The Winter swimming season is gaining momentum with meets and events going on at every level of competition. Sorry this is late, my schedule has been unyielding and there is so much to cover these days.
Thursday the Winona Winhawks tested their metal against a very deep Owatonna Huskies squad that came to town. With a squad boasting over 35 swimmers and divers, it appeared the Winhawks greatest challenge would be to score the higher placing points to counter the volume of Husky entries in each event.
Apparently the squads understood the just how closely contested this meet would be. In the opening event, the 200 Medley Relay, BOTH teams’ “A” relays were disqualified trying to shave time and cutting it too close, one an illegal stroke finish/exchange and the other leaving the block before the prior swimmer had touched. In the end, the Winhawk “B” relay of So. Avery Prondzinski, 8th Gr Cal Dretske, Jr. Matt Bagshaw and Sr. Jonathan Birdsall collected the win and most importantly the first place points. The DQ’s meant a 10-4 lead was actually 8-6.
Score Winona 8 Owatonna 6
The 200 Freestyle saw the Winhawks choose to go to their youth saving experience for later. Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow swam a hard fought 8 lengths and just touched out Owatonna for 3rd place and So. Avery Prondzinski added much needed points as well in 5th.
Score Winona 12 Owatonna 18
For the 200 IM, Amy Schulz pulled a strategic move and entered Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger having saved him from his usual 200 Free. Coach’s move saw Josh swim the second fastest Winhawk 200 IM of the season securing 2nd place. Right behind a battle was taking place with Winhawk 8th Gr. Cal Dretske touching out Owatonna for a 4th place finish.
Score Winona 18 Owatonna 28
The 50 Freestyle was another speed exhibition by Winhawk Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen. Owatonna put their talent elsewhere and Ryan’s 22.40 turned what is normally an eyelash win in this event to one measured in body lengths. Winona’s heir apparent to the speed crown 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan turned in a solid 3rd place just touched out of 2nd.
Score Winona 27 Owatonna 35
The 1 Meter Diving was taking place over at the Middle School. That was a shame, as out of the eyesight of the main crowd, the Winhawk divers brought home the highest event point total of the evening. Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz brought home the win with Jr. Stan Petkov securing a solid 2nd. Completing the sweep, So Dan Karnick scored his highest point total of the season for a maximum 13 points in the event which also swings the lead over to the Winhawks for the first time.
Score Winona 40 Owatonna 38
The 100 Butterfly saw Winona’s Fly workhorse, once again, go it alone in the event. Jr. Matt Bagshaw took on Owatonna’s premier flyer and two more Huskies by himself. He responded by swimming his best time of the season to secure 2nd place point for the Winhawks.
Score Winona 44 Owatonna 49
The 100 Freestyle was the anticipated race between Winhawk Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen and Owatonna’s quickest. Whalen responded by swimming his fastest four lengths of the season and winning his second sprint of the night by feet instead of inches.
Score Winona 53 Owatonna 56
The 500 Yard Freestyle also played out as anticipated with Owatonna pushing Sr. Josh Danzinger to swim his best time since before the Holidays. 8th Gr, Alex Vaslow bettered his 500 time for the year bring home the last available points for the Winhawks.
Score Winona 58 Owatonna 67
Again, the 200 Freestyle Relay lived up to its expectations. The Winhawk team of Jr. Louie LaPorta, Jr. Matt Bagshaw, Sr. Ryan Whalen and Roger Brosnahan swam the second quickest time of the season but were touched out by 12 one-hundredths of a second for 2nd place. Right behind them the Winhawk “B” relay of So. Joey Kleinow, Sr. Jonathan Birdsall, 8th Gr. Cal Dretske and Sr. Josh Danzinger sped past the other two Owatonna relays to secure the much needed 3rd place points to try and sty close to the Huskies.
Score Winona 64 Owatonna 75
The 100 Backstroke bore the brunt of the Winhawks’ limited roster. Winhawk So Avery Prondzinski, Jr Gio Borsari (swimming back for the first time), and So Alex Kline was all Winona Head Coach Amy Schulz had to spare to throw at the Huskies. Avery and Gio pull out a 3-5 finish to prevent the Owatonna sweep.
Score Winona 68 Owatonna 87
The 100 Breaststroke saw Owatonna score the easy win, but the Winhawks’ group of Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr Cal Dretske and Sr Jonathan Birdsall finished 2-3-4 to outscore the Huskies in the event.
Score Winona 77 Owatonna 94
The 400 Free Relay was not going to affect the outcome of the meet as Owatonna already had it in the bag. The Winhawk relay of Jr Louie LaPorta, So Avery Prondzinski, So Joey Kleinow and Sr. Josh Danzinger made a fun event of it. Swimming a great race that was side by side for all four swimmers, Birdsall touched out Owatonna’s Glynn (had two wins under his belt for the night) for a great cap to a meet that was full of potential but stayed just out of the Winhawks’ grasp.
FINAL SCORE Winona 89 Owatonna 94
That made three straight meets that the Winhawks were competitive in and the cancelled Austin meet would have been the same. All the Winhawks need now is some additional depth. Young swimmers and divers are required to fill out a squad that offers the coaches some flexibility and diversity depending on their opponent for each evening.
Next up, Winona takes on the visiting Onalaska Holmen Boys' team Monday Feb 1st. I would preview it for you, but it appears the only sporting team that gets less newsprint than the Winona Winhawk Boys' Swimming Team is the OHS Boys' Swimming Team. Hmmmmm, that would be the LaCrosse Tribune, sister publication to the WDN. Coincidence? Somehow I think NOT.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Winhawks entertain the Owatonna Huskies on Thursday
The 4-2 Owatonna Huskies come to town on Thursday to put the 2-2 Winona Winhawks to the test.
The Owatonna Huskies are competitive this year. They had a relay and a senior in two events at last year’s State Meet, they appear to be looking to try to improve on that. It should be another great dual meet. The Big 9 is shaping up to have quite a bit of parity. First, the Winhawks have squeakers with Faribault and Rochester Mayo, now Owatonna.
Look for the 200 Medley Relay to set the tone. The OHS Relay of Cole Martinez, Kellen Glynn, Matt Partridge, and Michael Crabtree will give the Winhawk relay of Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen, Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan and Jr. Louie LaPorta everything they can handle but look for a Winhawk win.
The 200 Freestyle will feature OHS’s Matt Partridge pushing Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger with Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow fitting in behind them to scoring high.
The 200IM will most likely see OHS’s Kellen Glynn win the IM unless the Winhawks throw Sr. Ryan Whalen at him which would be a great race. To do that, the Winhawk coaches would have to put some extra weight on 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan’s shoulders in the 50 Free.
The 50 Free will likely pit OHS’s Michael Crabtree against Winhawk 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan, Jr. Louie LaPorta and possibly Ryan Whalen.
Diving will be a great contest to watch, Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz should bring home the 6 points for 1st place. Look for Winhawk Jr. Stan Petkov, getting geared up for Big 9 & Sections, to pull out 2nd place points just barely beating our OHS’s D.J. Lund and Zack Dantzman. Look for Winhawk So. Dan Karnick to slip in there for some points as well.
The 100 Butterfly would be a great race if both OHS’s Kellen Glynn and Winona’s Roger Brosnahan go head to head.
The 100 Free will be a Crabtree and Whalen battle again and will be a good push for Whalen as he prepares for another run at a State title.
The 500 Freestyle will be another race for OHS to push Winona. Matt Partridge swims a 5:30 and Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger will have to swim a season best to upend him.
The 200 Free Relay will also be close. The Seed time for OHS’s Brandon Hager, Nathan Hager, Martinez, Crabtree is around a half second faster than the Winhawks’ Louie LaPorta, Jonathon Birdsall, Ryan Whalen and, Roger Brosnahan.
The 100 Back has OHS’s Cole Martinez will be a handful for any of the Winhawks. Look for Jr. Louie LaPorta and So. Avery Prondzinski to try to pull off the upset. If they have saved him until now, Sr. Ryan Whalen will win it going away.
The 100 Breaststroke will again be one of the hard fought races of the night. OHS’s Kellen Glynn should be nose to nose with the Winhawks’ Sr. Santino LaPorta and 8th Gr. Cal Dretske the entire 100 yards!
The 400 Free Relay looks to be OHS’s. With a squad of over 35, they have too much strength left and the Winhawks will be hard pressed to put together a relay to match them with the swimmers still eligible.
Next up, Onalaska Holmen on Monday the 1st of February.
The Owatonna Huskies are competitive this year. They had a relay and a senior in two events at last year’s State Meet, they appear to be looking to try to improve on that. It should be another great dual meet. The Big 9 is shaping up to have quite a bit of parity. First, the Winhawks have squeakers with Faribault and Rochester Mayo, now Owatonna.
Look for the 200 Medley Relay to set the tone. The OHS Relay of Cole Martinez, Kellen Glynn, Matt Partridge, and Michael Crabtree will give the Winhawk relay of Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen, Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan and Jr. Louie LaPorta everything they can handle but look for a Winhawk win.
The 200 Freestyle will feature OHS’s Matt Partridge pushing Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger with Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow fitting in behind them to scoring high.
The 200IM will most likely see OHS’s Kellen Glynn win the IM unless the Winhawks throw Sr. Ryan Whalen at him which would be a great race. To do that, the Winhawk coaches would have to put some extra weight on 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan’s shoulders in the 50 Free.
The 50 Free will likely pit OHS’s Michael Crabtree against Winhawk 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan, Jr. Louie LaPorta and possibly Ryan Whalen.
Diving will be a great contest to watch, Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz should bring home the 6 points for 1st place. Look for Winhawk Jr. Stan Petkov, getting geared up for Big 9 & Sections, to pull out 2nd place points just barely beating our OHS’s D.J. Lund and Zack Dantzman. Look for Winhawk So. Dan Karnick to slip in there for some points as well.
The 100 Butterfly would be a great race if both OHS’s Kellen Glynn and Winona’s Roger Brosnahan go head to head.
The 100 Free will be a Crabtree and Whalen battle again and will be a good push for Whalen as he prepares for another run at a State title.
The 500 Freestyle will be another race for OHS to push Winona. Matt Partridge swims a 5:30 and Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger will have to swim a season best to upend him.
The 200 Free Relay will also be close. The Seed time for OHS’s Brandon Hager, Nathan Hager, Martinez, Crabtree is around a half second faster than the Winhawks’ Louie LaPorta, Jonathon Birdsall, Ryan Whalen and, Roger Brosnahan.
The 100 Back has OHS’s Cole Martinez will be a handful for any of the Winhawks. Look for Jr. Louie LaPorta and So. Avery Prondzinski to try to pull off the upset. If they have saved him until now, Sr. Ryan Whalen will win it going away.
The 100 Breaststroke will again be one of the hard fought races of the night. OHS’s Kellen Glynn should be nose to nose with the Winhawks’ Sr. Santino LaPorta and 8th Gr. Cal Dretske the entire 100 yards!
The 400 Free Relay looks to be OHS’s. With a squad of over 35, they have too much strength left and the Winhawks will be hard pressed to put together a relay to match them with the swimmers still eligible.
Next up, Onalaska Holmen on Monday the 1st of February.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Correction: Winhawks wait for OHS to cross the border
The Winona Winhawks will swim against the combined Onalaska/Holmen team next Monday night February 1st at the WSHS Pool.
It is hard to preview the meet for you as it appears the OHS Boys get even worse press coverage than Winona SHS Swimming. I could only find one reference to their season to date. The results from an Invitational they participated in Middleton Wisconsin. A meet that included some real powerhouses, OHS was listed as being there but not scoring a point.
The Winhawks are three fourths of the way through the season and will be wrapping up their final phase of conditioning in preparation for their taper. Just three dual meets left to swim & dive and then the fun times with Big 9 meet in Austin, Sections in Rochester and State in Minneapolis.
It is hard to preview the meet for you as it appears the OHS Boys get even worse press coverage than Winona SHS Swimming. I could only find one reference to their season to date. The results from an Invitational they participated in Middleton Wisconsin. A meet that included some real powerhouses, OHS was listed as being there but not scoring a point.
- Team scores: Madison Memorial 166, McFarland 140, Madison West 115, Middleton 98, Sauk Prairie/Wisconsin Heights 78, Verona/Mt. Horeb 66, Greenfield/Greendale 65, Marquette 62, Madison East 49, Chippewa Falls 45, Baraboo 22, Janesville Craig 18. (Logan/Central 0, Holmen/Onalaska 0)
The Winhawks are three fourths of the way through the season and will be wrapping up their final phase of conditioning in preparation for their taper. Just three dual meets left to swim & dive and then the fun times with Big 9 meet in Austin, Sections in Rochester and State in Minneapolis.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Weekend College wrap up
Gophers Dominate SWCCC With 308 Points
The No. 10 University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team cruised to a win at the Swimming World College Conference Carnival, today in East Brunswick, N.J. The Golden Gophers won five events yesterday and another eight today to post 308 points, a 99-point margin over second-place Rutgers (209).
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38544&SPID=3272&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204873924
The Stevens Point Invite Results
The Invite at UW Stevens Point was impacted by the bizarre January weather. A number of the teams from further away departed between Prelims and Finals on Saturday. Their (UW-LA Crosse, MN State U, Gustavus) early departure certainly effected the results but in what way is hard to assess. Be that as it may, here are the finals.
Women - Team Rankings - Through Event 41
1. UW Stevens Point 799
2. Uw-Eau Claire 763.5
3. Hillsdale College 521
4. Univ of Wisc La Crosse 430
5. Uw-Whitewater 293.5
6. Minnesota State University 285.5
7. Northern Michigan University 232.5
8. Gustavus 219
9. Minnesota State Univ Moorhead 201
10. Uw-Oshkosh 1
Men - Team Rankings - Through Event 41
1. UW Stevens Point 1123
2. Uw-Whitewater 648
3. Univ of Wisc La Crosse 517
4. Uw-Eau Claire 452
5. Gustavus 389
6. Minnesota State University 234
7. Uw-Oshkosh 36
Swimming for the BluGolds of UW Eau Claire former Winona Winhawk Alyssa Trainor placed:
100 Backstrole 21st 1:05.10
200 Backstroke 7th 2:21.96
200 Freestyle 10th 2:05.88
The No. 10 University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team cruised to a win at the Swimming World College Conference Carnival, today in East Brunswick, N.J. The Golden Gophers won five events yesterday and another eight today to post 308 points, a 99-point margin over second-place Rutgers (209).
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38544&SPID=3272&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204873924
The Stevens Point Invite Results
The Invite at UW Stevens Point was impacted by the bizarre January weather. A number of the teams from further away departed between Prelims and Finals on Saturday. Their (UW-LA Crosse, MN State U, Gustavus) early departure certainly effected the results but in what way is hard to assess. Be that as it may, here are the finals.
Women - Team Rankings - Through Event 41
1. UW Stevens Point 799
2. Uw-Eau Claire 763.5
3. Hillsdale College 521
4. Univ of Wisc La Crosse 430
5. Uw-Whitewater 293.5
6. Minnesota State University 285.5
7. Northern Michigan University 232.5
8. Gustavus 219
9. Minnesota State Univ Moorhead 201
10. Uw-Oshkosh 1
Men - Team Rankings - Through Event 41
1. UW Stevens Point 1123
2. Uw-Whitewater 648
3. Univ of Wisc La Crosse 517
4. Uw-Eau Claire 452
5. Gustavus 389
6. Minnesota State University 234
7. Uw-Oshkosh 36
Swimming for the BluGolds of UW Eau Claire former Winona Winhawk Alyssa Trainor placed:
100 Backstrole 21st 1:05.10
200 Backstroke 7th 2:21.96
200 Freestyle 10th 2:05.88
Friday, January 22, 2010
Getting back into the swing of things
After a slow week, swimming is back in action this weekend. The U of MN Lady Gophers are swimming at Rutgers participating in the Swimming World College Conference Carnival.
After one day they Gophers are in the lead
1. University of Minnesota 160
2. Rutgers University Swimming 104
3. Umbc Swimming & Diving 78
4. Rider University 61
5. University of Richmond 58
6. Central Connecticut State Univ 16
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38544&SPID=3272&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204873404
Lots of teams are headed east to swim at the U of Wisc Stevens Pointe “Get to the Point” Invite. UW La Crosse, US Eau Claire and Mankato are all taking part.
Next Tuesday the Winona Winhawks are back in action swimming against Onalaska Holmen at the Univ of WI La Crosse followed by a meet at home on Thursday against Owatonna.
After one day they Gophers are in the lead
1. University of Minnesota 160
2. Rutgers University Swimming 104
3. Umbc Swimming & Diving 78
4. Rider University 61
5. University of Richmond 58
6. Central Connecticut State Univ 16
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38544&SPID=3272&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204873404
Lots of teams are headed east to swim at the U of Wisc Stevens Pointe “Get to the Point” Invite. UW La Crosse, US Eau Claire and Mankato are all taking part.
Next Tuesday the Winona Winhawks are back in action swimming against Onalaska Holmen at the Univ of WI La Crosse followed by a meet at home on Thursday against Owatonna.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday College Swimming
St. Mary’s was in action. The Men had a dual meet against Hamline and the Women had a Quadrangular against Hamline, St. Kates and Augsberg. It was the last home meet for the Senior swimmers.
For Saint Mary’s University’s John Fox (Winona, Minn.) and Tom Walsh (Prior Lake, Minn.), the script could not have been written any better.
Fox and Walsh, swimming in their final home meet as Cardinals, each saved their best for last in leading the Cardinals to a 411-251 win over Hamline as part of Saturday’s SMU Quadrangular.
Fox picked up firsts in the 50 freestyle (23.08) and the 100 breaststroke (1:03.13), while also teaming with Walsh and two others to win the medley relay in a time of 3:54.60.
For his finale, Walsh also added a pool-record performance in the 800 freestyle relay, wit hhis team mates they posted a time of 7:59.68, while also adding seconds in the 1,650 freestyle (20:26.93) and the 100 butterfly (1:04.06).
Event 2 Men 400 Yard Medley Relay
1st Saint Mary's University 'A' 3:48.98 3:54.60
1) Ross, Mark FY 2) Fox, John SR
3) Tysk, Tim SO 4) Walsh, Tom SR
28.03 57.66 29.25 1:03.98 26.40 57.95 25.54 55.01
Event 4 Men 1650 Yard Freestyle
2nd Walsh, Tom SR Cardinals NT 20:26.93 17
Event 8 Men 50 Yard Freestyle
1st Fox, John SR Cardinals 23.08 22.88
Event 14 Men 100 Yard Butterfly
2nd Walsh, Tom SR Cardinals 1:03.09 1:04.06
29.47 34.59
Event 24 Men 100 Yard Breaststroke
1st Fox, John SR Cardinals 1:02.35 1:03.13
28.66 34.47
Event 26 Men 800 Yard Freestyle Relay NEW POOL RECORD
1 Saint Mary's University 'A' 7:59.15 7:59.68
1) Ross, Mark FY 2) Walsh, Tom SR
3) Heacox, Neil SO 4) Tysk, Tim SO
25.89 54.41 1:23.80 1:53.14 26.76 58.54 1:32.11 2:03.22
28.16 59.90 1:33.40 2:05.67 25.59 55.09 1:26.44 1:57.65
Also on Saturday:
The No. 8 Minnesota men's swimming and diving team won 12 of 16 events in a 188-112 rout of Missouri this afternoon in Columbia, Mo.
Men 100 Yard Freestyle
Exhib-- Papenfuss, Matt J 19 Minnesota-MN NT X47.35
22.69 24.66
Men 100 Yard Butterfly
8 Papenfuss, Matt J 19 Minnesota-MN NT x53.21
24.86 28.35
400 Free Relay
2 Minnesota, University of, Twin-MN 'B NT 3:06.36
1) Capen, Hrvoje 2) Betuzzi, Ray G 22
3) Papenfuss, Matt J 19 4) Wold, Alex P 22
22.51 46.59 22.29 46.36 22.35 46.68 22.40 46.73
For Saint Mary’s University’s John Fox (Winona, Minn.) and Tom Walsh (Prior Lake, Minn.), the script could not have been written any better.
Fox and Walsh, swimming in their final home meet as Cardinals, each saved their best for last in leading the Cardinals to a 411-251 win over Hamline as part of Saturday’s SMU Quadrangular.
Fox picked up firsts in the 50 freestyle (23.08) and the 100 breaststroke (1:03.13), while also teaming with Walsh and two others to win the medley relay in a time of 3:54.60.
For his finale, Walsh also added a pool-record performance in the 800 freestyle relay, wit hhis team mates they posted a time of 7:59.68, while also adding seconds in the 1,650 freestyle (20:26.93) and the 100 butterfly (1:04.06).
Event 2 Men 400 Yard Medley Relay
1st Saint Mary's University 'A' 3:48.98 3:54.60
1) Ross, Mark FY 2) Fox, John SR
3) Tysk, Tim SO 4) Walsh, Tom SR
28.03 57.66 29.25 1:03.98 26.40 57.95 25.54 55.01
Event 4 Men 1650 Yard Freestyle
2nd Walsh, Tom SR Cardinals NT 20:26.93 17
Event 8 Men 50 Yard Freestyle
1st Fox, John SR Cardinals 23.08 22.88
Event 14 Men 100 Yard Butterfly
2nd Walsh, Tom SR Cardinals 1:03.09 1:04.06
29.47 34.59
Event 24 Men 100 Yard Breaststroke
1st Fox, John SR Cardinals 1:02.35 1:03.13
28.66 34.47
Event 26 Men 800 Yard Freestyle Relay NEW POOL RECORD
1 Saint Mary's University 'A' 7:59.15 7:59.68
1) Ross, Mark FY 2) Walsh, Tom SR
3) Heacox, Neil SO 4) Tysk, Tim SO
25.89 54.41 1:23.80 1:53.14 26.76 58.54 1:32.11 2:03.22
28.16 59.90 1:33.40 2:05.67 25.59 55.09 1:26.44 1:57.65
Also on Saturday:
The No. 8 Minnesota men's swimming and diving team won 12 of 16 events in a 188-112 rout of Missouri this afternoon in Columbia, Mo.
Men 100 Yard Freestyle
Exhib-- Papenfuss, Matt J 19 Minnesota-MN NT X47.35
22.69 24.66
Men 100 Yard Butterfly
8 Papenfuss, Matt J 19 Minnesota-MN NT x53.21
24.86 28.35
400 Free Relay
2 Minnesota, University of, Twin-MN 'B NT 3:06.36
1) Capen, Hrvoje 2) Betuzzi, Ray G 22
3) Papenfuss, Matt J 19 4) Wold, Alex P 22
22.51 46.59 22.29 46.36 22.35 46.68 22.40 46.73
Friday, January 15, 2010
Winona Swimmers get tables turned on them
Last Tuesday, the Winona Winhawk Boy’s Swimming Team pulled out a squeaker against Faribault. Thursday night the tables were turned and with a three point lead going into the Final relay handed the meet over to Rochester Mayo.
The 200 Medley Relay was a solid Winhawk event. The team of Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen, Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan and Jr. Louie LaPorta won by 7+ sec in 1:48.59. The Winhawk Team of So. Avery Prondzinski, 8th Gr. Cal Dretske, Jr. Matt Bagshaw and Sr. Jon Birdsall swimming 1:58.25 and bringing home points for 3rd place.
Winona 10 Mayo 4
The 200 Freestyle saw Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger get a body length behind early but then stick right with the Mayo swimmer trying to pull it out in the end. He took 2nd place in 2:03.38 just a hair off his season’s best. Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow was just touched out by 0.07 seconds finishing 4th in 2:16.64.
Winona 16 Mayo 14
The 200 IM was a setback for the Winhawks finishing 4-5-6 for only 3 points. Led by 8th Gr. Cal Dretske in 2:30. 63, he was followed by Matt Bagshaw swimming his season quickest at 2:40.35 and Santino LaPorta, also swimming his season low at 2:42.40.
Winona 19 Mayo 27
Bouncing right back in the 50 Freestyle we saw a repeat trip to the Ryan Whalen Show and a Winhawk 1-2-5 finish for 11 points. Winhawk Sr. Captain Whalen swam the 50 in an overwhelming 22.38 sec. Following on his heels was the young Winhawk Speedster 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan in 24.43 sec. Rounding out the scoring was Winhawk Sr. Jon Birdsall in 25.46 sec.
Winona 30 Mayo 32
Diving was an all Winhawk display as Mayo’s Conference and Section wining diver graduated last year with no understudy in the wings. Jr. Justin Bublitz took top honors with a 198.82. Jr. Stan Petkov appears to be coming into mid-season form scoring a season high 150.60 throwing some new dives like a Back 2 ss and Forward 1 1/2ss w/ 1Tw. IN 3rd was So. Dan Karnick with a 121.35.
Winona 43 May 32
The 100 Butterfly was a great race of the up and coming stars with the Mayo 9th Gr. Drew Hayes battling Winhawk 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan the entire 100 yards. In the end Brosnahan finishes 2nd in 1:02.46 and Winhawk Jr. Matt Bagshaw scores 3rd in 1:10.53.
Winona 50 Mayo 41
The 100 Freestyle once again featured Winhawk Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen asserting his authority over the pool. Whalen won in a time of 50.63, six seconds ahead of the Mayo swimmers following him. Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta was in 4th with a 58.28 and Avery Prondzinski touched 5th just an eyelash away from joining the Minuteman Club with a 100.01!
Winona 59 Mayo 48
The 500 yard Freestyle saw Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger taking on an entire pool of Mayo Spartans in the longest race of the night. In the end Josh finished 2nd in 5:38.87 sec and holding off the majority of the Mayo combatants.
Winona 63 Mayo 59
The 200 Free Relay was a fun race to watch. Line-up is everything in the relays and the lead can change hands throughout the race. The Winhawk “A” team of Louie LaPorta, Jon Birdsall, Ryan Whalen and Roger Brosnahan, saw them selves get almost 2 seconds behind before they made that up and earned a second and a half lead in wining the relay in 1:38.93. The Winhawk relay of Joey Kleinow, Gio Borsari, Cal Dretske, and Josh Danzinger seesawed the first few legs and then dug deep to pull out 3rd place points in 1:47.79 sec.
Winona 73 Mayo 63
The 100 Yard Backstroke saw Winhawks finish 4-5 with Avery Prondzinski swimming his season best in 1:07.74 for 4th and Louie LaPorta (just out of the water from the 200 FR Relay) taking 5th in 1:12.31.
Winona 76 Mayo 76
The 100 Yard Breaststroke was the other great race of the evening. Winhawk Sr. Santino LaPorta literally battled Mayo 9th gr. Roy Pillers the entire race. At the 50 they touched with Santino having a mere heartbeat of a 0.05 second of a lead. After turning together rat the 75, they came down the stretch still side-by-side. With an ala Michael Phelps finish, LaPorta adds another ½ a heartbeat to his lead and touches 0.08 seconds ahead in 1:09.74. Turning our attention back here almost unnoticed was Winhawk 8th Gr. Cal Dretske quietly swimming his way to his fastest time of the season for an easy third place in 1:10.56.
Winona 85 Mayo 83
So the Meet came down to the last relay with 12 points up for grabs. With points available at 8 for 1st, 4 for 2nd and 2 for 3rd, the Winhawks were forced to place First to secure the win. Taking second place would require them to also take 3rd which would give them a tie. As it turned out the swimmers remaining for the final relay were spent and could only manage to muscle out a 2nd and 4th finish . The Team of Avery Prondzinski, Joey Kleinow, Gio Borsari and Josh Danzinger swam 3:56.42 followed by the Divers relay of Justin Bublitz, Stan Petkov and Dan Karnick plus Winhawk 8th Gr. Alex Vaslow for a 4:54.77.
FINAL SCORE Winona Winhawks 89 Rochester Mayo 93
The 200 Medley Relay was a solid Winhawk event. The team of Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen, Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan and Jr. Louie LaPorta won by 7+ sec in 1:48.59. The Winhawk Team of So. Avery Prondzinski, 8th Gr. Cal Dretske, Jr. Matt Bagshaw and Sr. Jon Birdsall swimming 1:58.25 and bringing home points for 3rd place.
Winona 10 Mayo 4
The 200 Freestyle saw Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger get a body length behind early but then stick right with the Mayo swimmer trying to pull it out in the end. He took 2nd place in 2:03.38 just a hair off his season’s best. Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow was just touched out by 0.07 seconds finishing 4th in 2:16.64.
Winona 16 Mayo 14
The 200 IM was a setback for the Winhawks finishing 4-5-6 for only 3 points. Led by 8th Gr. Cal Dretske in 2:30. 63, he was followed by Matt Bagshaw swimming his season quickest at 2:40.35 and Santino LaPorta, also swimming his season low at 2:42.40.
Winona 19 Mayo 27
Bouncing right back in the 50 Freestyle we saw a repeat trip to the Ryan Whalen Show and a Winhawk 1-2-5 finish for 11 points. Winhawk Sr. Captain Whalen swam the 50 in an overwhelming 22.38 sec. Following on his heels was the young Winhawk Speedster 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan in 24.43 sec. Rounding out the scoring was Winhawk Sr. Jon Birdsall in 25.46 sec.
Winona 30 Mayo 32
Diving was an all Winhawk display as Mayo’s Conference and Section wining diver graduated last year with no understudy in the wings. Jr. Justin Bublitz took top honors with a 198.82. Jr. Stan Petkov appears to be coming into mid-season form scoring a season high 150.60 throwing some new dives like a Back 2 ss and Forward 1 1/2ss w/ 1Tw. IN 3rd was So. Dan Karnick with a 121.35.
Winona 43 May 32
The 100 Butterfly was a great race of the up and coming stars with the Mayo 9th Gr. Drew Hayes battling Winhawk 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan the entire 100 yards. In the end Brosnahan finishes 2nd in 1:02.46 and Winhawk Jr. Matt Bagshaw scores 3rd in 1:10.53.
Winona 50 Mayo 41
The 100 Freestyle once again featured Winhawk Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen asserting his authority over the pool. Whalen won in a time of 50.63, six seconds ahead of the Mayo swimmers following him. Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta was in 4th with a 58.28 and Avery Prondzinski touched 5th just an eyelash away from joining the Minuteman Club with a 100.01!
Winona 59 Mayo 48
The 500 yard Freestyle saw Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger taking on an entire pool of Mayo Spartans in the longest race of the night. In the end Josh finished 2nd in 5:38.87 sec and holding off the majority of the Mayo combatants.
Winona 63 Mayo 59
The 200 Free Relay was a fun race to watch. Line-up is everything in the relays and the lead can change hands throughout the race. The Winhawk “A” team of Louie LaPorta, Jon Birdsall, Ryan Whalen and Roger Brosnahan, saw them selves get almost 2 seconds behind before they made that up and earned a second and a half lead in wining the relay in 1:38.93. The Winhawk relay of Joey Kleinow, Gio Borsari, Cal Dretske, and Josh Danzinger seesawed the first few legs and then dug deep to pull out 3rd place points in 1:47.79 sec.
Winona 73 Mayo 63
The 100 Yard Backstroke saw Winhawks finish 4-5 with Avery Prondzinski swimming his season best in 1:07.74 for 4th and Louie LaPorta (just out of the water from the 200 FR Relay) taking 5th in 1:12.31.
Winona 76 Mayo 76
The 100 Yard Breaststroke was the other great race of the evening. Winhawk Sr. Santino LaPorta literally battled Mayo 9th gr. Roy Pillers the entire race. At the 50 they touched with Santino having a mere heartbeat of a 0.05 second of a lead. After turning together rat the 75, they came down the stretch still side-by-side. With an ala Michael Phelps finish, LaPorta adds another ½ a heartbeat to his lead and touches 0.08 seconds ahead in 1:09.74. Turning our attention back here almost unnoticed was Winhawk 8th Gr. Cal Dretske quietly swimming his way to his fastest time of the season for an easy third place in 1:10.56.
Winona 85 Mayo 83
So the Meet came down to the last relay with 12 points up for grabs. With points available at 8 for 1st, 4 for 2nd and 2 for 3rd, the Winhawks were forced to place First to secure the win. Taking second place would require them to also take 3rd which would give them a tie. As it turned out the swimmers remaining for the final relay were spent and could only manage to muscle out a 2nd and 4th finish . The Team of Avery Prondzinski, Joey Kleinow, Gio Borsari and Josh Danzinger swam 3:56.42 followed by the Divers relay of Justin Bublitz, Stan Petkov and Dan Karnick plus Winhawk 8th Gr. Alex Vaslow for a 4:54.77.
FINAL SCORE Winona Winhawks 89 Rochester Mayo 93
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Little WInhawk News so Last weekend's College Action
Well, as could be expected, there were no Winona Winhawk results in Wednesday's Winona Daily News. A sad situation magnified y the fact that the Winhawks pulled out a very closely contested meet that could have gone either way. They swept all three of the relays and had some big wins in key events. The meet in fact game down to the last relay and eth Winhawks had to take 2nd or better to win but pulled off the Win to secure the meet.
Season's best times were plentiful:
In the 200FR - Jr. Gio Borsari and So. Avery Prondzinski
In the 50 Free - 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan, Jr. Eric Mueller
Diving - Jr. Justin Bublitz, So. Dan Karnick
100 Free - Jr. Eric Mueller, 9th Gr. Mic Borsari, Jr. Gio Borsari
I'll try and get more info for you.
Tomorrow night the Winhawks take on Rochester Mayo at WSHS.
Last Saturday the St. Mary’s Cardinalas hosted both Carleton and Luther for a Triangular Meet.
Women - Team Results 1. Carleton College 809 2. Luther College 694 3. Saint Mary's University 328
Men - Team Results 1. Carleton College 712 2. Luther College 686 3. Saint Mary's University 333
Meet Hightlights:
Event 2 Men 200 Yard Medley Relay
3rd Saint Mary's Univeristy 'A' 1:43.98 32
1) Ross, Mark 2) Fox, John SR
3) Tysk, Tim SO 4) Heacox, Neil SO
27.72 28.01 23.98 24.27
Event 6 Men 200 Yard Freestyle
7th Walsh, Tom SR SMU 2:05.63
27.79 31.60 33.41 32.83
Event 14 Men 50 Yard Freestyle
5th Fox, John SR SMU 23.28
Event 15 Women 1 mtr Diving
1st Flynn, Liz SO SMU 196.73
Event 16 Men 3 mtr Diving
2nd Noyes, Andrew JR SMU 135.00 17
Event 18 Men 100 Yard Freestyle
6th Fox, John SR SMU 52.27 13
24.95 27.32
12th Walsh, Tom SR SMU 54.88 11
25.95 28.93
Event 27 Women 3 mtr Diving
1st Flynn, Liz SO SMU 232.20
Event 28 Men 1 mtr Diving
2nd Noyes, Andrew JR SMU 171.45 17
Event 30 Men 200 Yard IM
6th Fox, John SR SMU 2:15.67 13
26.91 36.45 38.33 33.98
10th Walsh, Tom SR SMU 2:26.80 11
29.43 37.81 46.32 33.24
Event 32 Men 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
EXhib. Saint Mary's University 'A' 1:38.93
1) Walsh, Tom SR 2) Heacox, Neil SO
3) Fox, John SR 4) Tysk, Tim SO
25.29 25.12 24.32 24.20
Also last weekend, as part of their Hawaii training, the Gophers Men’s Team swam against the University of Hawai. You can check it out at:
No. 8 Minnesota men's swimming team defeated Hawaii 142-111 Sunday in Honolulu.
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38570&SPID=3275&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204867465
Season's best times were plentiful:
In the 200FR - Jr. Gio Borsari and So. Avery Prondzinski
In the 50 Free - 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan, Jr. Eric Mueller
Diving - Jr. Justin Bublitz, So. Dan Karnick
100 Free - Jr. Eric Mueller, 9th Gr. Mic Borsari, Jr. Gio Borsari
I'll try and get more info for you.
Tomorrow night the Winhawks take on Rochester Mayo at WSHS.
Last Saturday the St. Mary’s Cardinalas hosted both Carleton and Luther for a Triangular Meet.
Women - Team Results 1. Carleton College 809 2. Luther College 694 3. Saint Mary's University 328
Men - Team Results 1. Carleton College 712 2. Luther College 686 3. Saint Mary's University 333
Meet Hightlights:
Event 2 Men 200 Yard Medley Relay
3rd Saint Mary's Univeristy 'A' 1:43.98 32
1) Ross, Mark 2) Fox, John SR
3) Tysk, Tim SO 4) Heacox, Neil SO
27.72 28.01 23.98 24.27
Event 6 Men 200 Yard Freestyle
7th Walsh, Tom SR SMU 2:05.63
27.79 31.60 33.41 32.83
Event 14 Men 50 Yard Freestyle
5th Fox, John SR SMU 23.28
Event 15 Women 1 mtr Diving
1st Flynn, Liz SO SMU 196.73
Event 16 Men 3 mtr Diving
2nd Noyes, Andrew JR SMU 135.00 17
Event 18 Men 100 Yard Freestyle
6th Fox, John SR SMU 52.27 13
24.95 27.32
12th Walsh, Tom SR SMU 54.88 11
25.95 28.93
Event 27 Women 3 mtr Diving
1st Flynn, Liz SO SMU 232.20
Event 28 Men 1 mtr Diving
2nd Noyes, Andrew JR SMU 171.45 17
Event 30 Men 200 Yard IM
6th Fox, John SR SMU 2:15.67 13
26.91 36.45 38.33 33.98
10th Walsh, Tom SR SMU 2:26.80 11
29.43 37.81 46.32 33.24
Event 32 Men 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
EXhib. Saint Mary's University 'A' 1:38.93
1) Walsh, Tom SR 2) Heacox, Neil SO
3) Fox, John SR 4) Tysk, Tim SO
25.29 25.12 24.32 24.20
Also last weekend, as part of their Hawaii training, the Gophers Men’s Team swam against the University of Hawai. You can check it out at:
No. 8 Minnesota men's swimming team defeated Hawaii 142-111 Sunday in Honolulu.
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38570&SPID=3275&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204867465
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Winona Water Wizards swim well at Red Wing Winter Splash
On Saturday Jan 9th, Members of the Winona Wizards USA Swim Club went to Red Wing to compete in their 2010 Winter Splash. They represented Winona well earning seven First place finishes, three Second place finishes and one Third. That is 11 out of a total of 27 swims, well done Wizards!
MacKenzie Brosnahan picked up where she left off after the High School Season. She won her 100 Freestyle bettering her fastest time of the high school season by 0.15 seconds. Her 55.27 was a Zone standard time. She hadn’t swum her other two events in awhile. She took second place the 100 Backstroke with a 1:04.92 Champ time and bettered her last season time by over 5 seconds. Her 100IM was a 1:04.76, also a Champ time and was good for a second place finish.
Bryce Galewski entered new territory swimming new events in Red Wing. He swam the 100 Freestyle in a solid “B” time of 1:23.03 taking 7th place and the 50 Breaststroke in another good “B” time of 50.03 for another 7th place finish.
Reese Galewski swam a low “B” 2:19.73 200 Freestyle. She won the 100 Fly swimming an awesome Champ time of 1:08.16 and swam a few hundredths off of an A time 50 free in 29.01.
Sarah Hunsicker swimming in her first USA swim meet ambitiously dove right in swimming long and difficult events. She swam her 200 Freestyle in 3:18.68. She swam the 200 Back in 3:56.69, the 100 Fly in 2:08.09 and the 200 IM in 4:16.20.
Gabby Kleinow swam a “B” time of 2:24.72 in the 200 Free. She took 1st in the 100 Breast swimming a “C” time of 1:30.50. Perhaps her most awesome swim of the day came when she swam the 50 Free. Typically a distance swimmer, Gabby took 2nd in the 50 Free swimming an “A” time of 28.81.
Anna Kuasova swam a 1:23.26 100 Free, a “C” standard 49.64 in the 50 Breaststroke, and another “C” time of 1:35.09 in the 100 Back
Alexa Lofgren swam a 55.90 50 Fly, a “C” time of 1:55.19 in the 100 Back and a very near “B” time of 39.53Y in the 50 Free.
Grant Wolner had a second great meet in a row swimming for 3rd place and a “B” time of 1:45.63 in the 100 Free. Grant won the 50 Breast dropping another 4.1 seconds for a low “B” 57.09 And he wrapped up with a 1:08.51Y in the 50 Fly.
Griffin Wolner had a great day in the pool winning EVERY event he entered. He swam a new personal best and an “A” time in the 100 Breast of 1:41.36, Grif also swam an “A” time in the 50 Free with a 34.19 and wrapped up with another “A” time of 2:47.33 in the 200 Free.
MacKenzie Brosnahan picked up where she left off after the High School Season. She won her 100 Freestyle bettering her fastest time of the high school season by 0.15 seconds. Her 55.27 was a Zone standard time. She hadn’t swum her other two events in awhile. She took second place the 100 Backstroke with a 1:04.92 Champ time and bettered her last season time by over 5 seconds. Her 100IM was a 1:04.76, also a Champ time and was good for a second place finish.
Bryce Galewski entered new territory swimming new events in Red Wing. He swam the 100 Freestyle in a solid “B” time of 1:23.03 taking 7th place and the 50 Breaststroke in another good “B” time of 50.03 for another 7th place finish.
Reese Galewski swam a low “B” 2:19.73 200 Freestyle. She won the 100 Fly swimming an awesome Champ time of 1:08.16 and swam a few hundredths off of an A time 50 free in 29.01.
Sarah Hunsicker swimming in her first USA swim meet ambitiously dove right in swimming long and difficult events. She swam her 200 Freestyle in 3:18.68. She swam the 200 Back in 3:56.69, the 100 Fly in 2:08.09 and the 200 IM in 4:16.20.
Gabby Kleinow swam a “B” time of 2:24.72 in the 200 Free. She took 1st in the 100 Breast swimming a “C” time of 1:30.50. Perhaps her most awesome swim of the day came when she swam the 50 Free. Typically a distance swimmer, Gabby took 2nd in the 50 Free swimming an “A” time of 28.81.
Anna Kuasova swam a 1:23.26 100 Free, a “C” standard 49.64 in the 50 Breaststroke, and another “C” time of 1:35.09 in the 100 Back
Alexa Lofgren swam a 55.90 50 Fly, a “C” time of 1:55.19 in the 100 Back and a very near “B” time of 39.53Y in the 50 Free.
Grant Wolner had a second great meet in a row swimming for 3rd place and a “B” time of 1:45.63 in the 100 Free. Grant won the 50 Breast dropping another 4.1 seconds for a low “B” 57.09 And he wrapped up with a 1:08.51Y in the 50 Fly.
Griffin Wolner had a great day in the pool winning EVERY event he entered. He swam a new personal best and an “A” time in the 100 Breast of 1:41.36, Grif also swam an “A” time in the 50 Free with a 34.19 and wrapped up with another “A” time of 2:47.33 in the 200 Free.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Winona Winhawks set to leave the Faribault Falcons in their wake.
The Winona Winhawks (1-1) travel to Faribault to swim against the Falcons (1-5).
Look for the Winhawks to open strong with Sr. Ryan Whalen., Sr. Santino LaPorta. 8th gr. Roger Brosnahan., and Jr. Louie LaPorta bring home a first in the 200 Medley Relay.
Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger should secure a 1st in the 200 Freestyle and So. Joey Kleinow, if he swims inspired, could inch out Faribault for 2nd.
Faribault may take the 200IM, but Winhawk 8th grader Cal Dretske will dog him most of the way keeping him honest.
The 50 Freestyle is owned by Winhawk Sr. Ryan Whalen. Fresh off recording the pool record at the Austin Invitational, he will win the 50 free if he swims it.
Diving will be a great match-up between Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz and Faribault’s Luke Spartz. The Winhawks will get some much needed extra points from Winhawk Jr. Stan Petkov and So. Dan Karnick.
The 100 Butterfly will prove a challenge for the Winhawks. Faribault’s Adam Kluge is swimming a 1:06 so Winhawk Senior Matt Bagshaw will need to dig deep or perhaps Winhawk 8th gr. Roger Brosnahan will get plugged in to keep some bigger points flowing to the Winhawk total.
In the 100 Freestyle I predict the Winhawks will use Winhawk Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen here to score points. Look for Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta to steal 3rd place and Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow to come up big and edge out Faribault for 4th.
The 500 Freestyle will be Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger’s to win if he chooses to swim it.
The Winhawk “A” 200 Free Relay will look to score a first and should if they swim as they did last Saturday. Look for the Winhawk “B: Relay to pull it together and bring home the 3rd place points.
In the 100 Backstroke, if the Winhawks use Whalen earlier as I suspect, Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta will have to fill the lead slot and could possibly edge out Faribault for eth win. The same goes for Winhawk So. Avery Prondzinski who could break into the higher points with a big swim.
The 100 Breaststroke will offer Winhawk Sr. Santino LaPorta a chance to shine and score those necessary 6 first place points. Winhawk 8th Gr. Cal Dretske has the opportunity to follow right behind him and help pad the Winhawks point total with a second place finish.
The meet may very well come down to the 400 Free Relay and the Winhawks need to throw the “A” relay at the Falcons. The line-up has been juggled a few times this season but both combinations of Josh D., Joey K., Louie L., Ryan W and Roger B., Joey K., Ryan W., Cal D have swam fast enough to score 1st place.
Look for the Winhawks to open strong with Sr. Ryan Whalen., Sr. Santino LaPorta. 8th gr. Roger Brosnahan., and Jr. Louie LaPorta bring home a first in the 200 Medley Relay.
Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger should secure a 1st in the 200 Freestyle and So. Joey Kleinow, if he swims inspired, could inch out Faribault for 2nd.
Faribault may take the 200IM, but Winhawk 8th grader Cal Dretske will dog him most of the way keeping him honest.
The 50 Freestyle is owned by Winhawk Sr. Ryan Whalen. Fresh off recording the pool record at the Austin Invitational, he will win the 50 free if he swims it.
Diving will be a great match-up between Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz and Faribault’s Luke Spartz. The Winhawks will get some much needed extra points from Winhawk Jr. Stan Petkov and So. Dan Karnick.
The 100 Butterfly will prove a challenge for the Winhawks. Faribault’s Adam Kluge is swimming a 1:06 so Winhawk Senior Matt Bagshaw will need to dig deep or perhaps Winhawk 8th gr. Roger Brosnahan will get plugged in to keep some bigger points flowing to the Winhawk total.
In the 100 Freestyle I predict the Winhawks will use Winhawk Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen here to score points. Look for Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta to steal 3rd place and Winhawk So. Joey Kleinow to come up big and edge out Faribault for 4th.
The 500 Freestyle will be Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger’s to win if he chooses to swim it.
The Winhawk “A” 200 Free Relay will look to score a first and should if they swim as they did last Saturday. Look for the Winhawk “B: Relay to pull it together and bring home the 3rd place points.
In the 100 Backstroke, if the Winhawks use Whalen earlier as I suspect, Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta will have to fill the lead slot and could possibly edge out Faribault for eth win. The same goes for Winhawk So. Avery Prondzinski who could break into the higher points with a big swim.
The 100 Breaststroke will offer Winhawk Sr. Santino LaPorta a chance to shine and score those necessary 6 first place points. Winhawk 8th Gr. Cal Dretske has the opportunity to follow right behind him and help pad the Winhawks point total with a second place finish.
The meet may very well come down to the 400 Free Relay and the Winhawks need to throw the “A” relay at the Falcons. The line-up has been juggled a few times this season but both combinations of Josh D., Joey K., Louie L., Ryan W and Roger B., Joey K., Ryan W., Cal D have swam fast enough to score 1st place.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Why do we put up with this?
Ok, So I wanted to write today about the results and performances by the Winona Winhawk Swimmers yesterday. But alas, I struggle. While I have individual results thanks to the dedication of one of the swimming parents (Jan Brosnahan), I have little clue what happened in the meet and the Winhawks result as a team.
The Winona Daily News has NO information on the Winhawk swimmers and their results in the Austin Invitational. Sadly, I am used to that scenario and quite often turn to the newspapers in the other Big 9 HS towns for news on our own Winona Winhawks. Not this time though. My best bet is typically the home town team’s paper, in this case the Austin Daily Herald. They are usually pretty good and in this case they had an article but focused, as usual, on the swims of the Austin Swimmers. I did manage to find out that Rochester Century won the Invite and Mankato East was 2nd on their way to letting their readers know that Austin was 8th. The Rochester Post Bulletin is typically a good source having three HS swimming squads in town. It took a little digging to find them, but I did manage to get some highlights, Rochester oriented but at least found out what place Winona came in. The Owatonna People’s Press told me the team order of finish and their team’s swimming highlights. The Northfield News did not have anything on the Austin Invitational, but to their credit they had an excellent article covering the team close win over Red Wing last Thursday, actually writing a story with interviews rather than just highlights and scores. The sad example set by the Winona Daily news was echoed by the Albert Lea Tribune, the Mankato Free Press and, as it appears ignorance doesn’t stop at state lines, the Mason City Globe Gazette. None of these papers, looking on their website, reported one word of the work and effort applied by their high school swimming athletes. Compounding the Winona Daily News’ ineptness is the lack of coverage of the other institution swimming program in town, the St. Mary’s Cardinals. The Cards hosted a Triangular yesterday, so in spite of being held here in Winona, there was no mention of that sporting event in the WDN Sports Section either.
Swimming & Diving parents, it is time to start making some noise to our respective papers about the poor job they are doing covering our children/athletes. The athletes work hard, swimming miles day in and day out, doing dryland weights and stretching. Strength and endurance wise they are as fit any athlete in the school. They spend hours learning and then perfecting their stroke and dive techniques, no different than any other athlete, be they basketball players or hockey players.
It is time to start making some noise. It is time to start speaking out. It is time to start providing some customer feedback. Or, as in my case, some non-customer feedback. I informed the WDN a long time ago that my subscription was cancelled, for among other reasons, marginal to NO coverage of competitive swimming.
Let's get with it, let's speak out, let's GET SOME RESPECT.
The Winona Daily News has NO information on the Winhawk swimmers and their results in the Austin Invitational. Sadly, I am used to that scenario and quite often turn to the newspapers in the other Big 9 HS towns for news on our own Winona Winhawks. Not this time though. My best bet is typically the home town team’s paper, in this case the Austin Daily Herald. They are usually pretty good and in this case they had an article but focused, as usual, on the swims of the Austin Swimmers. I did manage to find out that Rochester Century won the Invite and Mankato East was 2nd on their way to letting their readers know that Austin was 8th. The Rochester Post Bulletin is typically a good source having three HS swimming squads in town. It took a little digging to find them, but I did manage to get some highlights, Rochester oriented but at least found out what place Winona came in. The Owatonna People’s Press told me the team order of finish and their team’s swimming highlights. The Northfield News did not have anything on the Austin Invitational, but to their credit they had an excellent article covering the team close win over Red Wing last Thursday, actually writing a story with interviews rather than just highlights and scores. The sad example set by the Winona Daily news was echoed by the Albert Lea Tribune, the Mankato Free Press and, as it appears ignorance doesn’t stop at state lines, the Mason City Globe Gazette. None of these papers, looking on their website, reported one word of the work and effort applied by their high school swimming athletes. Compounding the Winona Daily News’ ineptness is the lack of coverage of the other institution swimming program in town, the St. Mary’s Cardinals. The Cards hosted a Triangular yesterday, so in spite of being held here in Winona, there was no mention of that sporting event in the WDN Sports Section either.
Swimming & Diving parents, it is time to start making some noise to our respective papers about the poor job they are doing covering our children/athletes. The athletes work hard, swimming miles day in and day out, doing dryland weights and stretching. Strength and endurance wise they are as fit any athlete in the school. They spend hours learning and then perfecting their stroke and dive techniques, no different than any other athlete, be they basketball players or hockey players.
It is time to start making some noise. It is time to start speaking out. It is time to start providing some customer feedback. Or, as in my case, some non-customer feedback. I informed the WDN a long time ago that my subscription was cancelled, for among other reasons, marginal to NO coverage of competitive swimming.
Let's get with it, let's speak out, let's GET SOME RESPECT.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
This Weekend in Winona Swimming
Well, so much for reporting on Winona vs. Austin, thank you Mother Nature.
We have more action going on this weekend. The Winhawks get to travel to Austin for the Austin Invitational swimming against Austin, Albert Lea Rochester JM & Rochester Century.
A handful of Winona YMCA Winfins are swimming in a meet this weekend at the YMCA in La Crosse.
A group of eight Winona USA Wizards are headed to Red Wing to swim in their Winter Splash Meet.
Here at home the swimming action is at St. Mary’s University where the Cardinals host Carlton and Luther College in a Triangular. Here is a chance to watch some men’s & women’s college swimming & diving (including 3 meter diving, yeeeee-ha) and the Cardinal swimmers would really appreciate your turning out to watch them compete.
I will report on the results I can get my hands on after the weekend.
On a side note, The University of MN continues to train in Hawaii. They have swimmers from both the women’s and men’s teams posting blogs on what they are doing, both in the water and out and you should read them. Our own Abbey Staats gets a mention in one. Nothing is sacred when the team is out having fun.
Gopher Boys Blog
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38570&SPID=3275&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204864022
Gopher Girls Blog
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38544&SPID=3272&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204865536
BTW, the Gophers and St. Mary’s Cardinals were not the only squads training in warmer climates. St. Olaf was training in Ft. Lauderdale FL and Hamline University was training in Thousand Oaks California. Not a bad gig, swimming in college has its perks and not just warm climes. Read the blogs listed above, camaraderie, personal growth, and access to education all at the same time.
We have more action going on this weekend. The Winhawks get to travel to Austin for the Austin Invitational swimming against Austin, Albert Lea Rochester JM & Rochester Century.
A handful of Winona YMCA Winfins are swimming in a meet this weekend at the YMCA in La Crosse.
A group of eight Winona USA Wizards are headed to Red Wing to swim in their Winter Splash Meet.
Here at home the swimming action is at St. Mary’s University where the Cardinals host Carlton and Luther College in a Triangular. Here is a chance to watch some men’s & women’s college swimming & diving (including 3 meter diving, yeeeee-ha) and the Cardinal swimmers would really appreciate your turning out to watch them compete.
I will report on the results I can get my hands on after the weekend.
On a side note, The University of MN continues to train in Hawaii. They have swimmers from both the women’s and men’s teams posting blogs on what they are doing, both in the water and out and you should read them. Our own Abbey Staats gets a mention in one. Nothing is sacred when the team is out having fun.
Gopher Boys Blog
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38570&SPID=3275&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204864022
Gopher Girls Blog
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=38544&SPID=3272&DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204865536
BTW, the Gophers and St. Mary’s Cardinals were not the only squads training in warmer climates. St. Olaf was training in Ft. Lauderdale FL and Hamline University was training in Thousand Oaks California. Not a bad gig, swimming in college has its perks and not just warm climes. Read the blogs listed above, camaraderie, personal growth, and access to education all at the same time.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Thursday Night the Winona Winhawk Boy’s Team will host the Packers of Austin.
The Winhawks (1-1) will be looking to kick off 2010 with a win over the well manned Austin Packers (1-2). The meet will be a close one in score and may very well come down to teh last relay.
Austin sports a squad of over 40 swimmers & divers which should offer challenges at all levels for the Winhawks.
The meet should start out on an up note with the Winhawk 400 Medley Relay of Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen, Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan and Jr. Louie LaPorta winning a closely fought race.
The 200 Free will be a great match-up with Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger swimming side-by-side with Austin’s Sr. Nick Brehmer.
The 200 IM may be a 1-2 finish for Austin unless 8th Gr. Cal Dretske and Sr. Matt Bagshaw dig deep and break up their finish.
The 50 Free will be a great test for Sr. Winhawk Ryan Whalen when Austin’s Sr. speedster Zach Rausch stays with Ryan through the turn and pushes him all the way to the end.
Diving will be a good show and Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz will bring home the win with Winhawk Jr. Stan Petkov staring at the opportunity to rip a few of his higher DD dives and steal 2nd place from Austin’s Caleb Bentley.
The 100 Butterfly will be fun to watch and the Winhawk’s Sr. Matt Bagshaw, to date the only entry in the 100 Fly for Winona, will have to shave a few seconds to score high against the two leading Austin flyers.
The 100 Free should again feature Austin’s Sr. freestyler Zach Rausch, which means Head Coach Amy Schulz may have to counter with Winhawk Senior Ryan Whalen here as well which would be a great race. If that happens, watch for Winhawk 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan to jump into the fray and swim his best of the season to keep both old guys honest.
The 500 Free will also be a great race to take in. Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger may very well go side by side with Austin’s Jr. Michael Thorsheim the entire 500 yards make for a tense finish.
The 200 Free Relay team for the Winhawks of Danzinger, L. LaPorta, Brosnahan and Whalen will need to swim a season high to assure a win in what should be an exciting race and finish.
The 100 Backstroke should be interesting if the Winhawks’ Whalen was used in the 100 Free. That leaves Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta and Winhawk So Avery Prondzinski to rise to the occasion and fend off the Austin backstrokers.
The 100 Breast could very likely be a 1-2 finish for Winhawk Sr. Santino LaPorta and 8th Gr Cal Dretske if they swim up to their potential.
The 400 Free Relay should be owned by the Winhawks, which is good as the meet may very well come down to the wire.
Austin sports a squad of over 40 swimmers & divers which should offer challenges at all levels for the Winhawks.
The meet should start out on an up note with the Winhawk 400 Medley Relay of Sr. Captain Ryan Whalen, Sr. Santino LaPorta, 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan and Jr. Louie LaPorta winning a closely fought race.
The 200 Free will be a great match-up with Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger swimming side-by-side with Austin’s Sr. Nick Brehmer.
The 200 IM may be a 1-2 finish for Austin unless 8th Gr. Cal Dretske and Sr. Matt Bagshaw dig deep and break up their finish.
The 50 Free will be a great test for Sr. Winhawk Ryan Whalen when Austin’s Sr. speedster Zach Rausch stays with Ryan through the turn and pushes him all the way to the end.
Diving will be a good show and Winhawk Jr. Justin Bublitz will bring home the win with Winhawk Jr. Stan Petkov staring at the opportunity to rip a few of his higher DD dives and steal 2nd place from Austin’s Caleb Bentley.
The 100 Butterfly will be fun to watch and the Winhawk’s Sr. Matt Bagshaw, to date the only entry in the 100 Fly for Winona, will have to shave a few seconds to score high against the two leading Austin flyers.
The 100 Free should again feature Austin’s Sr. freestyler Zach Rausch, which means Head Coach Amy Schulz may have to counter with Winhawk Senior Ryan Whalen here as well which would be a great race. If that happens, watch for Winhawk 8th Gr. Roger Brosnahan to jump into the fray and swim his best of the season to keep both old guys honest.
The 500 Free will also be a great race to take in. Winhawk Sr. Josh Danzinger may very well go side by side with Austin’s Jr. Michael Thorsheim the entire 500 yards make for a tense finish.
The 200 Free Relay team for the Winhawks of Danzinger, L. LaPorta, Brosnahan and Whalen will need to swim a season high to assure a win in what should be an exciting race and finish.
The 100 Backstroke should be interesting if the Winhawks’ Whalen was used in the 100 Free. That leaves Winhawk Jr. Louie LaPorta and Winhawk So Avery Prondzinski to rise to the occasion and fend off the Austin backstrokers.
The 100 Breast could very likely be a 1-2 finish for Winhawk Sr. Santino LaPorta and 8th Gr Cal Dretske if they swim up to their potential.
The 400 Free Relay should be owned by the Winhawks, which is good as the meet may very well come down to the wire.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Post Holiday Swimming
Well, there was a little swimming going on over the holidays. Unlike Basketball, Wrestling and Hockey that all have tournaments over the Holidays, swimming competition typically takes a hiatus. Primarily I believe because swimming has always used the HS pools (for spectator seating), and the buildings close down over the long holiday. The other sports have access to non-academic or Secondary Ed facilities. Community based indoor competition pools with stadium seating are less common.
The Winona YMCA Winfins were working out sporatically and had a meet in Austin on January 2nd. I will post results when I can get my hands on them.
The St. Mary’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams made a training trek to Key West. Yes that Key West as in the southern most tip of the US of A in Florida. They worked hard in both chlorine and salt water and are returning as we speak
The University of MN Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams are in the first part of their annual two week training trip to Hawaii. They get a mix of really hard core training and some sun time as they prepare for the stretch run of their 2009 - 2010 competition season (their words not mine). It sounds like Head Coach Dennis Dale makes it very un-vacation like in spite of the sand and sea. (Which I can find totally believable from personal experience).
The Winona Winhawks Boys Team gets back into action this week with a dual meet against Austin HS this Thursday. Then they get a little sneak peak at what the Big 9 will shape up like at the Austin Invitational on Saturday. Teams attending include Winona, Austin, Albert Lea, Rochester John Marshall & Rochester Century. I will provide more info and analysis as we get closer to the contests and will post the results as they become available.
The Winona Wizards USA Team will be competing at the Red Wing Swim Club Winter Meet this weekend. They are taking up a contingent of eight or so swimmers and I will report on their performance next week when I receive the Hy-tek results.
The Winona YMCA Winfins were working out sporatically and had a meet in Austin on January 2nd. I will post results when I can get my hands on them.
The St. Mary’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams made a training trek to Key West. Yes that Key West as in the southern most tip of the US of A in Florida. They worked hard in both chlorine and salt water and are returning as we speak
The University of MN Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams are in the first part of their annual two week training trip to Hawaii. They get a mix of really hard core training and some sun time as they prepare for the stretch run of their 2009 - 2010 competition season (their words not mine). It sounds like Head Coach Dennis Dale makes it very un-vacation like in spite of the sand and sea. (Which I can find totally believable from personal experience).
The Winona Winhawks Boys Team gets back into action this week with a dual meet against Austin HS this Thursday. Then they get a little sneak peak at what the Big 9 will shape up like at the Austin Invitational on Saturday. Teams attending include Winona, Austin, Albert Lea, Rochester John Marshall & Rochester Century. I will provide more info and analysis as we get closer to the contests and will post the results as they become available.
The Winona Wizards USA Team will be competing at the Red Wing Swim Club Winter Meet this weekend. They are taking up a contingent of eight or so swimmers and I will report on their performance next week when I receive the Hy-tek results.
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