PIRANHAS NAMED USA SWIMMING "BRONZE MEDAL" CLUB
The USA Swimming Club Excellence Program annually awards teams that excel in the development of elite 18 and under swimmers. Based on results from 2013 the Piranha Swim Team ranks in the top 200 of all clubs in the United States and has earned "Bronze Medal" status. Complete Rankings: http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewMiscArticle.aspx?TabId=1706&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&mid=1071&ItemId=5758
Our small team of 80 to 100 swimmers earning this distinction in a year where the team underwent major change is remarkable considering:
1. We are ranked in the top 200 out of almost 4000 swim clubs in the United States.
2. We are one of only 16 clubs in all of Southern California Swimming to earn a medal and one of two from the entire Eastern Committee.
The swimmers as always deserve the bulk of the credit. Hard work and dedication to the team over many years is the biggest factor. The Piranha Staff deserves a major pat on the back for this honor as well. No swimmer goes through our program without Gerald playing a role in their development both as swimmers and as loyal Piranha team members. Our team didn't miss a beat during the Coaching transition because Ashley D kept the intensity of workouts up and along with Lauren kept our Seniors focused when there was no Head Coach. Gerald, Ashley, and Lauren made my transition easier by giving me all sorts of info and background. Besides her great coaching Alicia's knowledge of the ins and outs of the team and city were a major factor in improving our team this year. Focusing on "Piranha Pride" has improved team morale and that idea came from our staff. Alicia, Ashley D, Ashley K, Lauren, and Aaron were all Piranha Swim Team members growing up and are still proud members today through ups and downs. Not only are they good coaches, they are good coaches with a sense of the tradition and history of our team.
Nobody expected us to be on the list this year based on the major changes we've gone through and our size, including myself. But we earned it and we deserve to have our name side by side with the nations best. Thank you Piranhas once again for the support. Swimmers and staff working hard with the backing of parents make my job easy and make our future success inevitable.
Jeff
