Portadown Amateur Swimming Club

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Teletot gala Saturday 31st January V Coleraine

It's back to action for the Teletot squad on Saturday when they take on Coleraine in a rearranged fixture. Changes have been made to the team since the first gala a couple of weeks ago against Lurgan. Warm-up is at 5.o'clock at Cascades and we hope to get things under way no later than 5.30pm. All swimmers are asked to be at the pool in full kit where possible in good time for the event. Remember Teletot galas are fairly fast and furious, they all take place over one length and usually produce some exciting swims. Best of luck to all who are taking part. Let's see how many swimmers improve on 'Personal Bests'

Armagh Championship Gala

Despite the unavailability of several swimmers we ended up with a reasonable medal haul at the gala. Well done to Daniel Chambers and Caitlin Wylie who set new championship records. Daniel finished with 4 gold medals our best individual performance on the day. Other highlights came from Eden Magwood (1 gold 2 silver) Caitlin Wylie (1 gold, 1 silver & 2 bronze) Rachel Chapman 1 gold, Beth Irwin 3 silver 1 bronze, Roisin Meredith 2 bronze, Eve Lavery 1 bronze. There was more success for the boys with Colum Tiffney 3 bronze, Andrew Irwin 2 bronze, Connor Lamph 1 bronze, Neil Mc Conville 1 bronze, Ciaran Higgins 1 bronze and Lachlan Mackey 1 silver. The 11/12 girls won the medley relay and the senior boys came second in their final. Next year the event will be hosted by Lurgan ASC and let's hope that we will travel with a full squad of swimmers.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Armagh Championship Update

Despite travelling to Newry without a number of swimmers those who attended made sure that PASC was represented in the majority of finals. Unfortunately because of missing swimmers we were unable to compete in several relay events leaving Newry and Mourne and Lurgan to contest first and second places unopposed. However, on a positive note there were several outstanding swims from individuals, (several of whom who were competing in this event for the very first time) not just those who finished in the medal places but also from others who made the finals and came away with 'Personal Best' times, proof of their effort and commitment. A huge thanks from all of the coaches to the swimmers who made the trip and the parents who came to watch and support. A full list of medal winners, finalists, and PB's will be posted a.s.a.p. Thanks is also due to Newry and Mourne ASC for their work in organising the event - to be finished by 5.o'clock with so many events was quite an achievement!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Armagh Championships Saturday 24th January 2009

Just another reminder that this years hosts will be Newry and Mourne. Warm-up for girls is set for 9 o' clock, yes, NINE in the morning and boys warm-up will follow! It is some time since we swam in Newry so if you don't know where the pool is please ask at the desk. A swimming club is a team and as such its success depends upon individual members acting together, an absent team member may mean that an entire relay squad cannot swim! All those taking part should be at the pool in good time and remember to pack something to eat/drink as catering facilities are very limited!!! Last year at Cascades we returned with a host of medals, the same determination and effort is needed from everyone this time round.

Computerised result system now in use

The clubs investment in new software for recording results now means that a full printout will be readily available for swimmers to keep an eye on their times. Hy-tec 'Meet Manager' once fully operational will help track progress and speed up gala administration. We hope that swimmers will look at their results and set themselves targets for improvement. A big thanks to all involved in getting the system up and running as well as those who spend their gala night entering the results.

Coleraine Teletot fixture confirmed

Hot news! Caroline has confirmed all remaining dates for the Teletots which will take us through to the end of March. A complete list of fixtures will be posted as soon as possible however our next swim will be on Saturday 31st January at Cascades against Coleraine. Warm-up will be at 5.00pm and we hope to be done and dusted by 6.30! This fixture will take the place of an away swim against City of Belfast which will be rearranged.

Lurgan too strong for Teletots

The Teletot team lost their first gala of the season against Lurgan but many of our young swimmers produced new 'Personal Best' times. This was always going to be a tough task, Lurgan came with a strong squad and deserved their win. For many of our swimmers this was their first experience of a competitive gala but everyone at the club was proud of the effort they gave. The team is selected purely on ability and all swimmers have an equal chance of joining the squad- the fastest three swimmers will be picked for each stroke! The team is not 'set in concrete' and will change! As usual a big thanks to all who officiated, cheered, taxied, swam or just came to support.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Welcome back!

Just a reminder that all of the normal sessions resume beginning with Club Night on Wednesday 7th January 2009. The 'Teletot' squad have already been busy and the team is more or less penciled in. The Swimshop will once again be taking orders for hoodies, bags, poolside shirts etc. It is important that swimmers try to attend as many sessions as they can, those who improve most are those who swim three times each week! Check with one of the coaches to see what times are available.