Fall Fest Meet Recap

Claycomb Brothers Excel at Gallatin Swim Meet

September 26, 2004……The water was just right, the crowd was buzzing, and the swimmers were ready to compete. In the first USA Swimming Sanctioned Short Course swim meet of the 2004-2005 season in the region, three Lebanon residents dove in the water at the annual Fall Festival Swim Meet just north of the Wilson County border in Gallatin. They were representing Excel Aquatics.

Competing in the Boys 13&14 Year Old age group, Conrad Claycomb set personal best times in the 50 Yard Freestyle (0:30.47 – 7^th Place), and the 500 Yard Freestyle (6:43.78 – 6^th Place). Conrad also competed in the 200 Yard Freestyle (11^th Place) and the 100 Yard Breaststroke (11^th Place). “Conrad did very well this weekend at the meet.” Coach John Barnes, also of Lebanon, stated. “He stepped up and started training with my group six weeks ago, and is working hard. He’s knows what I expect from him, and is doing what I’m asking of him. I look forward to continued improvement from Conrad.”

Stephen Claycomb competed in the Boys Senior Category. Stephen took home first place in the 50 Yard Freestyle with a time of 0:23.02, earning the title of “Fastest Sprinter In Wilson County”. Stephen set personal best times in the 200 Yard Free (1:55.62 – 2^nd Place), 100 Yard Breaststroke (1:11.46 – 7^th Place), and placed in the 100 Yard Backstroke (1:01.24 – 3^rd Place) & 500 Yard Freestyle (5:37.64 – 6^th Place). “While Stephen’s time in the 50 Free was a tenth of a second off his personal best, I think this bodes well for his High School season. He’s been putting in some yardage in practice, and like the rest of our kids was not tapered for this meet.” Barnes noted. “I think he’ll shine at High School State this year, if he continues to work hard and does what he is capable of, he’ll make Finals in the event.”

Austin Barnes, a 7^th Grader at Carroll-Oakland Elementary in Lebanon, competed in the Boys 11&12 Year Old age group, and improved in all four of his events that he competed in. Austin swam the 100 Yard Free (16^th Place), 50 Yard Backstroke (15^th Place), 50 Yard Breaststroke (15^th Place), and the 500 Yard Freestyle (6^th Place). Austin trains with Coach AJ Miley in Gallatin and has improved in his stroke technique across all events. “Austin is my son, and I’m proud of his efforts lately. Coach AJ is doing a wonderful job laying the technical groundwork that Austin will need when he competes for Lebanon High School in two years, as well as instilling in him a sense of pride of accomplishment and drive to do better in swimming.” Coach Barnes commented.

Excel Aquatics is a 2003 and 2004 USA Swimming Silver Medal Team with training squads in Gallatin, Brentwood and LaVergne.

· For more information on Excel Aquatics and complete Meet Results, visit www.excelaquatics.org.