Sports
Minisink Victorious in Chatham vs. Chatham Meet
The Minisink vs. Noe meet is one of the most competitive, coaches said, because the kids don't want to lose to their friends.
After a hot day, the Noe Pond swim team and Minisink swim team battled at Minisink club on Tuesday evening. Both Chatham swim clubs are spirited about the in town rivalry.
IN SHORT
Minisink Coach John Gullotta said that competing against fellow Chatham swimmers makes the kids more competitive in this meet than in almost any other division match-up. “They never want to lose to their friends, but most importantly it is about having fun. They are always smiling," Gullotta said.
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Gullotta also said that practices just before the Chatham vs. Chatham meets are always the most crowded. Head Coach Lori Brezinsky changed the practice routines and practiced more race scenarios to help the swimmers perfect their events before the big day.
Noe Pond Head Coach Brittany Ross said the rivalry is something fun for the kids. She said, “It brings out the spirit.”
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After the last race was completed, Minisink came out on top with a final score of 307 to Noe Pond's 223.
Minisink swimmers jumped back into the pool to celebrate their victory.
KEY PERFORMANCES
For the 8 and under age group, Sara Barrett of Minisink had three first place finishes in freestyle, breaststroke, and butterfly among the girls. On the boys side, Jacob Erickson claimed two top spots in freestyle and backstroke for Noe Pond.
In the 9-10 age groups, Grace Amend of Minisink won the freestyle and butterfly for the girls while Noe Pond’s Brendan Fowler won both events for the boys.
Katharine Friday’s two victories triggered sweeps in the freestyle and butterfly for Minisink in the 11-12 girls group.
Minisink’s Tom Barrett and Will Brown each won the freestyle and breaststroke for the 11-12 and 15-18 groups, respectively. Brown also won the individual medley.
In the 13-14 age groups, Minisink’s Caroline Nash had a pair of victories in the freestyle and butterfly for the girls, while Noe Pond’s Robert Toscano won the events for the boys.
Greta Leberfinger also had three top finishes for Minisink in the individual medley, backstroke and breaststroke for the girls’ 15-18 group.
