The Manitoba Marlins take pride in creating great athletes/people in and out of the pool. This was evident at last weekend’s Manitoba Marathon, where our boy’s relay team, “The Gingerbread Men”, finished 3rd overall out of the 713 teams entered. The relay was comprised of Marlin swimmers Charles Brault, Eric Brault and Evan Dzik. They were a mere 25 seconds away from the 2nd place team. Congrats boys!

As well congratulations to Coach Chelsea who finished the Full Marathon in a time of 4:31.56 to finish in 377th place! Nice job Coach!

30 Marlin swimmers competed at the Last Call Time Trial on Thursday evening at the Pan Am Pool. This was an opportunity for swimmers to qualify for Man/Sask, Senior Nationals and Age Group Championships.

Listed are the accomplishments of our swimmers:

• James “J-Baum” Zubriski qualified for Age Group Championships in the 1500 free.

The Marlins currently have 17 swimmers qualified for Age Group Championships in Montreal this summer.

Marlin swimmers have set 24 new short course records and 19 new long course records to date.

Thanks to all the parents who came out to help officiate at the Time Trial and enabled our swimmers to achieve their goals.

The Manitoba Marlins Swim Club is seeking an experienced, well organized and highly motivated Age Group Coach for the 2009/10 season.

Please click here for more information.

53 Marlin swimmers competed at the reformatted Where Friends Meet last weekend. The swimmers endured, as numerous personal best were achieved. This was the last opportunity for the swimmers to achieve “A” times before Junior Provincials in June.

The following swimmers raced to 100% best times:

Kaylin Schroeder, Gabe Barnabe, Katrina Gemmil, Claire Healey, Declan Henry, Sean Inglis, Lexi Jocelyn, Arielle Vicklund, Sarah Ledger, Dora Modcrin, Jillian Neufeld, Jessica Ollinik, Kennedy Overwater, Naomi Peters and Alexandra Wiebe.

Congratulations to Jillian Neufeld who achieved her first “AA” time in the 1500 free!

The Manitoba Marlins sent 29 swimmers to the Jump Into Summer swim meet in Minneapolis last weekend. The sessions were long, but the competition provided Marlin swimmers with a different racing opportunity. Marlin swimmers raced hard all weekend against a very competitive and talented field.

Medals were awarded up to 8th place. The following is a list of swimmers who finished in the Top 8:

8th: Jordan Alexiuk (100 breast, 400 free); Carter Wasyliw (200 free, 50 breast, 100 back); Cody Evans (200 IM, 100 back);

7th: Cody Evans (100 fly); Thomas Meier (100 fly)

6th: Carter Wasyliw (200 IM); Kennedy Meier (200 back); Brooke Meyer (100 fly); Abi Shewchuk (50 free)

4th: Cody Evans (400 free); Thomas Meier (200 free, 100 free, 400 free); Luella Ocon (200 breast)

3rd: Karyl Clarete (200 fly); Simon Meier (100 free); Thomas Meier (200 IM, 50 breast); Luella Ocon (100 breast)

2nd: Karyl Clarete (100 fly, 200 breast); Cody Evans (200 free); Simon Meier (50 back, 50 breast, 100 back); Thomas Meier (100 breast)

1st: Karyl Clarete (400 IM, 100 free, 400 free, 100 back); Cody Evans (100 free, 50 free); Simon Meier (200 free, 100 breast, 100 fly, 200 IM)

Congratulations to Alora Anis, Rebecca Bergen and Natasha Lapointe who finished the meet with 100% best times.

Congratulations to Natasha Lapointe earned her first Westerns qualifying time in the 50 free and MacKenzie Alexiuk who earned her first "AA" time the 50 free.

With 16 Club Records all ready broken to date, two Marlin swimmers continued to rewrite the history books. Karyl Clarete broke Club Records in the 400 free (previously her own), 200 breast (previously held by Olympian Shannon Shakespeare), 100 fly (previously held by team-mate Brooke Meyer) and 400 I.M. (previously her own). Simon Meier set new marks in the 50 back (previously held by Alex Johnson) and 100 back (previously held by his brother Thomas Meier).

Thanks to Pam White for the exceptional job she did in chaperoning our young swimmers.

The Manitoba Marlins Swim Club is partnering with The Gone Fishing Club. They are collecting gently used swimsuits of all sizes so that all Winnipeg kids can enjoy the free water parks and wading pools that our great city has to offer. As you go through your family’s summer clothing, please set some items aside to share with those less fortunate.

Click here for more information.

71 Marlin swimmers competed at the 2nd Annual Golden Plains Invitational. This was an amazing meet for the entire club and all swimmers should be proud of their accomplishments on the weekend. All Marlin swimmers displayed great team spirit and supported each other through every race.   

Here is a list (long) of Marlin highlights at GPI:

New Qualifiers:

Congratulations to Cody Evans, who reached the Westerns cut in both the 50 and 200 freestyle; Mark Carlson, who qualified for Age Group Nationals in the 200, 400 and 1500 freestyle; Carla Schroeder who also qualified for Age Group Nationals in the 100 freestyle; Brooke Meyer who qualified for Westerns in the 100 fly and Sydney Gergley who qualified for Westerns in the 200 breast.

Club Records:

Cody Evans - 50 free (previously held by Olympian Shannon Shakespeare) and 200 free (previously held by Karyl Clarete)

Tom Meier - 800 free (previously held by Steve Stothers); 100 back (previously his own); 200 back (previously held by Andrew McGillivary); 100 breast (previously held by Hayden Gabel); 200 breast (previously held by Eric Blouw)

Karyl Clarete - 200 free (previously held by Olympian Shannon Shakespeare) , 400 free (previously held by Leah Daniel), 800 free (previously held by Leah Daniel), 200 fly (previously held by Sue Tremblay) and 400 IM (previously held by Suzie Murray)  

Simon Meier - 200 breast (previously held by Christian Seon); 200 fly (previously held by Barry Wells); 200 IM (previously held by Alex Johnson)

Brooke Meyer - 100 fly (previously held by Karyl Clarete)

Alex Johnson - 50 back (previously held by Graeme Tozer); 100 fly (previously held by Steve Foley)

Provincial Records:

Tom Meier - 200 breast (previously held by Brian Vergen)

Marlin Medalists:

GOLD: Bryce Ellie (50 free, 100 free); Tom Meier (800 free, 200 IM, 100 back, 200 back, 100 breast, 200 breast, 200 free, 400 free, 400 IM); Cody Evans (200 free); Jordan Alexiuk (1500 free); Anousone Reid (50 breast); Leah Daniel (800 free, 400 free); Alex Johnson (50 fly, 50 back, 50 free, 200 IM, 100 back, 100 free, 100 fly)

SILVER: Natalie Blouin (800 free, 200 IM, 100 back, 200 back); Cody Evans (50 free, 100 free); Jordan Alexiuk (400 free, 100 breast, 200 breast); Bryce Ellie (1500 free, 200 free); Mark Carlson (200 IM, 100 fly, 400 IM); Simon Meier (200IM, 400IM); Karyl Clarete (200 fly, 800 free); Leah Daniel (200 free); Luella Ocon (100 breast); Julianne Toogood (100 free); Evan Dzik (400 free, 100 fly); Brooke Meyer (1500 free, 400 IM); Maddi Pickerl (1500 free)

BRONZE: Cody Evans (200 IM, 400 free, 100 back, 800 free); Kennedy Meier (800 free); Mark Carlson (400 free, 1500 free, 200 free); Carla Schroeder (50 free, 100 back, 50 back, 100 free); Natalie Blouin (200 fly, 400 IM); Ashton Ledger (200 breast); Jordan Alexiuk (400 IM); Adam Nowicki (800 free); Simon Meier (200 breast); Ben Shewchuk (200 fly); Karyl Clarete (400 free); Leah Daniel (50 breast); Rebecca Bergen (1500 free); Luella Ocon (50 fly); Evan Dzik (50 fly, 200 free); Brooke Meyer (100 fly, 200 breast, 400 free, 200 IM, 50 fly) and Julianne Toogood (50 free)

100% Best Times:

Christine French, Mark Carlson, Jordan Alexiuk, Tom Meier, Charles Brault, Eric Brault, Evan Dzik, Sydney Gergley, Natasha Lapointe, Brooke Meyer, Ashleigh Milani, James Zubriski, Ryan Bergen, Simom Meier, Daniel Kouzinets, Jill Neufeld, Hannah Molloy, Noah Wasyliw, Arianna Tiede and Kaigan Olson.

High Point Award:

Tom Meier received the High Point Award in the 11/12 boys category.
Leah Daniel received the High Point Award in the 17 & Over category.
Alex Johnson received the High Point Award in the 17 & Over boys category

For Manitoba Marlins swimmers who attended the Seals Invitational on Sunday, April 26th, one day was enough to get two new Man/Sasks qualifiers and one new Junior Provincial qualifier! 

Congratulations to Alexandra Weibe (AGD) who achieved her first “AA” time in the 200 breaststroke; Thomas Osborne (AGE) who also reached the “AA” standard for the first time in both the 50 and 800 freestyle; and Breeck Kroiter (AGD) who achieved his first “A” time in both the 50 and 800 freestyle.

Congratulations to the following swimmers who achieved 100% best times:

Mackenzie Alexiuk, Juliana Bowman, Paige Hansen, Jessica Henderson, Sarah Ledger, Amy McAvoy, Abi Shewchuk, Chantel Swiston, Gelsomina Vanderhooft, Alexandra Weibe, Scott Bachus, Jordan Carmichael, Willis Fitchett, Sean Inglis, Breeck Kroiter, Nick Noonan,  Jamie Alexiuk, Victoria Carmichael, Amelie Guilette, Emma Hansen, Anne He, Jessica Henderson, Amalia Inglis, Lexi Jocelyn, Dora Modrcin, Jillian Neufeld, Liezl Ocon, Jessica Ollinik, Anousone Reid, Sophie Theodorou, Tiana Tiede, Nathaniel Fulcher, Hannah Molloy, Rhys Hedden, Declan Henry, Simon Meier, Owen Park, Alex Storm, Ross Storm Carter Wasyliw and Noah Wasyliw.

As always, the Marlins showed great TEAM SPIRIT and were especially supportive to the younger swimmers, many of whom were tackling some BIG events for the very first time! 

Congratulations to all Marlin swimmers on one great day of racing!

The Manitoba Marlins had 64 swimmers competing at the Senior Pentathlon last weekend. This is the second long course meet of the season and Marlin swimmers showed no signs of slowing down, headed into the long course competitive schedule. The team raced to a 76% best time average at the meet.

Swimmers who achieved 100% best times were as follows:

Alora Anis, Gabe Barnabe, Rebecca Bergen, Natalie Blouin, Charles Brault, Mark Carlson, Karyl Clarete, Evan Dzik, Bryce Ellie, Cody Evans, Emma Gaudet, Sydney Gergley, Amalia Inglis, Sheila Jensen, Mike Kleiber, Artur Kroitor, Natasha Lapointe, Aston Ledger, Julia Mann, Sarah McAvoy, Kennedy Meier, Thomas Meier, Brooke Meyer, Ashleigh Milani, Emma Milner, Hannah Molloy, Nick Noonan, Thomas Osborne, Owen Park, Anousone Reid, Ross Storm, Chantel Swiston, Alexandra Wiebe, Rachel Young and James Zubriski.

Congratulations to Thomas Meier who broke the 11 & 12 year old boy’s Club Record in the 100 back (previously held by Luke Small) and Karyl Clarete who broke the 13 & 14 year old girl’s record in the 100 fly (previously held by Diana Oobik)

If this past weekend was any indication of how well the Marlins intend to perform during the long course season, then the next few months should be very exciting! In addition to outscoring the competition (awarded TOP Team), the Marlins also OUTCHEERED the competition and were a strong presence on deck, both in heats and in finals.

Congratulations to the following swimmers who achieved new qualifying standards in Brandon:

Arianna Tiede (AGE) and Katrina Gemmill (TAG) achieved their first ‘AA’ times in the 50 fly and 400 free respectively; Branden Wright (AGD), Mackenzie Alexiuk (AGD), and Scott Bacus (AGD) reached the qualifying standards for Golden Plains; Scott Bachus (AGD) achieved his first ‘A’ time in the 50 breast; Sophie Theodorou, Alex Storm and Victoria Carmichael (Super Squad) are also new Junior Provincial qualifiers; and Julia Mann (TAG) achieved both the Westerns cut and the AGN cut in the 50 fly.

Congratulations to the following swimmers who achieved 100% Best Times (heats and finals):

Super Squad: Victoria Carmichael, Amelie Guillette, Amalia Inglis, Lexi Jocelyn, Liezl Ocon, Jessica Ollinik, Sophie Theodorou and Alex Storm

AGD: Amy McAvoy, Juliana Bowman, Mackenzie Alexiuk, Paige Hansen, Gelsomina Vanderhooft, Sarah Ledger, Jessica Henderson and Sean Inglis

AGE: Anne He, Emma Hansen, Noah Wasyliw, Carter Wasyliw, Ryan Bergen and Thomas Osborne

TAG: Bryce Ellie, Sarah McAvoy, Ashton Ledger and Rachel Young.

As a club Marlin swimmers achieved an outstanding 93% best times! Congratulations to all swimmers on a great start to the long course season!

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 at the Pan Am Pool:

 
Friday, April 24th, 2009 at the Pan Am Pool:

Above is the schedule for MANITOBA MARLINS team and group picture schedule.

The entire TEAM picture will be on Thursday April 23rdth, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pan Am Pool. All swimmers are encouraged to attend and wear their GREEN Marlins shirt (the one with the new 2008/09 logo on it) and shorts.

Click here for order forms.

There will be no practice for all groups (Mini - National) on Monday, April 13, 2009. There will be no practice for Mini through AGE groups on Friday, April 10, 2009. There will be practice for TAG and NAT (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Pan Am) on Friday, April 10, 2009. There will be practice for all groups (Mini - National) on Saturday, April 11, 2009 

The Manitoba Marlins sent 46 swimmers to Man/Sask Championships in Regina, Sk this past weekend. The Marlins were definitely a presence in the pool with many impressive performances at the four day competition. Our team finished 3rd overall with 2904 points. The girl’s team finished in second place with 1913 points while the boy’s team finished 5th with 991 points. Marlin swimmers recorded 242 new personal best times with numerous Top 8 and Top 16 performances. The swimmers should be commended for their efforts in the water as well as the great display of team spirit in cheering on team-mates at every session.

Individual highlights were as follows:

100% best times:

Jordan Alexiuk (heats and finals), Maddi Pickerl (heats and finals), Thomas Meier and Carla Schroeder.

Gold Medal Winners:

Mark Carlson (200 free); Karyl Clarete (200 I.M., 200 breast, 400 free, 200 fly, 800 free, 200 free); Thomas Meier (200 breast); Brooke Meyer (100 breast); Luella Ocon (50 breast)

Silver Medal Winners:

Natalie Blouin (200 fly, 200 back); Mark Carlson (100 fly, 50 free, 800 free); Karyl Clarete (400 I.M.); Cody Evans (1500 free, 50 free, 100 free); Kennedy Meier (100 back, 200 back); Thomas Meier (50 back); Luella Ocon (100 breast, 200 breast);

Bronze Medal Winners:

Natalie Blouin (200 I.M., 400 free, 800 free, 400 I.M.); Eric Brault (200 free); Mark Carlson (400 free, 100 free, 50 fly); Karyl Clarete (200 back); Evan Dzik (100 fly); Cody Evans (200 free, 400 free); Julia Mann (100 fly); Kennedy Meier (800 free, 50 back, 400 I.M.); Thomas Meier (200 back, 100 breast, 400 I.M.); Brooke Meyer (200 breast, 50 fly); Maddi Pickerl (1500 free); Carla Schroeder (50 free)

New Age Group National Qualifiers:

Evan Dzik, Cody Evans and Eric Brault

New Westerns Qualifiers:

Carla Schroeder and Evan Dzik

High Point Winners:

Karyl Clarete (13 & 14 Girls) and Evan Dzik (15 & Over Boys)

Club Records:

Karyl Clarete - 400 free

Simon Meier - 200 free, 400 free, 50 breast, 100 breast, 200 breast, 200 fly and 400 I.M.

Thomas Meier - 200 back and 200 breast.

Provincial Records:

Thomas Meier - 200 breast

The Manitoba Marlins sent three swimmers to Spring Nationals in Toronto this past weekend. With over 20 National Records, a World Record and one of the fastest swim meets in Canadian history, Marlin swimmers had a lot to take in at the five day competition. Luella Ocon, Emma Gaudet and Leah Daniel represented the “GREEN & GOLD” while earning best times, top 16 finishes and new Club & Provincial Records.

Luella Ocon took time off her 200 breaststroke at her first appearance at Senior Nationals. To be able to swim a best time at her first competition at this level is a huge accomplishment for Luella. Leah Daniel had a great meet earning five best times out of six races (83%). Leah placed in the top 16 in her 800 free and 1500 free. Not surprisingly her 800 and 1500 free where new Provincial Records. Leah set new Club Records in the 400 I.M., 800 free, 1500 free as well. Leah finished the meet with a 6th place in the National 5km Championships on Sunday.

Congratulations to all three swimmers, Luella, Emma and Leah, in earning the opportunity to represent the Manitoba Marlins at the highest level of competition in our country!

It should also be noted that graduated Marlin swimmers Alex Johnson (UBC) and Riley Pickerl (Island Swimming) were part of relay teams that set Canadian National Records over the weekend. Congratulations boys!

There was nothing “junior” about the performances of Marlin swimmers last weekend in Brandon!  Despite the lengthy sessions and the end of daylight savings time on Sunday morning, the Manitoba Marlins stepped up to deliver performances that were certainly worthy of a championship meet at any level.     
 
The 47 swimmers who competed at Junior Provincials achieved an impressive 130 new personal best times, many adding to their list of eligible swims at Man/Sasks at the end of the month.  In addition, Ross Storm became our newest Man/Sasks qualifier, reaching the ‘AA’ standard in the 1500 freestyle.  Way to go, Ross!  Congratulations to all Marlin swimmers on an outstanding meet!

Highlights of the meet were:

Club Records:

Simon Meier rewrote the Manitoba Marlins record book, setting new club records in the 50, 100 and 200 backstroke; 100 and 200 fly; 100 free and 200 free.  It must be noted that three of these records (100 fly, 200 fly and 200 free) had stood untouched for almost 35 years!  Congratulations Simon! 

High Points Awards:

Simon Meier captured the 10 and under boys High Points Award, while Marlin newcomer Kaylin Schoeder dominated the 11/12 girls age group to win the High Points Award in that category.  Ellie Olson won the High Point Award for 14 year old girls. Congratulations!

Medalists:

Congratulations to the following swimmers who achieved top three finishes.  Check out the Group Blogs for more details!

10 & Under:  Jordan Carmichael, Willis Fitchett, Jessica Henderson, Simon Meier, Abi Shewchuk and Carter Wasyliw
11/12:  Ryan Bergen, Hannah Molloy, Kaylin Schroeder, Ben Shewchuk, Ross Storm, Arianna Tiede, Noah Wasyliw and Alexandra Weibe
13/14:  Katrina Gemmill, Emma Hansen, Ashton Ledger, Sarah Mcavoy, Ellie Olson, Amber Meyer, Owen Park and Carla Schroeder
15/16: Kevin Boreskie, Rylie Donogh, Ashleigh Milani, Adam Nowicki and Michael Sharpe

100% Best Times:

Congratulations to the following swimmers who achieved 100% Best Times:

Zach Alderdice, Jessica Henderson, Sean Inglis, Simon Meier, Jillian Neufeld, Adam Nowicki, Liezl Ocon, Ellie Olson, Carla Schroeder and Kaylin Schroeder. 

It’s almost time for the best event of the year – the Marlin Social!  This year we are going to have our Bud, Spud, and Steak night at the Tijuana Yacht Club – Polo Park on Sunday, March15th from 6-9 pm. Traditionally, this evening is reserved for parents and their friends.  The evening is meant to be an evening without the children, so give the kids the evening off.  All Supersquad, AGD, AGE, TAG, and NAT parents receive 6 tickets per family as part of their fees.  We encourage you to use your tickets and perhaps pass some along to your friends: invite them for dinner, encourage them to participate in our fundraiser and hopefully win some great prizes! A change this year is that we will need every family to confirm the number attending one week prior. The club will be responsible for paying for the confirmed number so we hope to not pay extra for unused tickets.

RSVP indicating the number attending before March 7th by emailing Angela Blouin at d.blouin@shaw.ca

Fundraising is a large part of our Social and we need your help to make it successful.  A portion of the evening includes a raffle which is solely derived from your donations.  Last year, many donations were given and we are counting on your generosity again this year.   Here are some theme baskets that have been done in the past.  If you have any items that can fit into these theme ideas, please consider donating them to the raffle, New ideas and your own ideas are always welcome.

Handyman – Screwdriver sets, hammers, etc.
Chocolate Lover – Any kind of chocolate products will do!
Wine Lover/ martini
Movie Night – DVD’s, Microwave popcorn, chips, etc.
Gaming
Sports Basket – Sports bottle, pedometer, athletic socks, duffle bag
Home Cooking – Cooking utensils, measuring cups, recipe books
Arts ‘n Crafts
Coffee Lover – Coffee cups, coffee, anything to do with coffee!
Camping/ outdoors
Cocktails – Shaken not stirred – Recipe book, glasses, drink mixes
Body Shop or Spa Basket

The approximate donation value that we are looking for is $50. If possible, we would like you to create your own basket, or combine with a friend to make a $100 basket, or 2 friends to make a $150 basket etc etc! Please ensure that your items are new and marked (tag) with your surname(s).  If you would like to donate other items that do not fit into theses themes, please do!  Cash and gift certificates are also welcome.

Donations must be in by Tuesday March 12.
Please drop off donations at the Marlin’s office or give to Wendy Ledger/ Angela Blouin

If you have any questions or require extra tickets, please call or e-mail
Angela Blouin at d.blouin@shaw.ca  or Wendy Ledger at wendyledger@mts.net

Thank you in advance for your participation in this event!

The Manitoba Marlins had 81 swimmers competing at the Program 1 swim meet on Saturday. The Marlins finished in 2nd place in the overall team standings with 1639 points.

The Marlins finished the meet with 75% best times (120 personal bests out of 160 swims).

51 Marlin swimmers achieved 100% best times. They were as follows:
Jordan Alexiuk, Zach Alderdice, MacKenzie Alexiuk, Alora Anis, Scott Bachus, Rebecca Bergen, Natalie Blouin, Kevin Boreskie, Victoria Carmichael, Jordan Carmichael, Cody Evans, Nathan Fulcher,  Amelie Guillette, Paige Hansen, Rhys Hedden, Jessica Henderson, Anne He, Sheila Jensen, Emily Kinnaird, Breeck Kroitor, Natasha Lapointe, Ashton Ledger, Sarah Ledger, Julia Mann, Dora Modcrin, Hannah Molloy, Ashleigh Milani, Dora Modcrin, Ellie Olson, Kaigan Olson, Owen Park, Amy McAvoy, Sarah McAvoy, Amber Meyer, Jillian Neufeld, Nick Noonan, Adam Nowicki, Leizl Ocon, Thomas Osborn, Simon Meier, Thomas Meier, Kaylin Schroeder, Mike Sharpe, Abi Shewchuk, Ben Shewchuk, Alex Storm, Sophie Theodorou, Chantel Swiston, Arianna Teide, Gelsomina Vanderhooft, Carter Wasyliw, Noah Wasyliw and James Zubriski.

Congratulations to Simon Meier who broke the male 10 & Under Club Record in the 50 free (previously held by his brother Thomas Meier). Thomas Meier who broke the male 11 & 12 year old Club Record in the 50 breast (previously his own record). Mark Carlson who broke the male 13 & 14 year old Club Record in the 800 free (previously held by James Zubriski)

Congratulations to Natalie Blouin who achieved another Age Group National qualifying time in the 400 I.M.

As well there were 14 new ‘A’ times and 18 new ‘AA’ achieved by Marlin swimmers at the Program 1 swim meet.

Congratulations!  Darcie Godard has been selected to the Canada Games Special Olympics Swim Team.  Darcie’s performances at the EK Y’s Men Sharks meet on January 25, 2009, has earned her a spot on Team Manitoba. The team will be competing at the Canada Games August 22-29, 2009 in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The Manitoba Marlins Board of Directors will be holding a mid-year meeting for all Club members on Thursday, February 26th at 7 p.m., location TBA.  Items for discussion include:
A review of 2007/08 Club financials

We encourage all Club members to mark their calendars and try to attend this important event. 

A huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in the 1st Annual New Years’ Invitational. The whole team did an awesome job and everyone’s efforts were appreciated. Congratulations to all and thanks again for coming together as a team to make the meet a huge success!

The Manitoba Marlins had 91 swimmers (out of our 97 competitive memberships) racing at our 1st Annual New Years’ Invitational. Once again Marlin swimmers came prepared to race and cheer on their team-mates. The Marlins finished in 2nd place in the overall team standings with 4556 points, just under a 1000 points behind the first place team.

The Marlins finished the meet with 77% best times (420 personal bests out of 543 races).

Marlin swimmers who achieved 100% best times were as follows:
Jordan Alexiuk, MacKenzie Alexiuk, Scott Bachus, Gabe Barnabe, Rebecca Bergen, Natalie Blouin, Amos Bridgman, Mark Carlson, Cody Evans, Caleigh Fabas, Christine French, Amelie Guillette, Paige Hansen, Claire Healey, Sean Inglis, Amalia Inglis, Rhys Hedden, Jessica Henderson, Declan Henry, Sheila Jensen, Lexi Jocelyn, Emily Kinnaird, Breeck Kroitor, Daniel Kouzinets, Ashton Ledger, Julia Mann, Dora Modcrin, Hannah Molloy, Nick Noonan, Luella Ocon, Ellie Olson, Owen Park, Amy McAvoy, Kennedy Meier, Simon Meier, Thomas Meier, Amber Meyer, Abi Shewchuk, Chantel Swiston, Alexandra Wiebe, Rachel Young and James Zubriski.

Congratulations to Karyl Clarete who broke the female 13 & 14 year old Club Records in the 400 I.M (her own) and in the 1500 free (previously held by Leah Daniel). Thomas Meier broke the male 11 & 12 year old Club Record in the 200 back (previously held by Andrew McGillivray), Simon Meier broke three male 10 & Under Club Records in the 100 breast (previously held by Christian Seon), 200 breast (previously held by his brother Thomas Meier) and 200 I.M. (again held by his brother Thomas).

Congratulations to first time Age Group National qualifiers Natalie Blouin (200 back and 1500 free) and Thomas Meier (200 breast).

First time Man/Sasks qualifying times were achieved by Abi Shewchuk (100 free), Owen Park (50 back), Daniel Kouzinets (50 free and 50 fly) and Hannah Molloy (50 free).

First time Junior Provincial qualifying times were achieved by Dora Modcrin, Belle Riley-Thompson, Lexi Jocelyn, Caleigh Fabas and Sean Inglis.

We wanted to make you all aware of a new policy being enforced by the Pan Am Pool Staff for all aquatic user groups effective immediately:  

"Spectators will no longer be allowed on the pool deck, either in the Main Tank (from the bulkhead guard chair to the diving boards) or in the Training Tank (area surrounding the entire pool, including the on deck bleachers in both the south and north tanks.)  If parents wish to watch their children’s practice, they must do so from the stands only.  This is a non negotiable safety concern due to a recent incident at the Pan Am facility.  We appreciate your cooperation in this matter." 

-LISA BRUNETTE - PAN AM POOL SUPERVISOR

Parents, please be aware that this policy is being rigorously enforced by the Pan Am Pool staff.  

Due to a large amount of participants (approximately 200 per session) some adjustments have to be made to the New Year’s Invitational.

The following changes have been made to the meet format/program:

New Year's Invitational Schedule:

Saturday Morning Session (12 & Unders):
Warm-up start: 7:30 a.m.
Warm-up ends: 8:15 a.m.
Meet start: 8:20 a.m. (approx.)

Saturday Afternoon Session (13 & Overs):
Warm-up start: 11:30 a.m. (in south tank)
Warm-up ends: 12:30 p.m.
Meet start: 12:30 p.m. (approx.)
*please note 8 lanes have been rented in the south tank until 1:30 p.m. for staggered warm-ups for swimmers not in the 1500 free.

Sunday Morning Session (12 & Unders):
Warm-up start: 7:30 a.m.
Warm-up ends: 8:15 am.
Meet start: 8:20 a.m. (approx.)

Sunday Afternoon Session (13 & Overs):
Warm-up start: 11:30 a.m. (in south tank)
Warm-up ends: 12:30 p.m.
Meet start: 12:30 p.m. (approx.)

Come on out and join in on the fun of a Manitoba Moose Hockey game on Saturday February 28 @ 7:30 p.m. against the Peoria Rivermen.

These are $20 copper tickets (reg. price $27) in the upper level. 
Not only is this event a great FUN team building experience, but it is also an awesome fundraiser!

Each ticket that you sell to your family and friends, will earn your account $8.  So even if only your immediate family attends, that is on average $32 that goes towards your family account.  The more you sell the more you earn.

We are not limited to the amount of tickets we sell, so start selling early and let’s see if we can fill this entire section with not just Moose fans, but Marlin fans too!

Once you know how many tickets you will need contact Marcia Henderson to arrange to get your tickets.

Please contact our fundraising coordinator Marcia Henderson at
maahenderson@hotmail.com for more information

October-November's SwimNews magazine has been published and numerous Marlin swimmers were ranked in the latest edition. Featured in the Tiny Olympic Prospects category were Dora Modrcin, Victoria Carmichael, Abi Shewchuk, Juliana Bowman, Kate George, Jessica Ollinik, Liezl Ocon, Lexi Jocelyn, MacKenzie Alexiuk, Amy McAvoy, Carter Wasyliw (1st in 800 free and 200 IM), Simon Meier (1st in 400 IM), Alex Storm, Nathaniel Fulcher, Jordan Carmichael and Sean Inglis.

The following Marlin swimmers were featured in the TOP AGE GROUP RANKINGS:

WHAT: A training camp with two other aquatic sports; synchronized swimming and water polo
WHY: To keep our swimmers active during the holidays and expose them to other sports/activities. (LTAD)
WHO: Marlins Super Squad and AGD swimmers; Manitoba water polo players; Manitoba synchronized swimmers.
WHEN: December 27-28, 2008 (9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Pan-Am Pool
COSTS: Free for Marlin swimmers!

WHAT:   A fun, non-competitive swim meet to showcase the many skills our Mini Marlins have learned this session!
WHEN:  Thursday, December 18th, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00pm
WHERE:  Pan Am Pool Training Tank
WHO:  All Mini Marlin swimmers are encouraged to participate!
AND.... Manitoba Marlins competitive swimmers (from Super Squad to NAT) will join in the fun, “buddy up” with the younger swimmers, and demonstrate some competitive swimming skills!
WHY:  Our annual Candy Cane Meet is a great team building event and is a fun way to wrap up the Fall Swimming Session! 

Please join us in the Ship’s Bow immediately following the Candy Cane Meet for a "Holiday Celebration".
We ask that each family attending to bring a snack or food item to share in the bow of the ship from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
In the spirit of the season we invite you to bring a non perishable food item or cash donation for Winnipeg Harvest. 
Volunteers will be needed for set up and take down.  If you can help out please email Angela Blouin d.blouin@shaw.ca or Wendy Ledger wendyledger@mts.net
See you there!

66 Marlin swimmers competed at the Junior Pentathlon last weekend. Once again Marlin swimmers raced hard and displayed great team spirit. The club posted 65% best times, which is a strong showing considering the meet format, length and the fact that most Marlin swimmers have raced four out of the past five weekends. Numerous new “AA”, “A” and PWI cuts were achieved at the competition.

Swimmers with 100% best times were as follows:

Gabriel Barnabe, Cody Evans, Alex Storm, Ross Storm, Sean Inglis and Owen Park.

Swimmers who achieved Top 3 finishes in individual events were as follows:

Jordan Alexuik, Natalie Blouin, Jordan Carmichael, Karyl Clarete, Bryce Ellie, Cody Evans, Simon Meier, Thomas Meier, Brooke Meyer, Anousone Reid and Carter Wasyliw.

The Manitoba Marlins proved that they were ready to swim fast, earning 320 personal best times last weekend in Selkirk.  The support the swimmers showed for one another was a huge part of that success as many swimmers were tackling some “big” events for the first time!  As a team, Marlin swimmers achieved 80% best times, including several new PWI qualifying times, ‘AA’ times and ‘A’ times.  Congratulations to all swimmers on an EXCELLENT meet!

Coaches’ Comments:

Coach Amy: I am extremely impressed by Super Squads performance this past weekend. The group has been focused on improving their technique, and it shows!  We had an abundance of 'Best Times', including several NEW 'A' times!! It was great to see both Green and Gold swimmers arrive at the pool on time, and begin their activation right away. Also the Marlins looked like a unified team this weekend.  It was nice to see everyone in green cheering and supporting one another.  Keep it up!  Go Marlins Go!

Coach Matt:   Congratulations to all swimmers who swam the 800 and 1500 free for the first time! And to those who got ‘A’ times in those races, well done!!!  

Coach Hannelore:  Great swimming, great following race strategies, great distance events!  AGE swimmers achieved 100 personal best times, including 26 new ‘AA’ times, 22 new ‘A’ times and one new Man/Sask qualifier, Ben, in the 1500 free!

Coach Wendy:  It was great to see so many TAG swimmers using logbooks and race tactics to maximize performance!  Your attention to detail resulted in 52 best times and many more racing opportunities at PWI!  Way to go!

Coach Dave: I’ve witnessed the growth of team spirit and team pride with each passing day since the beginning of the season. There was a strong “team” presence displayed by all Marlin swimmers in Selkirk. We are definitely on the right track!

The Manitoba Marlins had 89 swimmers competing at the Autumn Splash swim meet last weekend. The meet was the first opportunity for swimmers to race in the new LTAD formatted Program Meets. Marlin swimmers raced hard, while many competed in the distance free events for the first time. Both the men's and women's teams finished in second for a combined score of 1646 points with a second place overall team ranking.

Listed are some highlights from Autumn Splash:

In order to comply with SNC’s Long Term Athlete Development Competition Policy, to be eligible to qualify for the Man/Sasks, the younger swimmers must now qualify in both an IM event AND in a distance Freestyle event with an “A” (old "B”standards) time standard.

The LTAD age group requirements are as follows:

Once achieving the IM and Distance Freestyle events as outlined above, a swimmer will still be required to qualify for individual events ("AA" times) as per the meet qualifying times.

Please note that the age group categories for Man/Sasks have changed as well. They are as follows:

Please visit our Time Standards page for more information on the new qualifying times for the 2008/09 season.

Our coaching staff believe that in order to become better a Club, our swimmers need to be informed and educated when it comes to swimming related matters in Canada and Internationally. SWIMNEWS magazine is an excellent periodical highlighting the sport of swimming in Canada and the rest of the world. All Marlin families and swimmers would benefit from having this magazine subscription.

SWIMNEWS Magazine was originally called Swim Canada Magazine when it began in Toronto, Canada in 1974. It took the name SWIMNEWS in 1997 and shifted its focus from strictly Canadian content to more of an international focus. Today SWIMNEWS Magazine is one of the most respected publications in Swimming. The magazine is published approximately 10 times a year.

Click here to order a subscription

The Manitoba Marlins have a number of swimmers who have graduated and are already having successful post secondary athletic careers. Click on the following links to get updates on our graduates.

Leah Daniel at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Alex Johnson at University of British Columbia.

Sarah-Anne Brault at West Virginia University.

Riley Pickerl at Island Swimming/University of Victoria.

Pat Boreskie, Casey Gergely, Landice Yestrau, Oliver Gergely, Emma Gaudet and Rita Laszlo at University of Manitoba.

The MANITOBA MARLINS sent 34 of our Green & Gold to the 32nd Annual Goldfin Invitational. Numerous personal best times and medals were achieved by our swimmers at the four day competition. This was the swimmers first taste of racing in the 2008/09 campaign. Great team spirit, adhering to new warm up and warm down protocols, and learning to control races with proper race strategies and stroke counts were just a few of the highlights. Both Coaches in attendance took notice of how well and focused the AGE swimmers were when it came to their streamlines!

Listed are just a few performance highlights.

100% best times were achieved by the following MARLIN swimmers:
Natalie Blouin, Mark Carlson and Cody Evans

90% best times were achieved by the following MARLIN swimmers:
James Zubriski, Erin Cummins, Natasha Lapointe, Julia Mann, Anousone Reid, Ashleigh Milani and Ryan Bergen

Top 3 finishes were achieved by the following MARLIN swimmers:
Eric Brault - 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze
Karyl Clarete - 6 Silver and 3 Bronze
Evan Dzik - 6 Bronze
Simon Meier - 7 Gold and 1 Silver
Thomas Meier - 2 Gold and 3 Silver
Kennedy Meier - 3 Bronze
Cody Evans - 2 Silver
Natalie Blouin - 1 Silver
Luella Ocon - 1 Silver and 1 Bronze

Congratulations to all MARLIN swimmers on a successful start to the season!

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed this past weekend at the Brandon Bluefins Invitational Swim Meet!  Once again, the Manitoba Marlins won the Top Team award for the most points throughout the weekend! Great work swimmers! 

Throughout the weekend there were numerous best times wiped out, new A and AA times achieved, as well as improvement in technical proficiency and endurance.

Highlights of the weekend include:

Super Squad

AGD

AGE

TAG

Some “areas of improvement” include:

We are only three weeks into our 2008 - 2009 swim season and there has already been significant improvement since the start of the year.  It was a great first meet and an excellent opportunity for the coaches to gauge our progress so far.  There is still a lot of improvement to be made over the next few months so come to practice and be ready to work hard!

Congratulations to all swimmers and keep up the great work!

Coach Hannelore
Coach Amy
Coach Matt