Atomic City Aquatic Club swimmers taking on long course season

(OAK RIDGE, Tenn.) Atomic City Aquatic Club has taken the long course season by storm, with three meets in the past few weeks. As ACAC does not typically practice the long course distance until the outdoor pool opens in Oak Ridge, these meets presented a test of endurance early in the season.

“I encouraged the athletes to use these meets as a way to test the waters of the long course season and they rose to the challenge,” said ACAC Head Coach Sarah Corcoran. “It has been an intensive start to the season with back-to-back competitions, but I am already impressed by their accomplishments and look forward to seeing how the rest of the season plays out.”

The team kicked off competition in a 50 meter pool with the 2024 Kingsport Red Piranhas IMX-IMR Long Course Challenge. IMX (IM Xtreme) and IMR (IM Ready) are competitions that allow athletes to swim a specific program of events (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley) and compare their times with swimmers across the country. More than 30 ACAC athletes took on the challenge and most walked away with best times or a top finisher award. 

Two weeks later, 14 ACAC swimmers traveled to Atlanta for the 2024 DYNA Spring Splash, where competition was fierce. About 15 swim clubs brought some of their fastest swimmers to this meet and ACAC did not disappoint, with 12 swimmers achieving top 10 finishes and every swimmer logging at least one new personal best. Some highlights include:

• Andrew Chou, 17, placed in the top three in every event he swam and noted time improvements in the 50 Meter Freestyle, 200 Meter Butterfly and 200 Meter Freestyle.

• Hollins Grubb, 10, took first place in the Girls 12&Under 200 Meter Freestyle and also placed in the top 10 in the 50 Meter Backstroke, 50 Meter Breaststroke and 50 Meter Freestyle. 

• Leo Karnitz, 18, placed first or second in five of his seven events, which included a personal best time in the 400 Meter Freestyle and 200 Meter Breaststroke. He placed in the top 10 in the other events he swam. 

• Jessi Schaefer, 14, took first place in the 100 Meter Backstroke and accomplished top 10 finishes in four other events.

• Dorian Volcansek, 13, saw time improvements in every event and took home second place in the 100 Meter Backstroke and third place in both the 200 Meter Individual Medley and 100 Meter Butterfly.

• Sophie Volcansek, 11, took home first place in the 100 Meter Backstroke. 

• Cooper Young, 17, placed second in the 400 Meter Freestyle.

“Seeing growth and time improvements in a two week period shows the commitment these swimmers are making during practices,” Corcoran said. “They train nearly every day and often twice a day to focus on strength and conditioning, endurance and sprinting.”

Finally, more than 40 swimmers competed locally at the Tennessee Aquatic Club May Invite. For the 13 years and older athletes, this event was a prelims/finals opportunity and for the younger swimmers it was an opportunity to compete against nearly 20 other teams from the region. Nearly every ACAC swimmer achieved a best time and most of the older athletes made finals in one or more events. 

“The TNAQ meet was an excellent display of our willingness to try hard,” Corcoran said. “We pushed through racing prelims and finals in May, which is very early in the long course season for that level of demand.” 

The team put forth best efforts throughout the meet and nearly everyone made a second swim at finals. ACAC focused on learning to manage energy, hydration, fuel and cooldowns through six sessions of racing. ACAC team high scorers included: Andrew Chou (15&over boys), Jessi Schaefer (13-14 girls), Dorian Volcansek (13-14 boys), Mateo Volcansek (11-12 boys), Sophie Volcansek (11-12 girls) and Hollins Grubb (10&under girls).

ACAC is a year-round competitive swim team offering high quality professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. The team’s goal is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor. Individuals interested in learning more about Atomic City Aquatic Club are encouraged to visit www.swim4acac.com or contact Coach Corcoran at [email protected].