ACAC celebrates strong finishes, fast times at HSA April Invitational

Alicia Franklin

 

ACAC celebrates strong finishes, fast times at HSA April Invitational

By: Jessica Hill

 

(HUNTSVILLE, Ala.) Atomic City Aquatic Club dove into the long course season with a strong showing at the 2023 Huntsville Swim Association April Invitational. About 15 ACAC swimmers competed at the meet, and every athlete logged at least one personal best time. 

 

During long course season, which runs from the end of March to early August, swimmers compete in a 50-meter pool. ACAC athletes have limited access to training in a long course pool, typically utilizing the City of Oak Ridge outdoor pool during summer months.

 

“This first long course meet was a great opportunity for the swimmers to re-acclimate to the 50-meter pool,” said ACAC Head Coach Sarah Corcoran. “Long course swimming requires the athletes to drill into different strengths, since more of the race is focused on stroke technique and less on underwater and turns.”

 

Highlights from this meet included numerous Top 5 finishes across all age groups. Andrew Chou (16) and Leo Karnitz (17) inched closer to Sectionals Cuts in the 100 Fly and Leo achieved his Southeastern Cut in the 200 Fly.

 

Connor French (9), ACAC’s youngest athlete to participate in this meet, achieved personal best times in five of his six events, positioning him well to push toward Southeastern Cuts this long course season. 

 

ACAC coaches look forward to training at the outdoor pool and more great competition throughout the season. The next meet for these athletes is the Tennessee Aquatics May Invite, on May 12 and 13. 

 

In addition to the long course season, many ACAC swimmers compete throughout the summer with summer swim teams. 

 

"Summer swim leagues are a great opportunity for kids to learn more about the sport in a social environment,” Corcoran said. “I encourage every child to participate in summer swim, and when they find their love of the sport, consider a year-round team like ACAC.”

 

Swimmers preparing for summer swim can participate in the 2023 Spring Swim Clinic with ACAC. Sessions start in May and swimmers will use video analysis as they work on stroke and turn technique, fast starts, and fun drills. For information about the Spring Swim Clinic, visit www.swim4acac.com or contact Coach Sarah Corcoran at [email protected]. 

 

Swimmer Emmy Zimmer (12) discussing swim strategy with Coach Sarah Corcoran