ANA SYNCHERS MAKE A HUGE SPLASH AT FIRST MEET OF THE 2005-2006 SEASON

On Sunday, December 4th the ANA Synchers "cleaned up" at the New England Synchronized Swimming Association's (NESSA) first annual figures meet. The ANA Synchers, the synchronized swimming team sponsored by the Merrimack Valley YMCA, dominated in most categories, including a sweep of eight of the first nine places for the youngest novice group. The Synchers' intermediate level swimmers brought home two ribbons, as did the 12-13 Age Group swimmers, snagging both fourth and fifth place in a field of 26 swimmers. The Synchers continued to dominate in the oldest age groups, taking four out of the top five spots in the 14-15 age group, including a first place finish by Claire Rudder. In the 16-17 age group the Synchers earned seven out of the top nine places, led by Stephanie Garcia Restrepo, who brought home the gold in this crowded field of 48 swimmers. Teammate Rita Gillan led the 18-19 age group swimmers by a significant margin to earn another first place position. The Synchers also took home 2 gold medals in the masters competition, which is for adults aged 19 and over.

With results like these, the 2005-2006 season should be the most successful yet for the ANA Synchers, who are becoming a significant force to be reckoned with in the world of synchronized swimming. There are currently 58 team members, the largest in the history of the team, enabling the Synchers to field teams across all age groups and to dominate in the region.

Thanks to its most advanced swimmers, the Synchers are receiving unprecedented recognition and opportunities. This year nationally ranked Rita Gillan qualified for and will be attending the East Zone Elite Clinic on December 14-15 in Tonawanda, New York along with teammate Stephanie Garcia Restrepo and coach Eugenia Gillan. Stephanie joined the ANA Synchers last year after earning the distinction as national solo champion in her native Colombia. The most accomplished athletes in the East Zone have been selected to attend this event where they will be working with the coaching staff of the US National Synchronized swimming team.