Novato Riptide Swim Team On Roll During 25th Season

The Novato Riptide is in the home stretch of its season with one meet remaining, the Marin Swim League Championships at Indian Valley College on July 9.

So far, Riptide swimmers have broken several team records, and 8-year-old Zach McIntyre is undefeated in 21 dual-meet races, ranking first in the MSL in the 25-yard freestyle, 25-yard breaststroke and 100-yard IM and second in the 25-yard backstroke and 25-yard butterfly.

“Zach has good technique, an ability to cut out distractions during races and a commitment to making maximum points for the team,” Riptide coach Jean Haley said.

McIntyre, who attends Loma Verde School, set a team record with a 14.14-second time in the 25 freestyle (at this month’s MSL All-Star meet), eclipsing the 14:45 mark set by Peter Wicklund in 1995. Saturday, he tied a Terra Linda Orcas pool record in his age division at 14:71.

McIntyre also was part of a 100-yard mixed (two boys, two girls) freestyle relay team that broke a Riptide record that stood since 1995, teaming with Emila Oblites, Tereza Shea and Chris Falvey for a 1:03.54 clocking.

Allie Level, 12, broke a team record in the 50 butterfly (29.72), previously set by Anika Turner in 1997. Level ranks first in the MSL in the event.

“Allie is one of the most focused and hard-working swimmers that I’ve coached,” Haley said of the San Jose Middle School student, who’s in her eighth year competing for Riptide. “She’s very good at setting personal goals and putting in the time and mental energy to achieve them.”

Jesse Schmidt, 15, moved up to the 15- to 18-year division just before the dual-meet season and is ranked first in the MSL in the 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke and 100 IM.

“Jesse has shown he can compete with the best and oldest of the age group,” Haley said of Schmidt, a Riptide competitor for 10 years and Novato High student. “He’s a great leader by example.  His focus and dedication have helped inspire many other Riptide swimmers.”

Haley encouraged Novatoans to attend the July 9 MSL Championship meet at IVC, beginning at 8 a.m.

"We're hoping for more records to fall as Riptide celebrates its 25th year in the Marin Swim League," she said.