Montclair YMCA Dolphins splash to success at First Frost U12 swim meet

PERTH AMBOY, NJ  – Fifty-five of the youngest Montclair YMCA Dolphins competed against swimmers from nine other YMCA teams in the First Frost U12 meet on Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Raritan Bay YMCA in Perth Amboy. Ranging in age from 7-12, 20 of these mighty young Dolphins turned in 45 top 10 finishes. Forty-one of the 55 swimmers, or 75 percent, turned in personal best times.

Congratulations to Tyna Davis, 10, of Bloomfield; Mark Nilsen, 7, of Clifton; Caitlin Hood, 7; Sophia Juliano, 10; Charles Loeb, 8; Jace Loeb, 8; and Katie Song, 10, of Glen Ridge; Bowen Brownstein, 7; Adair Connor, 11; Troy Dibble, 10; Kyle Dripchak, 8; Melanie Dripchak, 8; Annabelle Gillott, 7; Ronan Groves, 8; and Leo Powers, 12, of Montclair; Nead Kojic, 11; and Cristian Remache, 12, of Nutley; and Anestis Pavlidis, 10; Howard Zhuang, 10; and Maya Zidziunas, 8, of West Orange, who achieved one or more top 10 finishes in the meet.

Zhuang and M. Dripchak finished in first place in the 100 breast and 50 breast, respectively.

The Dolphins’ 100 free relay team of Charles Loeb, 8, of Glen Ridge, J. Loeb, K. Dripchak and Ronan Groves, 8, of Montclair placed fourth.

Head Age-Group Coach Matt Garifo said, “The First Frost gives our youngest swimmers experience swimming in a regional meet early in the season. We are so proud of what our swimmers have accomplished so far this season.”

The YMCA of Montclair Dolphins swim team offers a year-round opportunity for competitive swimming in both YMCA and USA Swimming competitions as well as seasonal instructional clinics for aspiring competitive athletes. The team is comprised of girls and boys from age 6 through high school. More than 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels, based on their skill set.

For more information about the Montclair YMCA Dolphins swim team, contact head coach Madeira at pmadeira@montclairymca.org or 973-744-3400.