Way to go team! All of your hard work is really paying off.
Ann Arbor Synchronized Swimming Team Makes State History at North Zone Championships
Team makes a state record five Top-10 finishes in four events, plus two placements to honorary North Zone All-Star Team.
Milwaukee, WI, March 15, 2008: The Ann Arbor Aquarians Synchronized Swimming Team, competing at the 2008 North Zone Championships (March 13-16), took home medals in all four routine events, setting a record for any team from Michigan. Eight athletes represented the team in the highly competitive 13-15 division, facing over 140 athletes from nine states. Each Ann Arbor athlete earned at least one medal (top 8) in her respective events:
4th Place Team: Marina Criso, Danielle DiRosa, Jera Hogan, Kayoon Jung, Kiyoon Jung, Jessica Kerr, Alice Murphy, Molly Rogow
5th place Trio: Danielle DiRosa, Alice Murphy, Molly Rogow
8th Place Duet: Marina Criso, Alice Murphy
8th Place Solo: Danielle DiRosa
Two Ann Arbor athletes were also named to the North Zone Honorary All-Star team: Huron High School freshman Danielle DiRosa, and Tappan Middle School eighth-grader Jessica Kerr.
Going into the competition, head coach Stephanie Sherk felt strongly about the team’s chances, but concedes that her swimmers far surpassed even her expectations. “We share a Zone with some of the nation’s most elite teams, and to be among the top routines represented is a reflection of dedication and work ethic demonstrated by these athletes,” she said. “It was an honor to see Ann Arbor represented on the podium not once six times, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team’s trajectory of success over the past three years.”
The team next travels to Troy, MI, for the 2008 Michigan Association Championships (April 19). Sherk, who also heads the Varsity-Club synchronized swimming program at the University of Michigan, remains confident of the season outlook. “Synchronized swimming is the ultimate team sport, and we’re lucky to have a team that extends beyond the borders of the pool – with the support of the City of Ann Arbor, which sponsors our program out of Mack Open Pool, and a large base of dedicated parents and assistant coaches. We might just be the most successful Ann Arbor sports team you’ve never heard of, but we hope to change that.”
Think you know synchronized swimming? This Olympic sport has come a long way since its early beginnings as “water ballet.” Today’s synchronized swimmer must have the grace of a ballerina, the strength and flexibility of a gymnast, the skills of a speed swimmer and water polo player, and the endurance and stamina of a long distance runner. Add to that the dramatic flair for musical interpretation and choreography, and you have synchro!
Ann Arbor Aquarians Synchro is a nationally competitive team that has been coordinated through the City of Ann Arbor since 1992. Athletes range in age from 7-19 and in level of ability from beginners to national competitors. The team’s staff of dedicated coaches work hard to increase enthusiasm for the sport of synchronized swimming while promoting good sportsmanship, personal responsibility, and self-confidence.
No prior synchro experience is required for participation in the Intro to Synchro series. Interested participants should be able to swim a continuous lap (50 yards) using basic swim strokes and feel comfortable swimming underwater.
Introduction to Synchronized Swimming
Participants will be introduced to basic synchro skills such as propulsion, floats, pattern formation, arm strokes, and more while learning a fun routine that will be performed at the last class.
4 weeks (8 classes)
Wednesday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 28 (Wed 4:15-5:45, Sun 3:00-4:30)
Prerequisites: Ages 7-12; coaches will conduct a swimming readiness evaluation on the first day of class
Equipment: Racer back suit, swim cap, goggles, nose clips (available for purchase at practice for $3)
Introduction to Competitive Synchro
Builds on skills learned in Intro to Synchro while also introducing the fundamentals of competitive synchro (figures and technical elements). Upon graduation, interested participants may join the Competitive program from December-June.
4 weeks (8 classes)
Thursday, Nov. 1 – Thursday, Nov. 29 (Tue 4:30-6:00, Thur 4:30-6:00)
Prerequisites: Intro to Synchro or comparable synchro experience
Equipment: Racer back suit, swim cap, goggles, nose clips
Competitive Program
The Aquarians Competition Team full-year program runs from September-June and provides the opportunity for local, regional, and/or national competition. Athletes train 2-5 days a week depending on age and level of ability. Beginners may join the competitive program after completing the Intro series. For returning swimmers, information on registration, scheduling, and fees will be mailed in August.
Online registration available for all levels of Synchronized swimming
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Head Coach Stephanie Sherk, steph@a2aquarians.org
Team Website: http://www.a2aquarians.org
Mack Pool: 734-994-2898