Three Soundview Family YMCA Stingray Masters Swimmers dominated the John Merrill Memorial Swim Meet at the East Lyme Aquatics Center Sunday, 11/17. Led by Ashley Beeman's 5 gold medal performance, highlighted by a stunning 21:22.1 in the 1,650 free to finish on top in the 41-44 age group, all three participants were "gold". Ashley's time demolished the existing CT Masters record for her age group by more than 4 minutes 34 seconds! This performance is even more impressive as Ashley competed in all 5 events within 3 hours. She will most likely be seeded in the Top 10 in multiple events at the 2014 Masters Nationals in April at the world renowned Santa, Clara, CA. Swim Center. Branford's Thomas Radovich garnered a 4 for 4 performance himself as the Stingrays group continued to excel. Finally, Guilford's Pam Wilson, competing in the 65-69 age group, captured the gold medal in the 1,650 free, lowering her personal best by: 44.0 seconds. Pam's time would have placed her on the podium with a gold medal at this past year's 2013 United States Masters Swimming Championship, besting the 2013 winner by: 39.0. Ms. Wilson will compete in the 70-74 age group at the 2014 Nationals, either in Santa Clara, CA. or long course in Baltimore, MD.
Formerly tutored by Hall of Fame and multiple times Olympic Team Coach, Frank P. Keefe from Yale University, the group enjoyed the competition and looks forward to more. Congratulations to all and please visit us at the Soundview Family YMCA if you are interested in joining this fun group!
