Highbridge Aquatics

"HARD WORKERS OF THE MONTH"

Every month, the coaches will choose the one person in each of the divisions who they feel has been the hardest worker of the month.  That swimmer keeps a traveling trophy for a month and will also receive a special H.A. cap for this honor.

 

January 2012
Senior Division: Drew Sutphin
In the 13 & over division, Drew Sutphin wins for January. Although Drew did not miss a day of practice in January, he also wins because of his positive attitude and willingness to work. He's been doing very well. Trent Mattingly and Cameron Younger continue to be the leaders of the senior group, as far as hard work and dedication are concerned, but I have to mention Emily Davis, Jonathan Sekela, Haley Ramsey, Isaac Rowe, and Tani Peshkopia as others who had an excellent January.
9-12 Division: Jessie Adams
In the 9-12 division, Jessie Adams gets my vote. There is no doubt that Jessie has just finished the best month of swimming she's ever had. She is really learning how to practice well, and her smiles and energy in practice have been very enjoyable. Emily Peck and Carly Fugmann continue to be the steadiest workers in this age division, but Jessie wins for January. Honorable mentions in this age group would have to go to Quinton Carr, Tucker Carr, and Kendall Rowe.
8 & unders Division: Annelise Espinosa
In the 8 & under division, Annelise Espinosa wins the trophy. Annelise made 17 workouts in January, and if you take out Sundays, New Year's Day, and the Columbus weekend, this is pretty good. She, too, is learning how to practice better and, for an 8 year old, is making good improvement. Based on the results from the Columbus weekend, all of our 8 and unders seem to be doing well. Honorable mentions for some other 8 and unders in the month of January would have to include Andrew Lewis, Jenna Wells, and Lillian Sisler.
December 2011
Senior Division: Maggie Patterson
In the 13 & over division, the winner was a difficult decision. I think there are four swimmers who have impressed me the most in the month of December: Maggie Patterson, Wyatt Lamb, Drew Sutphin, and Courtney Younger. From these four, I believe that Maggie Patterson deserves the nod. Maggie, I think, may have just finished the best month of swimming she's ever had. Her attitudes and effort in practice, and Bloomington, have been exemplary. With continued progress like December, she is becoming a very special athlete to watch. She already is, but she has a very exciting future. In addition to these four, I would also have to add a few others who I thought had a great month: Josh Adams, Emily Davis, Britt Fugmann, Trent Mattingly, Haley Ramsey, and Cameron Younger.
9-12 Division: Emily Peck
In the 9-12 division, Emily Peck is the winner. I've been around swimming a long time, and I don't think I've ever been around a 10 & under who practices as energetically and enthusiastically and as smart as Emily Peck. Even at 9 years old, she is very receptive to coaching and it is very rare that you see this child not smiling. She really never has an "off" month, but December was extremely well done. Her results in Bloomington were perfect, and I suspect that her Columbus meet will be just as successful. Honorable mentions go out to Quinton and Tucker Carr.
8 & unders Division: Gavin Carr
In the 8 & under division, the winner is Gavin Carr. Gavin is one of several who were able to make every Christmas workout and Bob and I could really notice the difference. Gavin has made extraordinary progress since beginning the team a little over one year ago. This was obvious in a very impressive Bloomington meet. I have really made an effort to encourage all swimmers to practice much smarter than in the past -- I refer to it as a better "cerebral" approach. Although still just 8 years old, we can see how Gavin is thinking more in practice. Honorable mentions to both Lillian Sisler and Jenna Wells.
November 2011
Senior Division: Trent Mattingly
In the 13 & over division, Trent Mattingly wins for the month of November. It's interesting, but something has clicked for this one, as well, which is great to see for a senior in high school. Throughout this season, and especially lately, Trent has really excelled and it's been obvious to see this improvement in practice. Not only has he made more workouts than any other swimmer, he's quietly determined and very pollite. It will be easy to predict a good upcoming meet for him.
9-12 Division: Carly Fugmann
In the 9-12 division, the winner is 12 year old Carly Fugmann. In the past eight months or so, somethin has clicked for this one. Although Carly's attendance has been great, it's what she's doing in practice that has made such a major difference. Carly has been on the team for several years already and it's amazing to see how much improvement she's made lately.
8 & unders Division: Ania Lewis
In the 8 & under division, the winner is 8 year old Ania Lewis. Ania is a newcomer to the team and the coaches have already seen a fantastic difference since when she started. She has been a great listener, always polite and smiling, and will attend her first meet this coming weekend.
September-October 2011

Senior Division: Cameron Younger
In the 13 & over division, Cameron Younger is my top choice. He has truly had a remarkable September and October. Many senior swimmers have had a great beginning to this season, but Cameron has put forth a lot more energy and enthusiasm and desire into his workouts. Practice attendance is a big part of these honors, but certainly not the only thing we look for. This gets down to stretching, locker room behavior, support of teammates, you name it, we're looking for it. Cameron, for just 14 years old, has made the beginning of this season especially fun for me and I am excited to see how far he'll go this winter. Having an ankle in a cast will be a small bump in the road because of his attitudes.

Runner-ups for this age group would have to include Trent Mattingly, Emily Davis, Maggie Patterson, and Drew Sutphin. In addition, I'd like to give an honorable mention to Emma Ferrier and jonathan Sekela. I never know how each version of H.A. will turn out when we lose seniors to college, but I must tell you that the current group of 13 & overs on this year's team have really motivated me so far.
9-12 Division: Mikala Flaugher
In the 9-12 division, no swimmer has come close to working as hard as Carly Fugmann, Mikala Flaugher, and Emily Peck. These three females continue to learn how to practice well and, of course, their practice attendance has been very good. But for this first six week award, the winner will be Mikala Flaugher. I would hope that all 9-12 swimmers notice the energy, listening skills, and determination that these three young girls are showing.
8 & unders Division: Nara Lee
In the 8 & under division, the winner is Nara Lee. Nara will soon be 9, but she has shown great maturity and intelligence for an 8 year old swimmer. She has had an exemplary attitude and has honestly been a joy to coach again. Runner-ups in this division would have to include Ania Lewis, Lillian Sisler, and Annelise Espinosa. All three coaches have been encouraged by the members of our 8 & under division. The returning swimmers, and a great group of newcomers, have combined to make this a very good group for H.A., but the leader this month must be Nara Lee.