Barracudas Have a Season to Celebrate!

With another swim championship to boast, the Bradshaw Barracudas celebrated their season and feted their superior swimmers.

The Barracudas are winners of their third straight Cherokee Summer Swim Association division crown.

Said outgoing head coach Jonny Balchus, “Our team has been blessed with one-of-a-kind swimmers that deserve to be recognized for their effort, respect, kindness, and spirit.”

These swimmers were cited as the team’s “High Point” honorees:

6 & Under – Natalie Melton & Cash Kremer

7 & 8 – Clare Mills & Mac McCloskey

9 & 10 – Laurel Blase & Grant Davis

11 & 12 – Emma Gelatt & Connor Johnston

13 & 14 – Ansley Davis & Luke Palmer

15 – 18 – Kamryn Carter & Ben and Jack Syers

Recipients of the “Coaches’ Award” were Maddy Rogers & Carson Duffy.

“Spirit Award” winners were announced.  They were Kelsey Jackson & Daniel Ergle.

The “Most Improved” swimmers were recognized as:

6 & Under – Sophia Maxwell & Ethan Zeigler

7 & 8 – Addy Sandt & Brett Piskorz

9 & 10 – Avery Glover & Kobe Valone

11 & 12 – Isabella Valone & Peter Van der Blom

13 & Up – Claire Crose & Ethan Eltz

These swimmers were cited for going the “Extra Mile”…

Kyra Larson, Adam Hall & Tyler Sandt

The Barracudas had a bevy of Record Breakers in 2014:

Kamryn Carter (15 – 18) 100 Freestyle, 50 Butterfly, 100 IM

Grant Davis (9 & 10) 50 Freestyle, 25 Butterfly, 100 IM, 100 Freestyle Relay

Ben Syers (15 – 18) 50 Freestyle

Jack Syers (15 – 18) 50 Backstroke

Kylie Mullings (11 & 12) 50 Backstroke

Laurel Blase (9 & 10) 25 Freestyle

Braeden Larson (9 &10) 100 Freestyle Relay & 100 Medley Relay

Nate Johnson (9 & 10) 100 Freestyle Relay & 100 Medley Relay

Conner Gelatt (9 & 10) 100 Freestyle Relay & 100 Medley Relay

Liam Mills (9 & 10) 100 Medley Relay

Carson Duffy (11 & 12) 200 Freestyle Relay

Anthony Cangemi (11 & 12) 200 Freestyle Relay

Nicholas Janflone (11 & 12) 200 Freestyle Relay

Conner Johnston (11  & 12) 200 Freestyle Relay

Five swimmers celebrated their 10th anniversary with the team:

Kamryn Carter, Daniel Palmer, Luke Palmer, Rachel Renner & Jordan Weems

These were the 2014 “Bitty Barracudas” –

Addie Kate Beck, Audrey Crose, Emmalyn DeBaker, Jolie Gutmann, Haylee Johnson, Sophia Maxwell, Grace McCrobie, Elizabeth McWhorter, Natalie Melton, Ella Grace Moores, Olivia Shaw, Lauren Stephens, Gigi Williams, Ian Blum, Britt Gonzi, Parker Ingram, Cash Kremer, Maddox Singleton, Cameron Thompson, Kolton Valone & Ethan Zeigler

The team said goodbye to its Seniors:

Josh Bath, Madeline Janflone, Joe Murray, Ben Syers, Jack Syers & Emma Williams

There were fond farewells, too for the Barracuda’s longtime coordinator, Anne Davis.  The team is relieved that although she’s stepping down as the Barracuda’s Big Kahuna, she’ll still be with the team next year.

Finally, tears were shed with the departure of Jonny Balchus.  Jonny started swimming for the team 12 years ago and for the past six was head coach.  “These six years have changed my life. I have watched kids grow up, families expand, and the love for swimming develop.  This job has brought so much joy to my life, and I hope that I was able to bring some joy to the amazing families of our team. Thank you Barracudas from the bottom of my heart for the fun and memories that will last a lifetime.”

Before Jonny swam off into Barracuda immortality, he led his fishies one last time in a rousing “Icky La Boomba” cheer!

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