That’s a wrap on the first weekend of championships! The Water Rats made a strong showing at the Connecticut Short Course Senior Championships this past weekend at Wesleyan University. The Water Rats represented their community well, securing multiple podium finishes and an impressive overall team ranking!

Water Rat Senior Championship Qualifiers:

• Elizabeth Akolzina
• Adrianna Spelman
• Emma Giafardino
• Lillian White-Charles
• Maegan Grisanti
• Jason Guzik
• Ella Gussen
• Michael Ivanov
• Ava Piscioniere
• Thomas Lake
• Lena Savkovic
• Grant Slippen
• Dani Schwartz
• Raunak Subedi

Podium Finishes:

• Emma Giafardino – 100 Breaststroke (3rd place)
• Ella Gussen – 400 IM (2nd place), 200 IM (2nd place), 200 Backstroke (3rd place)
• Michael Ivanov – 50 Freestyle (1st place), 100 Breaststroke (2nd place), 100 Freestyle (2nd place), 200 Freestyle (3rd place)

Relay Team Achievements:

• Ella, Emma, Adrianna, Lillian – 800 Freestyle Relay (3rd place), 200 Freestyle Relay (3rd place)
• Adrianna, Maegan, Ella, Emma – 400 Freestyle Relay (2nd place)

Final Team Standings:

• Women’s Team: 3rd Overall
• Combined Team (Men’s & Women’s): 3rd Overall

Meanwhile, at the Connecticut Short Course 10&Under Age Group Championships at Central Connecticut State University, our younger Water Rats also did an excellent job in the pool!

Water Rat 10&Under Championship Qualifiers:

• Giovanna Avila
• Liam Carey
• Aria Decembre
• Luka Scherwin Fletcher
• Isla Anand
• Joshua Kane
• Annabelle Hart
• Ted Nicolae
• Henry Clark
• Yurii Kyrychenko

Podium Finishes:

• Aria Decembre – 50 Butterfly (3rd place)

Final Team Standings:

• Women’s Team: 7th Overall
• Men’s Team: 13th Overall

Congratulations to all the Water Rat swimmers for their hard work and dedication. Their outstanding performances at these championships highlight their talent and commitment to excellence in the pool! Next weekend, the 11-14 and 8—Under groups will have time to shine—we wish them the best of luck in the pool!