shown great improvement in all strokes between the Fall and Winter sessions which makes her deserving of this award.
Alex Varsava: Fall 2019 was Alex's first time competing in a competitive group. Throughout the season, he has shown great enthusiasm and continuously improved during competitions. He is always looking for places to improve in his strokes and is one of my hardest working swimmers in my practices. For this very reason, his strokes have really improved, and the results very well indicated that fact. There has been many ups and downs but his goal to continue improving and try new races has given him a very successful competitive year.
From Coach Jodi:
BEST IN GROUP: COMPETITIVE
Boldin Kendrick: This was Boldin's second year with the Competitive group and this year he stood out as one of the hardest workers in every practice. No matter what the challenge, Boldin was able to rise to it and usually surprised himself by what he could accomplish. He was a good leader in practice and was always encouraging to his teammates whether in practice or at a meet. This hard work paid off at Regionals where Boldin qualified for 6 individual events and placed top 8 in four of his events. He was also well on his way toward qualifying for Festivals in his 100 fly and I know he would have done it if the season wasn't cut short. I am so proud of his accomplishments this season and know he will do great things in the future!
Violet Duranovich: This was Violet's second year with the Competitive group, and she moved up to Age Group Development in February. Violet came into this season determined to move up and to qualify for Festivals. Her work ethic was incredible and she quickly established herself as one of the swimmers to beat in practice. She was determined to qualify for the MAC meet and had the meet of her life there - qualifying for 4 individual Regional events (one of which in the 11 year old age group)! At Regionals she surprised herself again, placing 5th in 50 and 100 breast and coming close to her goal of Festivals in 100 breast, only missing by 2.9 seconds. I know she would have made Festivals this season and I'm sure she will next year too! She is definitely an up-and-coming star!
MOST IMPROVED: COMPETITIVE:
Nikola Mesic: Nikola came into the Competitive group this year straight from the S4S group and he definitely had his work cut out for him at the beginning of the season playing catch up. He was the hardest working swimmer in the pool in every practice! He always listened and applied every correction I made and tried his hardest in every set, whether he was making the pace time or just touching and going throughout the set. He started out the season as the slowest in his lane and by January was starting to become a leader in the lane (especially during kick sets). His hard work and determination allowed him to drop 133.43 seconds across 14 events this season (all events were 100 metres or less) and he was getting really close to making Regionals in his 50 breast. I know it would have happened by June! Keep up the hard work Nikola and next season you are going to be chasing those Festival times for sure!!
MaKayla Fick: MaKayla came into the Competitive group this year from the Seal Jr group. At the beginning of the season she was unsure about how hard she could push herself during a practice, typically going last in her lane and slowly working on her strokes. She was always great at taking advice about stroke corrections, but it wasn't until the Nother's meet in November where she tried a 200 free for the first time the I really saw her competitive nature come out. She realized that she liked the longer events and begin to thrive in the longer practices that most swimmers shied away from. By January, MaKayla was a leader in every way in practice, whether it be leading a lane, kicking butt in our test set, or staying out ahead anytime we were doing a challenge set of 200's or 400's. She wasn't afraid to assert her dominance when it came in endurance and was even starting to go for it in sprints - this allowed her to drop 174.95 seconds across 15 events this season! The Spring Invitational was going to be her breakthrough meet and I believe she would have made Regionals there. I can't wait to see what next season holds for this determined swimmer who finally broke out of her timid shell.
From Coach Hannah:
BEST IN GROUP: AGD:
Avril Lei: Avril may be the youngest swimmer in AGD, but she is one of the most confident and always willing to be a leader in the group. Avril pushes her teammates in the pool and is always setting out to reach her goals. Avril loves to race and has an amazing competitive spirit. As a nine year old, Avril made eight 10 & under WOSA regional qualifying times! I can't wait to see all that Avril accomplishes throughout her swimming career.
Logan Levack: Logan has a passion for racing and his competitive nature shines through when he swims. Logan loves to challenge his teammates both in practice and at meets. Logan has an amazing commitment to swimming and is always willing to learn in order to improve his skills. This year, Logan qualified for Ontario Festival Championships in 200 back and 100 IM! Congrats on an awesome year and I'm excited to watch your swimming career grow!
MOST IMPROVED: AGD:
Paige Fiorino: Paige has improved tremendously throughout this season! Paige started out swimming in Competitive the first week of the season and then moved up to AGD. In February, Paige had improved so much that she was moved up to Age Group. Paige's dedication, excellent work ethic and commitment to swimming has helped her to achieve extreme time drops! Paige went from having no WOSA regional qualifying times to having three! Keep up the amazing work Paige!
Antony Hirmiz: Antony is one of the most competitive and hardworking swimmers in AGD. Antony is always willing to challenge himself and find ways to become a better swimmer. Not only is Antony a hard worker, but he is also an excellent teammate. He is always cheering for everyone and talking to all members of the group. Antony set out a goal at the beginning of the season to achieve a WOSA regional qualifying time and he achieved his goal! Antony has improved tremendously during this season in all his events. Excellent job!
From Coach Olivia:
BEST IN GROUP: AGE GROUP:
Aidan Wagner: Aidan has had a fantastic 2019/20 swim season. Aidan might be the youngest within Age Group but his outstanding work ethic makes him a natural leader. He is motivated by his personal goals, his coaches’ feedback, his teammates and family. He strives to be the best possible swimmer he can be at all times whether it's a dreadful Saturday morning practice or the most important swim meet of his career because he understands that success does not rest! Keep up the great work Aidan!
Mia Arlotti (moved to Provincial in February): There was no one more competitively driven and self determined in Age Group this past 2019/20 season than Mia Arlotti. I have never needed to remind her to work hard in order to accomplish her goals. Her work ethic acts as encouragement to those around her to do their best. She brought home a lot of hardware and PB's this season. There is no doubt she would have finished this year off with quite a few more in her collection! Keep up the great work Mia!
MOST IMPROVED: AGE GROUP:
Mia Caradonna (moved to Provincial in February): Mia Caradonna has progressed a mile a minute this 2019/20 swim season. She is incredibly receptive to her coaches' feedback and works diligently to apply these techniques at all times. Her positive attitude towards training and her teammates is infectious and definitely impacts her overall performance as she genuinely loves what she does. Mia's continued passion and dedication towards the sport will allow her to accomplish any goals she set for herself!
Giuliana Castagna: Giuliana has had a great 2019/20 swim season. She is an extremely motivated and hardworking individual, who never backs down from an opportunity to race. I am very proud of her for embracing new and challenging experiences outside of her comfort zone when it comes to trying different events/racing strategies. She has learnt the importance of resiliency and will continue to conquer all of the goals she sets for herself in the future!
From Coach Joel:
BEST IN GROUP: PROVINCIAL:
Logan Cortese: Logan has shown great leadership and dedication to the provincial group. His work ethic and attentiveness motivates the group to work hard and stay competitive during practice. Logan also did a great job of setting an example for good behaviour when many of the other boys in the group would fool around. Logan often leads his lane and continues to recognize failure with maturity.
Tabi Main: Early on in the season, Tabi showed extremely high levels of dedication and skill level in her swimming. She helped create a strong dynamic in the group which allowed for a friendly, fun environment while working hard in practice simultaneously. Tabi moved up to Senior Development after showing these strong traits and went on to achieve numerous time standards as well as breaking various records.
MOST IMPROVED: PROVINCIAL:
Kaiden Cutting: Kaiden started off in the group with a hunger for improving his times and his swimming ability. Over time, he developed a strong set off skills and vastly improved his stroke efficiency which led him to achieve Festival time standards for the first time! It was rewarding to see Kaiden progress over only a few months in the season and I hope for even more improvements when we return to the pool.
Paige Briscoe: Paige began her season discouraged with her abilities and unsure of her talents. As she began to understand her strengths in practice, she improved her abilities leading to some well swam meets and a new mindset for the sport. At the end of this season, Paige often led lanes and propelled through test sets. It was enjoyable teaching Paige and seeing her confidence grow throughout the season.
From Coach Cord:
BEST IN GROUP: SENIOR DEVELOPMENT:
This award is especially challenging for me after coaching this group. I am proud that so many swimmers this year made the decision and commitment to follow my program. We were having tremendous success this year, and so many swimmers we made huge strides towards national level competition.
Owen Chickee: Owen has not only been a leader amongst the boys the year, but he has been a leader in the group. Owen has made a major transition from an age group level swimmer to a national level athlete. Owen trains at very high intensity, constantly challenging himself and others in the group on a daily basis. Owen is rapidly moving towards being one of the top male performers on the team.
Allisyn Shepherd: This Senior Development Group this year is full of swimmers who can be called “best in group”. This year Allisyn showed that she wants to swim at the highest level. Allisyn has always shown commitment to achieving success and demonstrates her desire to push herself every day and at every practice. Allisyn qualified for four provincial standards this year, and was my only swimmer in the Senior development group to do so. Allisyn is rapidly moving to one of the most all around swimmers on the team and is becoming a leader by example every time she walks on the deck.
MOST IMPROVED: SENIOR DEVELOPMENT:
Jackson Bates: Jackson has always been a leader in the group. He demonstrates his desire and passion through hard work and determination. Jackson is always striving to reach the next level and push himself to achieve his sometimes lofty goals. He is one of the most committed swimmers in the group. Jackson rarely misses a practice and his success comes from the hard work and dedication he puts in every day.
Xzana Duranovich: Xzana made the jump from Age Group to Senior Development this year. And although the transition was a big one. Xzana made the decision to fully commit to swimming thus year by taking a step back from her other passion of dance. This decision paid off this year by moving up the ranks of the swimming world and qualifying for Eastern Canadian Championships. Although Xzana is not always the mot vocal swimmer in the group, her excited for competing has translated into outstanding performances in the pool.
From Coach Mike:
High Point Award & MVP of Senior Group (Male) – Brendan Oswald
Brendan is consistently performing at a high level throughout the season. Brendan won a bronze medal at the (OJI) Ontario Junior Invitational (best 18 & under swimmers across the country) and another bronze at the Ontario Swimming Championships. Brendan was poised to swim well at our Olympic Trials and had already swum a time that would have placed him on the Canadian Junior National team that was to attend the Jr Pan Pacific Swim Championships in Hawaii.
Brendan also received the Swim Ontario Post-Secondary Performance Scholarship which awards a financial scholarship to two Ontario swimmers to allow the recipients to focus on swimming excellence while pursuing post-secondary academics in Ontario. Brendan will be one of the inaugural recipients of the revamped program where Swim Ontario, in collaboration with Ontario Post-Secondary institutions will double the funding to award each recipient $36,000; $18,000 funded by Swim Ontario to be matched by the post-secondary institution they enroll in.
Blue & Orange Award - Jocelyn VanLeeuwen
Jocelyn, a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo decided to move to Windsor in September to pursue her swimming dreams. She was a fantastic role model for the other swimmers and a pleasure to coach. Jocelyn was willing to stay late and get to practice early and was someone her teammates could talk to for advice.
Jocelyn was recently hired by an advertising company, so it appears as though she may be hanging up the suit and goggles. Thanks for spending your last season with us and you will be missed. Good luck with your new job!
Ironman Award – Izzy Gibson
Izzy never had an unexcused absence. Not one. She was always at practice. If she had to miss a practice for a reason, we always had a plan for her to make it up and she did. There were times when she said she was not feeling well, and I told her not to come to practice and she still showed up. Izzy is extremely dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to help her swimming get better. This tenacity for work will help her not only in the pool, but in her career as well.
MVP of Senior Group (Female) – Madelyn Gatrall: Maddy set the example for hard work in our group. She was committed to getting stronger and faster in the water and in dryland. She always finished her dryland exercises even if it meant staying a little bit late. Maddy is an Olympic Trials qualifier and set to attend Akron University on a swimming scholarship in the fall. Maddy is ranked 15th in the country in her SC 50 Back 18th and 18th in 100 Back.
Most Improved Senior (Female) - Jayne Harcarufka: Jayne had a tremendous start to the year and was poised for even more success. In her 1st year in the Senior Group Jayne progressed in every stroke. Her Freestyle saw tremendous improvements along with her 200 Fly in which she dropped 20 seconds from last May. Jayne made the Youth standard for Olympic Trials in the 100 Fly at the age of 14 to become our 3rd Olympic Trials qualifier. Jayne was also set to attend the International Children’s Games (ICG) in Hungary this summer.
Most Improved Senior (Male) – Colin Wagner: Much like our Ironman winner, Colin never missed a practice. He was extremely dedicated, and the results showed. He made his first Eastern times and had massive drops in his freestyle and backstroke events. If Colin puts as much focus into his technique as he does with his effort level in practice, he will see continued improvement
From Coach Olivia:
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Julia Lane: Julia's 2019/20 swim season was outstanding to say the least! When Julia puts her mind to something, there is no stopping her. Julia's dedication, determination and drive has named her a 6x World Down Syndrome Record Holder in the 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m Free, 50m and 100m Fly. She is not only an outstanding swimmer but an outstanding teammate. Her team spirit and passion for swimming is contagious to all those around her. We look forward to watching Julia compete at the 2022 World Downs Competition in Portugal and cheering her on along the rest of her swim career! Congratulations Julia, on being WAC's first recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award!
AGE GROUP AWARDS: MALE & FEMALE:
QUALIFIERS
REGIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Clarice Arbex Mia Arlotti Calleigh Baker Trenton Baker Grayson Bates Aubrey Boratto Paige Briscoe Antony Hirmiz Liam Reeves Nicole Briskin Alex Jazvac Jack Roberts Gabrielle Burgon Bulat Finleigh Kane Preston Seguin Mia Caradonna Lauren Keirl Ilija Skakavac Gabriel Carcelen Bolden Kendrick Maksim Skakavac Sneha Chitte Madelynn Kendrick Gracey Smith Owen Cortese Carmen Kurek Lauren Spencer Kali Cote Avril Lei Alex Tugui Molly Cuerrier Nathaniel Llamas Colum Vourakes Kyah Cutting Haidar Mansour Aidan Walters Mia Dojcinovski Violet Duranovich Paige Fiorino Sarah Foreman Brooklyn Galbraith Rafe Gibson Maksim Miloyevich Mazie Muir Rhyan Murphy Diana Pasciuta Cole Polewski Audrey Pula
FESTIVAL QUALIFIERS:
Aaron Barta Nikolaus Bujak Giuliana Castagna Logan Cortese Kaiden Cutting Leo Lei Logan Levack Aidan Wagner
OYJ QUALIFIERS:
Krisztina Balogh Tressa Billson Filip Botica Chloe Dibbley Abigail Duvall Austin Ellul-Wheeler Izzy Gibson Taya Hutchison Lila Kendrick Melanie Levack Matthew Llamas Katelyn Lovell Jocelyn MacEachern Tabi Main Melina Mavromoustakou Aleks Miloyevich Kate Netherton Miranda Rawlins Natasha Rawlins Jacquelin Trudeau
OSC QUALIFIERS:
Emily Bryant Julia Lane Allisyn Shepherd
EASTERNS QUALIFIERS:
Jackson Bates Moira Bujak Owen Chickee Quinn DeGraaf Xzana Duranovich Emilija Mesic Mateja Mesic Lucas Moavro Ari Rice Izzy Sekaric Charla Tatic Colin Wagner Jocelyn VanLeeuwen
JR. NATIONAL QUALIFIERS:
Sophie Gatrall Leia Pupatello
TRIALS:
Maddy Gatrall Jayne Harcarufka Brendan Oswald
ICG TEAM PROSPECTS:
Jayne Harkarufka Sophie Gatrall Leia Pupatello Tabi Main Melina Mavromoustakou Ari Rice Charla Tatic Owen Chickee Mateja Mesic Lucas Moavro Jackson Bates
Good luck to all our graduates: Trenton Baker, Tressa Billson, Quinn DeGraaf, Maddy Gatrall, Brendan Oswald, Izzy Sekaric, Gracey Smith, and Jocelyn VanLeeuwen .
ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET 2019
Congratulations to all our WAC swimmers on a great 2018-19 Season!
Our Award Recipients:
Most Improved: The swimmer who, through dedication and outstanding work ethic, has shown the most improvement in his/her performance throughout the year.
S4S: Demetri Colisinic & Cassia Emery
SEAL Jr: Emerson Jazvac & Alex Hirmiz
SEAL Sr: Brooke MacDonald & Jack Roberts
Comp: Owen Cortese & Liana Smyth-Vasey
AGD: Jocelyn MacEachern & Mia Arlotti
AG: Emilia Mesic & Leo Lui
Prov: Lucas Moavro & Allisyn Shepherd
SD: Colin Wagner & Chloe Dibbley
SR: Filip Botica & Quinn DeGraff
Best in Group: This award is chosen by the coaches and is given to the swimmers who have shown dedication, commitment and a hard work ethic throughout the year
S4S: Hassanen Mansour & Mariam Mansour
SEAL Jr: Ipek Uslu & Haidar Mansour
SEAL Sr: Kali Cote & Abbas Mansour
Comp: Mia Caradonna & Kiet Pham
AGD: Tabitha Main & Aidan Wagner
AG: Liam Reeves & Xzana Duranovich
Prov: Jackson Bates & Jayne Harcarufka
SD: Mateja Mesic & Izzy Gibson
SR: Maddy Gatrall and Brendan Oswald
6) Age Group Award: This award is given to the individual with the highest FINA points in an individual event with the Age Grouping over the course of the season. (girl and boy)
10 & U Boys – Logan Cortese 50 Free (SC) 245 points 32.39
Girls –Calleigh Baker 50 Free (SC) 334 points 33.05
11-12 Boys – Aaron Barta 100 Free (LC) 364 points 1:05.68
Girls – Allisyn Shepherd 50 Back (LC) 544 points 33.14
13-14 Boys – Colin Wagner 400 Free (LC) 516 points 4:34.41
Girls – Leia Pupatello 50 Back (LC) 614 points 31.83
15 & O Boys – Brendan Oswald 200 Fly (LC) 735 points 2:03.55
Girls – Maddy Gatrall 100 Back (LC) 752 points 1:03.88
High Point Award: The swimmer who achieves the most combined points at any Provincial or National Level meet.
Brendon Oswald
Blue and Orange Award: The swimmer who best demonstrates throughout the season, the true spirit of Windsor Aquatic Club swimming. It is given not only for hard work and personal improvement, but for a willingness to understand, to learn, to enter into a partnership with the coaches and teammates in an effort to lead the team to greatness.
Jacquelin Trudeau
Ironman Award – The swimmer who not only has been exemplary in their attendance, commitment, and work ethic, but has also demonstrated the highest degree of durability in their training.
Isidora Sekaric
