Lynch continues strong season for Marlins

BY JOHN DECOSTE

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com

Mary Claire Lynch of the Kentville Marlins continued a strong summer swimming season at the Sam Slick Invitational meet hosted by the Windsor Bluefins Aug 4.

Lynch, 15, won the 100-metre Individual Medley, was second in the 100 backstroke and third in the 100 freestyle at the Windsor meet, the second last of the summer season prior to provincials Aug. 17-19 in Digby.

The first-place finish was the sixth of the year for Lynch -- five in individual events and one as part of a freestyle relay team. In her first year in the 15-16 girls’ division, she has won the 100 IM event in her age group at three different meets this summer.

In addition, the three medals for top-three placings brought her total for the season to 10 -- six gold, three silver and one bronze -- leaving her a real threat for a medal at provincials.

Justin Aalders is also enjoying a successful season in terms of results, though he hasn’t taken part in as many meets as some of his teammates. Aalders, 15, placed second in the 100-metre freestyle in Windsor.

Older brother John Aalders, 18, making his first appearance of the season for the Marlins, was third in the100 freestyle for his age group, accounting for Kentville’s fifth and final medal of the meet. Co-head coach Colin Stacey, 17, was seventh in the same event.

For the first time this season, events were held for swimmers age 6 & under, both boys and girls, rather than letting them swim with the 7-8 age group as is usually the case.

Among those taking good advantage of the opportunity were a couple of the younger Marlins. Olivia Crooks, 6, placed fifth in both the 25-metre freestyle and 25-metre backstroke. Alex VanRoessel, 6, was fourth in the 25 free and seventh in the 25 back.

Also turning in top-10 results was Sarah Lynch, sixth in the 100-metre freestyle and seventh in the 100 IM for 13-14 girls.

Other swimmers of note included Chantel Graves, who had a pair of 12th place finishes, (25 free and 25 back) in 9-10 girls; Isaac Payne, 12th in the 25 free for 9-10 boys; and Maddison Johnstone, 13th in the 25 free for 9-10 girls.

Other Marlins taking part in the Windsor meet included Hannah Taylor in 7-8 girls; Dean VanRoessel in 7-8 boys; Rachel Mader, Emily Kingsbury, Breanna Davenport and Danielle Dawson in 9-10 girls; Ethan Payne in 9-10 boys; Emily Stacey and Dominique Dawson in 11-12 girls and Ashley Dodge in 13-14 girls.