Ashleigh Merrill, Jerrin-James Concepcion and Lawrence Zapanta led the North Whidbey Aquatic Club at its Halloween Invitational meet Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27.
More than 200 swimmers from six teams invaded John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool for the meet; NWAC was represented by 44 athletes.
Merrill, 10, won eight of 10 events with personal bests in seven, including clipping 45 seconds off her 400 freestyle time with a 5:49.52.
Concepcion, 11, captured all 10 of his events and recorded three personal records.
Zapanta finished first in eight of his 10 swims and clocked PRs in five.
Patrick Caldwell, 12, added two firsts for NWAC and dropped 33 seconds in the 100 individual medley. Jeron Kosbar also had two wins while setting PRs in all eight swims.
Other event winners included Jonathan Cedric Cabigting, 17; Micah Geist, 15;
Olivia Tungate, 13; and Kelsey Vogt, 15.
Shamus Warden, 11, also had a strong meet, placing second five times.
Other Aquajets with top-10 finishes were Taliah Black, 13; Jasmine Borja, 8; Jaedine Casey Cabigting, 8; Jose Dino Cabigting, 14; Jenna Flores, 12; Naomi Garcia, 14; Joe Gorman, 15; Alli Hoffmire, 18; Rachelle Lara, 10; Chloe LaRue, 9; MacKenzi LaRue, 13; Patricia Miessner, 11; Alana Miller, 8; Tyeson Neal, 10; and Ashley Vogt, 11.
NWAC head coach Bill Patterson credited the swimmers, parents and community members for pulling together to make the event a success.
North Whidbey Park and Recreation District Director Bill Walker said, “Our district netted better than $5,000 on this meet, thanks to the dozens of volunteers who helped put it together. Those funds go straight to the bottom line and help us keep the pool open for all of our citizens.”
NWAC is a taxpayer-supported program of North Whidbey Park and Recreation District, open to youth up to 18 years of age. The team’s mission is to foster the development of Whidbey Island youth as competitive swimmers and well-adjusted individuals. Tryouts are available by appointment, and the first two weeks of workouts are free. For more information, contact Patterson at 360-675-7665 or headcoach@oakharborpool.com
