12 AND UNDER YNS DUAL MEET
All ANA YMCA swimmers, ages 12 and under, will be competing in a dual meet versus YNS on Saturday, June 11, at the Sterling YMCA, 254 Essex Street in Beverly. This meet will be swum in a 50-meter pool.
 
All 12-and-under swimmers will be entered in two individual events plus a relay. If your swimmer will not be participating, you need to e-mail Coach Kathy Medaglio at r.medaglio@comcast.net by MONDAY, MAY 30.
 
Warm-ups begin at 1:30 p.m. The meet starts at 2 p.m. and will end at 5 p.m.
 
Here’s how to get to the Beverly Y: From Route 128 North or South, take Exit 18 (Route 22, Essex Street). Take a right off the exit. Continue on Route 22 (Essex Street) for approximately ½ mile. The Sterling YMCA will be on your right.
 
 
YMCA LONG COURSE MEET AT SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE
The Hurricanes will compete in a YMCA long course (meter pool) meet July 1-3 at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. The meet is being hosted by the Holyoke YMCA Vikings.
 
Any YMCA or U.S. swimmers who will not be participating in that meet, need to e-mail Coach Paul Bennett at yhurricaneswimming@hotmail.com by MONDAY, MAY 30.
 
 
A REFLECTION ON MY YEARS ON THE ANA HURRICANES
Elizabeth Demers, a senior at Phillips Andover Academy, was awarded an ANA YMCA Hurricanes Swim Team Scholarship at the 2005 team banquet in recognition of the fact that she has competed for the ANA Hurricanes during all four years of high school—and considerably longer than that. Elizabeth will be trading in her fins for oars this fall, when she goes off to Harvard University and rows for the women’s crew team. The $500 scholarship is funded by the ANA Parent Fund, and swimmers are required to write an essay on what the ANA YMCA Hurricanes experience has meant to them.
 
Here is what Elizabeth has to say:
 
By Elizabeth Demers
I did not want to be there. My mom made me go. Nonetheless, there I was, a chubby little six-year-old dressed to the nines in a “tutu” swim suit and cloth swim cap trying out for the ANA Hurricanes with my eight-year-old sister, Sarah. I sat on the bleachers with a number of other little swimmers, staring at the brown, orange and yellow design on the opposite wall until the head coach, Mr. Getchell, called my name. He told me to dive off the blocks (the blocks?! Oh geez) and swim a little bit for him. I swam a total of 100 utterly exhausting yards, and I hoped that that would be the end of it. Little did I know, those 100 yards under the watchful eyes of Mr. Getchell and Mrs. Medaglio would be the first of countless yards in the Andover/North Andover YMCA pool.
 
Now, 12 seasons later, I have moved away from my “tutu” swimsuits and cloth swim caps and into Speedo Fastskins and Latex swim caps. I have grown about a foot, and a lot of things have changed in my life. The one thing that has been a constant—my rock—throughout the past two-thirds of my life has been the ANA Hurricanes Swim Team. I have grown up with this team. I have seen coaches, swimmers and parents come and go, yet year after year, I continue to make that short trip to the Y for swim practice. I have thought about why, when many other swimmers were jumping swim teams if not once, then several times in a career, I decided to stay with ANA. Most people will never find an activity that they will stick with and enjoy for a few years, let alone 12, but what is it about this swim team?
 
I have known success on this team and because of this team. I have experienced the excitement of working my heart out for a whole season and then dropping those all-important seconds right when it counts. I have felt the pride of making that jump from being a YMCA New England Championship qualifier to a YMCA Nationals qualifier. I have slipped into the Y for emergency tune-ups during my high school swim season and have been able to use the coaching tips to achieve success in other arenas. I have met people on this team who have shaped the person that I am today. I have made lifelong friends, and the memories I now have are ones that I will smile at for years to come.
 
The reason I keep coming back, though, is one that is invisible to all people who have never been a part of something like ANA. It is that feeling of calm, comfort, belonging and happiness whenever I walk onto the pool deck. It’s that feeling of being someplace where I know that I can suspend all else for two hours and lose myself in the water with supportive people who want me to succeed—not only in the water but also outside of it. It is a place where I have learned to set goals, overcome obstacles and achieve personal success. It is a safe place where I have learned what is important in life, not just in swimming. It is a place that I have been able to come back to, time and again, after weeks and months out of the water competing in other sports and fulfilling school commitments without any pressure or punishment for absences—just a recognition that life involves things other than just swimming and an acceptance of my choices. Once there, I was able to swim at whatever level I was comfortable with until I was ready to rejoin my group again.
 
There were always others to share my passion for pushing through pain, for trying so hard that you swear you will never touch water again, but you do anyway, for finding that finishing kick, for touching someone out, for counting hundredths of a second. ANA was always what I needed it to be.
 
The Hurricanes are such a huge piece of my life when I am swimming with them every day that I don’t even notice how much the team affects me. It was only after I matriculated at Phillips Academy in the ninth grade that I realized the impact that only a team like the ANA Hurricanes could have on me. On the Hurricanes, spending so much time with my teammates in practice and at swim meets, I have learned how to be a truly good friend and teammate—how to be supportive, trustworthy, lighthearted and fun. I have learned the value of working together toward a goal as the Hurricanes always stressed the importance of team success, not just individual success.
 
When I sit down to do my schoolwork or study for a test, I know that I have the work ethic and perseverance gained through enduring hundreds of difficult practices where my teammates and coaches pushed me to succeed even when I just wanted to give up, and where in turn, I learned to believe in myself and reach out to help others. When something is hard, I know have the skills to set objectives to help me meet my goals, and I can count of the mental toughness I’ve developed as a result of both the good times and the bad times I’ve experienced in the pool to get myself through it.
 
On my high school swim team, I meet girls every year who come from different swim teams, and I immediately see the advantage I have just by having swum for ANA for so many years. The Hurricanes showed me how to be a good competitor and a good teammate. I learned the importance of caring about and supporting others, and I like to think that some of the success that we have had on my high school team is because some of the ANA spirit has rubbed off on my teammates.
 
It is difficult to look back over the past 12 years on the Hurricanes and put into words what this team has meant to me. While I entered into the pool against my will as a chubby little girl, I am leaving it a strong, confident, well-rounded little girl (at least at heart) and I wish that I didn’t ever have to leave. Even though I do not plan to swim in college, swimming on this team has given me the fitness and work ethic to be successful in my next athletic endeavor, crew. I can only hope that I find as welcoming and nurturing a home in the rowing world as I have found at the ANA Hurricanes. It has truly been an honor to be part of such a unique and special team. Thank you to all the coaches, swimmers, parents, and competitors, past and present—I would not be where I am, or the person I am, today without you.
 
 
AWARD-WINNERS
The following ANA Hurricanes were recognized at the annual team banquet at DiBurro’s in April:
 
Most Valuable Swimmers in their age groups: Elizabeth Demers, John Stanley, Mary Lopez, Paul Bimmler, Brendan Fortin, Whitney Adrian, Bryan Walcker, Scott McGinty, Rachel Moore, Corinna Torabi and Joseph Faller
 
Most Improved Swimmers in their age groups: Matt Dalimonte, Olivia Gallugi, Samantha Doyle, Seth Bergey, Salena Casha, Peter Saunders, Jill Barclay and Nick Espaillat.
 
Jane Orr Cronin Memorial Award, recognizing hard work, determination, dedication and commitment: Allison Alwan and Robert Medaglio.
 
Sportsmanship Award, given to swimmers who exemplify the YMCA’s core values of honesty, responsibility, caring and respect: Maegen Wilton and Ajay Sadagopan.
 
Charles Q. Adams Unsung Hero Award: Kelsey Shaughnessy and David Hunter
 
Paul Getchell Award, created to honor the former longtime head coach of the ANA YMCA Hurricanes: Karen O’Sullivan and Jennifer McGlauflin
 
 
HURRICANES MUST BE MEMBERS OF THE ANA YMCA
There are a number of new Hurricanes swimmers who have not become members of the ANA YMCA, and a number of returning swimmers who have let their memberships lapse.
 
To participate on the ANA YMCA Hurricanes Swim Team, EVERY SWIMMER MUST BE A FULL MEMBER OF THE ANA YMCA. If you have qualified for YMCA Summer Nationals in July and your membership is not up to date, you will not be allowed to compete in that meet.
 
Families new to the team should see someone at the YMCA’s Member Services Desk to join the ANA YMCA. Returning families should check with Member Services to ensure that their memberships are up to date. If you have more than one child participating on the team, you might want to consider a Family Membership.
 
 
FIRST YMCA SUMMER TEAM FEE PAYMENT IS DUE ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
The first of three monthly payments of your summer 2005 YMCA team fees is due on Wednesday, June 1. The monthly fees are based on the practice group to which a swimmer has been assigned, and the monthly summer fees are the same as what you paid during the 2004–05 winter season:
 
Squalls – $25/month or $75 for the summer
Tidal Waves 1 and 2 – $58/month or $174 for the summer
Typhoons and Tsunamis – $81/month or $243 for the summer
Cyclone 2 – $84/month or $252 for the summer
Cyclone 1 – $89/month or $267 for the summer
Monsoon 2 – $92/month or $276 for the summer
Monsoon 1 – $99/month or $297 for the summer
Juniors – $111/month or $333 for the summer
Seniors – $118/month or $354 for the summer
 
For the summer season, YMCA team fee due dates are June 1, July 1 and August 1.
 
PLEASE NOTE: The fees represent what it costs for swimmers to participate in the entire summer YMCA program, not what it costs to swim per month. The monthly due dates are for the convenience of families, especially those with multiple children on the team, so that they don’t have to pay in one lump sum. Swimmers who started the summer program are expected to participate and pay for the entire summer season. Of course, if you’d like to pay your Y team fees in one lump, you may. If fee payments are not received within ONE WEEK of the due date, swimmers will not be allowed in the water for practice or competition until payment is received.
 
Checks for swim team fees should be made payable to the Andover/North Andover YMCA and left at the YMCA front desk in an envelope with Bobbi Berkenbush’s name on it. Make sure you note on your check “YMCA Team Fees” and which swimmer(s) the fees are for. Or, if it’s more convenient, you may mail your payments to Bobbi Berkenbush, Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Andover, MA 01810.
 
Families who need to make alternate payment arrangements or who have questions about the YMCA team fees should talk to Bobbi Berkenbush, the YMCA’s senior physical director, or e-mail her at bberkenbush@mvymca.org.
 
We ask that every family be take responsibility for ensuring that their swimmers’ fees are paid on time. No monthly bills are sent out, however, the fee due dates are listed in each issue of the newsletter and are also noted in the “What’s Happening” poster on the team bulletin board at the Y.
 
NOTE: YMCA-only parents who are working the meet at UConn in June will be able to deduct the “points-for-discount” they earn at the meet from their August YMCA team fee payments.
 
 
1ST SUMMER U.S. SWIMMING FEE PAYMENT IS DUE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15
For those ANA swimmers who are participating in the 2005 Summer U.S. Swimming program, the first of your three monthly payments of $70 is due on Wednesday, June 15.
 
All U.S. swimmers, regardless of their age or the practice group to which they have been assigned, pay the same $70 monthly fee.
 
There are three $70 U.S. team payments this summer—due on June 15, July 15 and August 15—totaling $210. You may, of course, opt to pay your summer U.S. team fees in one lump sum.
 
NOTE: U.S. parents who are working the meet at UConn in June will be able to deduct the “points-for-discount” they earn at the meet from their August (and July if you work enough sessions) U.S. team fee payments.
 
PLEASE NOTE: The fees represent what it costs for swimmers to participate in the entire summer U.S. program, not what it costs to swim per month. With the exception of the end-of-season championship meets, your swimmers’ U.S. meet entry fees for the summer have already been paid out of the team budget. If a swimmer decides to discontinue swimming U.S. during the summer, his or her family will still be responsible for paying the $210 team fee.
 
U.S. team fees are based on the number of swimmers who participate in the program, so once you’re in and seeded in the meets, it is not an option to forgo any portion of the $210 summer U.S. fee. If fee payments are not received within ONE WEEK of the due date, swimmers will not be allowed in the water for practice or competition until payment is received.
 
Checks for U.S. swim team fees should be made payable to the Andover/North Andover YMCA and left at the YMCA front desk in an envelope with Bobbi Berkenbush’s name on it. Make sure you note on your check “US Team Fees” and which swimmer(s) the fees are for. Or, if it’s more convenient, you may mail your payments to Bobbi Berkenbush, Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Andover, MA 01810.
 
Families who need to make alternate payment arrangements or who have questions about the U.S. team fees should talk to Bobbi Berkenbush, the YMCA’s senior physical director, or e-mail her at bberkenbush@mvymca.org. We ask that every family be take responsibility for ensuring that their swimmers’ fees are paid on time. No monthly bills are sent out, however, the fee due dates are listed in each issue of the newsletter and are also noted in the “What’s Happening” poster on the team bulletin board at the Y.
 
 
NEW TO US SWIMMING THIS SUMMER?
If you are new to the U.S. Swimming program this summer—meaning you did not participate in U.S. Swimming with the Hurricanes or another U.S. team during the 2004–05 winter short-course season—then you need to pay the $50 New England Swimming Athlete Registration Fee in addition to the summer U.S. team fees as outlined in the news item above.
 
To compete in U.S. Swimming meets, every athlete must be registered with New England Swimming. Swimmers who are not registered risk being responsible for the entire team’s disqualification at a meet.
 
Swimmers who competed in the 2004–05 winter short-course season are already registered with New England Swimming through December 31, 2005.
 
For those affected swimmers and families, the $50 registration fee is due on TUESDAY, MAY 31.
 
Checks for U.S. registration should be made payable to the Andover/North Andover YMCA and left at the YMCA front desk in an envelope with Bobbi Berkenbush’s name on it. Make sure you note on your check “US Registration Fee” and which swimmer(s) the fees are for. Or, if it’s more convenient, you may mail your payments to Bobbi Berkenbush, Andover/North Andover YMCA, 165 Haverhill St., Andover, MA 01810.
 
 
LOST AND FOUND
If you want to post something in this section of the Hurricane Watch, please include in your e-mail to Karen Bailey (karen.bailey@tufts.edu) a description of the lost item(s), the owner’s name and contact e-mail and phone number and the date and place it was lost.
 
When your item has been found, please e-mail Karen so she can remove it from the “Lost and Found” list.
 
Here’s what’s missing:
Sydney Frerichs lost in the ANA girls’ locker room or the pool deck a custom pair of green camouflage ear plugs, a cap and goggles. If anyone picked them up, please contact Nancy Frerichs at nancyfrerichs@comcast.net.
 
 
KEEP IN TOUCH THROUGH THE TEAM WEBSITE
We encourage you to use the team web site as a resource for our YMCA and US swimming programs. You’ll find the ANA Hurricanes at http://www.anahurricanes.com The ANA site lists practice schedules, meets and directions, meet results and also includes links to the National YMCA Swimming and Diving, Eastern Massachusetts YMCA District, U.S. Swimming and New England Swimming web sites.
 
With a couple of clicks of the mouse, families have a resource available to them 24/7.
 
The site’s webmaster is John Silva, Kara and Robert’s dad. If you have questions, comments or input on the site, you can e-mail John at john_silva@comcast.net.
 
 
CHANGED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS?
If you’ve changed your e-mail address or want to add another e-mail address to the distribution list for the team newsletter, please e-mail that info to karen.bailey@tufts.edu
 
 
NEED TO CONTACT A COACH?
Your first point of contact about your swimmer SHOULD ALWAYS BE his or her practice group coach.
 
Head Coach: Paul Bennett – Seniors, Juniors & Monsoons 1 &2
(978) 685-3541, voice mail, ext.21
yhurricaneswimming@hotmail.com
 
Lead Group Coaches:
Kathy Medaglio –Monsoons 1 & 2, Cyclones 2, Tsunamis
r.medaglio@comcast.net
 
Carlton Cronin – Seniors & Juniors
photopatti714@aol.com
 
Erin Cammann – Typhoons & Tidal Waves
erincammann@hotmail.com
 
James Sweeney – Seniors & Juniors
jts33@hotmail.com
 
John D’Ambrosio – Monsoons 2, Cyclones 1 & 2
j_ohnd82@hotmail.com
 
Lynn Avila – Tidal Waves 1 & 2
(978) 685-3541 (ask for the aquatics office)
 
 
PARENT ADVISORY BOARD
Families with general questions about the program, events, swim meets, their obligations to the program and other non-coaching issues are encouraged to contact a member of the Parent Board:
 
Joe Alwan, president—(978) 409-1227
jalwan@comcast.net
 
Janet Harty, treasurer—(978) 681-5240
pjhartyus@yahoo.com
 
Peter Dodge, member at large—(978) 689-2058
kimandpeter.dodge@comcast.net
 
Sean Doyle, member at large—(978) 685-2044
shmiked@yahoo.com
 
Carolyn Fortin, member at large—(978) 664-2117
Boys3men@comcast.net
 
Jim Frey, member at large—(978) 475-3734
jim@freyfamily.cc
 
Walter Morris, member at large—(978) 470-2244
wmorris@shoreschool.org
 
Susanne Torabi, member at large—(978) 687-6183
bluephoton@netzero.net
 
 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
 
May 30: ANA YMCA is closed for Memorial Day.
 
May 31: $50 U.S. Swimming registration fee due for those summer U.S. swimmers who did not compete in the winter 2004–05 winter short-course season.
 
June 1: Computer training session for those parents who will be working in the computer room for the UConn meet, 7 p.m., ANA YMCA.
 
June 1: First YMCA summer team fee payment due.
 
June 1 or June 2: Final volunteer rendezvous for the UConn meet. Please plan to meet up with Mary Ann Alwan at the YMCA on either WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, from 4:30–7 p.m. or on THURSDAY, JUNE 2, from 4:30–5:15 p.m.
 
June 3-5: YMCA Meet. ANA Hurricanes Sprints, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn.
 
June 11: YMCA Meet. 12-and-under long-course dual meet, ANA vs. YNS, Sterling YMCA, Beverly, Mass., 1:30 p.m. warm-up.
 
June 15: First $70 summer U.S. team fee payment due.
 
June 18-19: U.S. Meet. Seacoast Swimming Association Team Specialty Meet, Jenny Thompson Pool, Dover, N.H.
 
July 1: Second YMCA summer team fee payment due.
 
July 1-3: YMCA Meet. Holyoke YMCA Vikings Long Course Meet. Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.
 
* July 14-17: U.S. Meet. New England Age Group Qualifier, Jenny Thompson Pool, Dover, N.H.
 
July 15: Second $70 summer U.S. team fee payment due.
 
* July 21-24: U.S. Meet. 12 and Under Age Group Championships, MIT.
 
* July 26-29: YMCA Nationals (must be age 12 or older), University of Maryland, College Park.
 
* July 28-31: U.S. Meet. New England Open Championships, MIT.
 
July 29-31: U.S. Meet. New England 8 and Under Summer Challenge, GMSC, Gardner, Mass.
 
August 1: Final YMCA summer team fee payment due.
 
August 15: Final $70 summer U.S. team fee payment due.
 
* Swimmers must have qualifying times to compete in these meets.