The Swimming Eagles captured nine gold medals at the CYO of Nassau & Suffolk Swimming Championship Meet held on April 7 at the Nassau County Aquatic Center.
Jessica Giuliani was honored with the 2011 Eagle Award for Exceptional Performance as she earned two gold medals as well as a silver.
Coach Senen Vidad was honored with the inaugural Nancy Donlon Memorial Award for outstanding coaching. Nancy was one of Holy Family’s swim coaches who passed suddenly on Sept. 17, 2010 and this award was presented in recognition of Coach Vidad’s dedication and devotion to the team. His calm demeanor, ever-present smile and technical know-how lifted the spirit of our swimmers and helped them to maximize their potential. Winning was great, but secondary to the joy and pride the swimmers felt as they improved with each passing week.
Finally, the Swimming Eagles were honored with their third Sportsmanship Award in the last four years.
To be recognized by their opposing coaches with such a distinguished honor in a season with so much success is a tribute not only to the team’s coaches, but also the young men and women who have been selected team captains.
Congratulations to coaches Kevin Carroll, Senen Vidad, Rob Morrisey, Jeanne Barrett, Pete Anest, Kathleen Soulias, Gary Hoehing, Penny McNicholas, Valerie Girasi, Anne Joyce, Katy Brengel, Marcos Matos and Kim Themistocleous.
We also congratulate our team captains Kyle Carroll, Brianna Donlon, David Vidad, Kelly Carroll, Michael Themistocleous and Sara Gharnit. Their commitment to the team, their younger teammates, the respect they showed the officials and the sportsmanship displayed to their opposing swimmers and coaches was truly an inspiration. The pride in them has no bounds, and all look to their futures with great anticipation.
Earning gold were: Olivia McNicholas – 8U Girls 25-yard Freestyle; Ethan Dong – Undefeated 8U Boys 25-yard Freestyle; Sarah Crespo – Undefeated 12U Girls 50-yard Freestyle; Eamonn McNicholas – Undefeated 12U Boys 50-yard Backstroke; Cassandra Gharnit – Undefeated 14U Girls 50-yard Breaststroke; Jessica Giuliani – Undefeated Record Breaking 12U Girls 50-yard Butterfly
8U Boys 100 yd Medley Relay: Timothy Mott (Backstroke); Anthony Sforza (Breaststroke); Cesar Adames (Butterfly); Tyler Robertaccio (Freestyle)
12U Girls Undefeated 100 yd Medley Relay: Raeann Dong (Backstroke); Elizabeth Bailey (Breaststroke); Jessica Giuliani (Butterfly); Sarah Crespo (Freestyle)
12U Boys 100 yd Freestyle Relay: Christian Adames; Jake Barrett; Andrew Catinella; Eamonn McNicholas
