Wahoos Win National Championship

Led by Emily Weir and Shelby Fortin, who combined to win five events, the Wilton Wahoos captured the 2010 YMCA Long Course national championship recently in College Park, Maryland.

It was the Wahoos' fourth long course national title and first in five years. The program won three straight championships starting in 2003.

The Wahoos finished first in the men's standings and second in the women's standings during last week's competition.

Weir established a national YMCA record in the 50-meter breaststoke with a time of 32.78 seconds, and also won the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events.

Fortin turned in a record-setting performance in the 400-meter freestyle (4:19.65),  while also finishing first in the 200-meter freestyle.
 
Overall, the Wilton girls combined to win seven events, including two relays. The team of Fortin, Weir, Alyssa LaFrenierre and Katy Luchansky took the top spot in the 200-meter medley relay, while the quartet of Fortin, Weir
Jazzi Cooper and Luchansky swam to victory in the 400-meter medley relay.

Shannon Ahearn contributed with three top-10s- second in the 200-meter individual medley, fourth in the 200 breaststroke and sixth in the 400 individual medley.

On the boys' side, Robby Harder posted three top-five finishes, including a win in the 400-meter freestyle. He also placed third in the 200 freestyle and fifth in the 800 freestyle.

In addition, the team of Adam Lebovitz, Eric Ronda, Edward Becker and Derrian Duryea gave Wilton a victory in the 200 medley relay.

Spencer Scarth helped Wilton to the team title with four top-10s. He was third in the 800 and 1,500 freestyle, fourth in the 400 freestyle and sixth in the 400 IM.

Eric Ronda (second in the 200 breaststroke and fifth in the 100 breast), and Lebovitz (third in the 200 backstroke and fifth in the 100 back)  each had a pair of top-five finishes for Wilton's deep and talented squad.