In what turned out to be nearly standing room only attendance, fans from Escalon, Riverbank and Delhi alike showed up at the Riverbank Community Pool to help usher in the 2008 summer league swimming season on Friday, July 11.
Swimmers from several different age groups put on a tremendous showing, putting together a swim meet complete with several thrilling finishes, phenomenal effort from all participants and, of course, the shining moments that only the youngest of the competing swimmers can provide.
Riverbank's program played a gracious host, organizing the event that went off without a hiccup throughout the two-and-a-half hour competition.
"Kerrie (Webb) from the downtown Riverbank (recreation) office, she really does a great job organizing the meets," Riverbank coach Scott Bryan said. "How the events are run and start times she handles all of that. All we really worry about is getting the kids to their particular event."
For Escalon co-coach Joy Metzler, working again this season with Deborah Hawkins, the first meet was a satisfying one in terms of performance.
"We were very impressed with all of our swimmers," Metzler said. "We have a bout 50 kids on our swim team and they all did a great job."
Among the highlights was the winning performance by the 13-18 medley team in a down to the wire finish. Hailey Metzler swam the backstroke, Madison Hawkins the breast, Vaughn Kennedy the butterfly and Amanda Wendland the freestyle lap.
"It was very close, very exciting," said Metzler.
Friday night's season opening meet in Riverbank saw dozens of swimmers around the pool, cheering and supporting their teammates as they wait for their own shot in the pool.
Swimmers from several different age groups put on a tremendous showing, putting together a swim meet complete with several thrilling finishes, phenomenal effort from all participants and, of course, the shining moments that only the youngest of the competing swimmers can provide.
Riverbank's program played a gracious host, organizing the event that went off without a hiccup throughout the two-and-a-half hour competition.
"Kerrie (Webb) from the downtown Riverbank (recreation) office, she really does a great job organizing the meets," Riverbank coach Scott Bryan said. "How the events are run and start times she handles all of that. All we really worry about is getting the kids to their particular event."
For Escalon co-coach Joy Metzler, working again this season with Deborah Hawkins, the first meet was a satisfying one in terms of performance.
"We were very impressed with all of our swimmers," Metzler said. "We have a bout 50 kids on our swim team and they all did a great job."
Among the highlights was the winning performance by the 13-18 medley team in a down to the wire finish. Hailey Metzler swam the backstroke, Madison Hawkins the breast, Vaughn Kennedy the butterfly and Amanda Wendland the freestyle lap.
"It was very close, very exciting," said Metzler.
Friday night's season opening meet in Riverbank saw dozens of swimmers around the pool, cheering and supporting their teammates as they wait for their own shot in the pool.
