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***image1***The Kaiserslautern Kingfish Swim Team traveled to the Europasportpark in Berlin to compete in the European Forces Swim League Championships on February 16 and 17. The team faced off against top swimmers from 17 other teams that make up the ESFL. The swimmers’ combined efforts brought a first place finish and the honor of being named the EFSL Champion for the second year in a row.
The 45 K-town swimmers scored 713 points; set eight EFSL and 25 Kingfish records; and won champions with a total medal count of 79. The team was awarded 31 gold, 23 silver and 25 bronze medals.
“It was a building year for the Kingfish,” Coach Bob Clinton said. “After losing 22 swimmers from last year’s championship roster, it appeared as though this champs would be much closer. We had returning swimmers this year that I knew I could count on for improvement and great swims and they did not disappoint.
“We also picked up an outstanding crop of new swimmers, and they went to work. How did we finish? Better then I could have imagined. I may not have shown it, but I was completely blown away! What a performance from start to finish!”
Swimmers setting ESFL records include Emma Thomas, Isabelle Bishop, Sarah Mallette and Lilly Thomas. High point awards were brought home by Danielle Davi – 8 and under girls; Isabelle Bishop – 9-year-old girls; Hannah Shortsleeve – 12-year-old girls; and Lilly Thomas – 13- and 14-year-old girls.
Other highlights include: Angelica Tujo came from mid-ranks to win the 50-Free and 50-Back, and added two silvers and a bronze; Peter Cummin was master of the Individual Medley, coming from sixth and seventh seeds to win the 200- and 100-IM’s; Andy Cummin came from fifth place in the 13/14 Medley Relay to touch out the competition for the win; Kevin Tarnowski set three Kingfish records in his first year of competitive swimming;
Blake Davis and Stephen Tarnowski battled it out for first and second in the 100-Back and achieved personal best times; and Taylor Glass and Sarah Doe competed in the 100-Fly, resulting in first- and second-place finishes and Taylor repeating as the EFSL 13/14 100-Fly champion.
Kingfish swimmers, coaches and parent volunteers will be honored for their hard work, dedication, sportsmanship and outstanding efforts during the season at the annual team awards banquet this April.
