Keator, Collier heading to YMCA nationals
NORWICH – Two members of the Norwich YMCA Dolphins will compete in the YMCA national championships April 6-9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Ashley Collier is a first-time qualifier, while Savanna Keator makes her third trip to nationals. “This is a big accomplishment for our team. We have taken swimmers to nationals five out of the last six years,” said Dolphins coach Saundra Gantt. “It shows we are gaining strength in the program, and these girls will compete among the best in the country with over 1,500 swimmers qualifying from all over the country. This is what the goal should be for every YMCA swimmer. I am so proud of both girls.”
Keator qualified in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events at the Central New York District Championships held in February. A senior at Norwich High School, Keator has competed on the Norwich-based YMCA team the past 10 years with this year her last. “Savanna is a true competitor and she does not like to lose,” Gantt said. “If we get her in the right frame of mind, she has an excellent chance to come back and swim finals as her times are right there.”
Collier, a senior, has spent the last three seasons striving for a national qualifying time, and she reached her goal in the 200-yard breaststroke at the New York State Swimming Championships held in Buffalo this past weekend. “If anyone deserves this, it’s Ashley,” Gantt said. “She did everything we asked her to do: She got in the gym over the summer and worked the weights with YMCA fitness director, Shannon Gawronski; she practiced twice a day two times a week; and she hit every yard, every split, and every practice.”
The two girls will compete in the aquatics complex in Fort Lauderdale, site of the Swimming Hall of Fame. The facility includes two 10-lane pools and a diving well. Before the competition, Gantt said, athletes will experience an Olympics-style opening ceremonies, and 2008 Olympic silver medalist, Dara Torres, will be on hand for athletes to meet.
As a special fundraiser tonight, Pasquale’s Pizzeria will donate a percentage of the evening’s sales accumulated between 5-9 p.m. Money earned will help the Norwich YMCA Dolphins’ boosters cover expenses for the coaches and swimmers. If pressed for time or prefer takeout, call Pasquale’s at 334-4420 to place an order.
Ashley Collier is a first-time qualifier, while Savanna Keator makes her third trip to nationals. “This is a big accomplishment for our team. We have taken swimmers to nationals five out of the last six years,” said Dolphins coach Saundra Gantt. “It shows we are gaining strength in the program, and these girls will compete among the best in the country with over 1,500 swimmers qualifying from all over the country. This is what the goal should be for every YMCA swimmer. I am so proud of both girls.”
Keator qualified in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events at the Central New York District Championships held in February. A senior at Norwich High School, Keator has competed on the Norwich-based YMCA team the past 10 years with this year her last. “Savanna is a true competitor and she does not like to lose,” Gantt said. “If we get her in the right frame of mind, she has an excellent chance to come back and swim finals as her times are right there.”
Collier, a senior, has spent the last three seasons striving for a national qualifying time, and she reached her goal in the 200-yard breaststroke at the New York State Swimming Championships held in Buffalo this past weekend. “If anyone deserves this, it’s Ashley,” Gantt said. “She did everything we asked her to do: She got in the gym over the summer and worked the weights with YMCA fitness director, Shannon Gawronski; she practiced twice a day two times a week; and she hit every yard, every split, and every practice.”
The two girls will compete in the aquatics complex in Fort Lauderdale, site of the Swimming Hall of Fame. The facility includes two 10-lane pools and a diving well. Before the competition, Gantt said, athletes will experience an Olympics-style opening ceremonies, and 2008 Olympic silver medalist, Dara Torres, will be on hand for athletes to meet.
As a special fundraiser tonight, Pasquale’s Pizzeria will donate a percentage of the evening’s sales accumulated between 5-9 p.m. Money earned will help the Norwich YMCA Dolphins’ boosters cover expenses for the coaches and swimmers. If pressed for time or prefer takeout, call Pasquale’s at 334-4420 to place an order.
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