2008 Eastern Atlantic Divisional Challenge excited the synchronized swimming community March 12 th to 16 th at the Claude Robillard Pool in Montreal Quebec. The host synchro club, Montreal Synchro, welcomed over 300 elite athletes representing 18 competitive clubs from across Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic Provinces all vying for the coveted Divisionals titles in figures, solo, duet and team competitions. The OSSC had one of the strongest showings with an outstanding number of athletes participating in Tier 6 and Tier 7 competitions. Second only the Montreal Synchro who had 39 competitors the OSSC was represented by 2 Tier 7 and 3 Tier 6 teams comprised of a total of 35 athletes! The OSSC swimmers demonstrated remarkable skill, strength and poise as they competed in a variety of events. The swimmers’ stalwart results reflect the tremendous determination, discipline and hard work undertaken by the athletes and coaches this season. The OSSC congratulates all participants and proudly recognizes their significant accomplishments!
Tier 7 Team competitions provided an opportunity for our two Tier 7 teams to shine. Elena Podolsky’s Team captured 4 th place, missing a podium finish by less than 0.5 points. Debbie Laanep’s team, with many members new to the OSSC and all members new to Tier 7, swam an energetic and crowd pleasing routine earning them a 9 th place finish.
The preliminary Tier 7 duets showcased OSSC’s duets of Alyssa Bezeau and Rachel Kowalski (8 th), Victoria Mintz and Annette Peterson (11 th), Sarah Graham and Lara Tutton (13 th), and Rachel Demmers and Delaney Klein (20 th). Bezeau and Kowalski advanced to finals receiving an impressive 9th place finish.
In Tier 7 Solo Competitions Rachel Kowalski and Rebecca Maule artfully demonstrated their strength and grace in the preliminary solo competition placing 15 th and 18 th respectively.
The Tier 6 events drew excitement as the competition was close. The OSSC’s Gold team athletes received awards in figures, solo and team. Tier 6 figures gleaned ribbons for Jordan Fields (4 th) and Tess Kruspe (5 th) – both narrowly missing a podium finish. Jordan and Tess continued to shine in the duet competition placing 8 th in preliminaries, closely followed by Natalie Mintz and Xenia Reinfels in 12 th and Mali Foster and Amanda Messere in 20 th. Duet finals provided Jordan and Tess a thrilling 9 th place finish! The solo competition was dazzled by Samantha Nelson’s elegant swim earning her an impressive 6 th place finish in both preliminaries and finals. Kelly Hogan’s Gold Team had exhilarating swims in both preliminary and finals but was unable to beat out the Quebec teams for a podium finish. The Gold Team earned a 4 th place in team followed by Taya Amundson’s swinging Black Team’s sparkling finish of 9 th place in finals. Kerri Morgan and Randi Deskin’s young and dynamic Red Team delighted the crowd and placed an honourable 14 th place in team preliminaries.
Congratulations to all competitors who adeptly demonstrated their skill and talent and proudly represented the OSSC. The competition was spirited, as Divisionals should be. We look forward to the National Competitions and for another opportunity for the OSSC to shine!! |
