A New Batch of Champions

Pompano Beach, FL- More than 70 young swimmers hit the water and made a big splash on Friday, September 9, 2011, at the Pompano Beach Aquatic Center. Local swim teams such as Pine Crest, Coral Springs, and the Plantation Piranhas, all brought their 8 year old and under squads to race and compete in the first ever USA Swimming meet hosted by the Pompano Beach Piranhas Swim Team.

The competition, categorized as a “sizzler” meet, was for young swimmers who were competing for the very first time or who have had very little experience swimming competitively.  “It’s a perfect way to introduce new swimmers and their parents to the dynamic world of competitive swimming,” said Barry Connell, Board President of the Pompano Beach Piranhas.

The action started in the early evening, when the 6 & under Girls lined up, proudly wearing their team colors to swim the 25 yard Butterfly stroke.  Lillian Nava, from Pine Crest won the event, posting a time of 26.07.  She continued on to win first place in both the Breast Stroke and in the Back Stroke.   In the 7-8 year old Girls 25 yard Butterfly event, Pompano Beach Piranhas’ own Summer Schulte won with a posted time of 17.78.  In the 6 & under Boys events, Jake Schulte dominated in all four strokes, taking first place.  Among the standout swimmers in the 7-8 year old Boys events, was Emilio Barrantes who took first place in both the 25 yard Butterfly and 25 yard Breast Stroke events.  Pine Crest won the 8 & under Girls100 yard Freestyle Relay and the Pompano Beach Piranhas took first place in the 8 & under Boys 100 yard Freestyle Relay. 

“The meet was a huge success and these young swimmers did a tremendous job,” said Coach Jesse Vassallo, PBP Head Coach.  “It was very exciting to see just because this is where it all begins.”  Vassallo, himself a former world record holder and 1980 & 1984 US Olympian, took over as head coach for the Pompano Beach Piranhas swim team in June of this year.

The Pompano Beach Piranhas will host their next USA Swimming meet on December 17, 2011, where they will celebrate with their very own ‘Santa Claus Classic ‘ in combination with a Toy Drive to benefit disadvantaged children in South Florida.

For more information on the Pompano Beach Piranhas and their events, visit them at:

http://www.pompanopiranhas.com

Press Release