Junior Olympics Summary SC JO's Pleasanton

 Frigid temperatures, rain, ice, wind and long days did not stop Celeste Valdez and Toby Macabugao from performing best times at The Pacific Swimming SC Junior Olympics meet in Pleasanton this past weekend.

Celeste Valdez had qualified for numerous events this JO's and was more relaxed and focused at this meet than her first JO's.  She looked good.  She swam a 31.991 in her 50 fly, dropped 1 second in her 50 back (33.14),swam a fast 100 free, and dropped 2 seconds in her 200 free (2:14.18).  Her best performance was in the 500 free.  An inspiring swim netting a 6 second drop and a time of 5:58.01.  This was my favorite race of hers.  After the race was over and Celeste had warmed down she said "I like the 500 free and I know I can go faster". She swam the 500 free only for the second time in her swim career at JO's.  Music to my ears!

Toby Macabugao continued to dazzle packing three days of events in just 2 days. Consoled in 2 events and Finaled in 4 events. We began the week before the meet with a fever, cold, and 2 missed days of practice.  A disaster in the making for a swimmer poised to final or consolation final in all races entered.  But, as Toby always does, he tried his best and  dominated.  He placed 13th in the 100 free (56.85) and 9th in the 200 IM.   He placed 4th in the 50 breast (31.82) immediately after swimming the 400IM minutes before in finals placing 7th in that race (4:59.75).  After the 400IM and 50 breast, he was minutes later back in the pool swimming his best time in the 200 fly final placing 6th with a 2:28.56. ( 200 fly prelims=best time of 2:26.71).    He placed 7th in the 100 fly (108.91) and earned a Far Western cut for 13-14 boys in that race. Toby is 12.  Toby is quickly creeping up on Sectional times and CCS High school qualification times.  He is now the team record holder in the 50br,100br,200br, 200fly and the 400IM.   HARD WORK DOES PAY OFF!!!!!  ASK TOBY....OR BETTER EMMULATE HIS PRACTICE ETHIC.

-Coach Dia-

12.09