Make it a perfect 6-0 record for the Turlock Seadogs summer swimming program.
In the final meet of the regular season against the Ceres Dolphins, the Seadogs slid their way atop by a score of 940 to 860 across 102 events, with the ages ranging from 3 to 18 years of age.
“We had some issues getting into our groove, but overall most of the kids did well,” said Seadogs coach Michaela Solario. “We were just adjusting to a different pool style which was hard for some, but learning to adjust is part of the game.
There was a total of 62 first place finishes for the Seadogs, with many coming in tight races against the always tough Dolphins.
“I feel like Erich [Richter] and I are the parents to 250 amazing kids, over the past four years we have grown with this program,” said Solario. “Most of these kids have exceeded their goals and that is the best part of coaching. Of course we have our ups and downs, but the good greatly outweighs all the stresses or negatives. I truly love this team like they are my family.”
Although in every meet there are countless stand outs, this meet in particular there was some amazing victories.
The Seadogs youngest swimmer, Reagan Patterson, who recently turned three, competed in her first meet as she swam in the 25 yard freestyle and managed to finish the event.
“That was truly an amazing moment,” said Solario about Patterson. “I am so proud of everyone to call them all Seadogs.”
Tyler Harcksen who competes in the 15-16 year-old boys, had a stand out meet, which included competing in the boy’s 15-18 200 yard free relay with the team of CJ Cossey, Zach Glidden and Allan Quinn that took first place.
Harcksen took first in the 100 yard free and finished second in the 100 back, just three seconds behind teammate Glidden. Harcksen would also finish third in the 100 IM.
“Tyler had a break out and great meet, with a couple of personal bests and first place finishes,” Solario said. “Being in a smaller pool some of the kids were apprehensive, but a few soared.”
Another swimmer who bested each of her times and earned points for the team was Makenzie Peterson who competes in the 11-12 age group for girls.
Peterson was part of the fourth place team that competed in the 200 free relay
With the regular season now over the championships will take place this weekend at Pitman High. The event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday.