VW Marlins hand out special awards

ROCKY McVAIGH/independent sports

The Van Wert YMCA Marlins held their winter season awards banquet on Thursday night. Coach Lee Schumm mentioned that the most significant accomplishment for the team this year was claiming first place in Division 4 at YMCA Northwest Swim Championship. She went on to say that what was impressive about this was that out of the 15 11 and Under swimmers on the team, 11 of them qualified in a total of 33 events.  The YM Marlins also qualified three swimmers in 11 events for the Great Lakes YMCA Zone Regionals. Those qualifying include Sam Easley (4), Eric Easley (6) and Addison Henkaline (1). The Marlins finished 46th as a team out of a total of 99 teams competing.

The following awards were presented by Coaches Lee Schumm, Lanna Pollock and Alec Purmort.

Trophies were presented to the swimmers who had the most time improvements over the season in each age group for both boys and girls: 8 & Under — Emma Pollock and Andrew Henkaline; Age 9-10 — Katie McVaigh and Aaron Stant; Age 11-12 — Anna Henkaline and Sam Easley; Age 13-14 — Hannah Stemen and Eric Easley; Age 15-18 — Rebecca Johnson and Evan Stant.

Sam Easley was presented a plaque to recognize the team record he set in the 50 freestyle with a time of 27.51. Coaches awards were presented to Anna Henkaline and Aaron Stant.  Coaches awards consider all age groups and are awarded to one boy and girl who demonstrate a strong work ethic, a consistent attitude, team spirit and attendance.

The first meet of the summer swim season is scheduled for June 13. The season concludes with League Championships on July 14-15.  Registration will be held in early May and practices will begin later that month.

YMCA Zone Regionals at Ohio State Natatorium Columbus:

11-12 Boys: Sam Easley – second, 50 backstroke; fourth, 50 freestyle; fifth 100 freestyle; sixth, 50 butterfly.  Boys 13-14: Eric Easley – 25th, 50 breaststroke; 37th, 100 freestyle; 42nd, 50 backstroke; 10th, 100 breaststroke; seventh, 100 backstroke; 22nd, 50 freestyle.  9-10 Girls: Addison Henkaline – finished with a time of 1.18:25 in the 100 individual medley.