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Community Corner

WESTFIELD AREA Y AQUADUCKS SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS PLACE AT U.S. AGE GROUP SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Westfield Area Y is pleased to announce members of the Westfield Area Y Aquaducks synchronized swimming team earned 8thplace in the trio event at the 2014 U.S. eSynchro Age Group Synchronized Swimming Championships. Nearly 1,000 athletes ages 11 to 19 competed in the competition held June 27-July 5 in Federal Way, Washington.

The routine of Katie Barry, Allison Caramico, and Melanie Grycan beat 21 other routines from around the country to place 8th in the 18-19 age group. The girls qualified for this competition by placing first in the regional championship in May.

Other members of the team also achieved success at the championships, including:

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· 18-19 Team of Barry, Caramico, M. Grycan, Veronica Grycan, Brianna McGowan, Katherine McGowan, Colleen Powers, Maddy Rinaldo, and Alex Rood placed 16th out of 30 teams.

· 16-17 Team of Andrea Diaz, Rachel Geskin, Inna Gorelik, Jennifer Huo, Marissa Miller, Aine Wall, and Amanda Zhang also placed 16th out of 23 teams.

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The U.S. Age Group Synchronized Swimming Championships is the final competition of the season for the team. The 2014-2015 season resumes in September 2014.

Synchronized swimming requires a unique combination of strength, agility, endurance, flexibility and speed. The Westfield Area Y Aquaducks practice an average of 10 hours a week at the Main Y facility. Elite-level synchronized swimmers typically practice eight hours per day, six days per week.

For more information about the Westfield Area Y Aquaducks, please email the head coach, Kate Johnson, at aquaducks@westfieldynj.org.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit www.westfieldynj.orgto learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

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