TigerSharks boast a pool of talent

By Josh Beaver
THE future of Casey TigerSharks Swimming Club looks nothing short of spectacular, based on the results of Sunday’s qualifying meet at Casey RACE.
The annual TigerShark swim meet, which attracted over 500 competitors from clubs across Victoria, went ‘swimmingly’, according to head coach Ben Hiddlestone.
Many youngsters used the meet to showcase their talents.
The morning session featured 13-year-olds Jessica Li and Jessica Faoro, who set the pool alight with meet records.
Faoro claimed the meet record for 100-metres breaststroke, while Li set new times in the 100m and 200m backstroke.
But it was the efforts of 12-year-old Shaun Banzon that impressed coaches and spectators alike.
Banzon not only claimed a meet record in the 100m breaststroke, but obtained yet another qualifying time for the Age National Championships to be held in Brisbane next April. “It was so exciting to see Shaun get his first national time,” assistant coach Julie-Ann Roberts said.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session brought in numbers and experience.
Hannah Smith, 16, returned to fine form, clinching the 400m freestyle in a meet record time of 4.31.51, breaking the previous record held by team-mate Stephanie Demistichas.
The continuing dominance of powerhouse Matson Lawson saw him take out meet records in the 200m freestyle and the toughest of events, the 400m individual medley.
With the introduction of an electronic scoreboard, Casey RACE provided the perfect venue to signal the beginning of the long-course season.
It also served as an ideal lead-in to the pinnacle of age group swimming – the Victorian Age Championships at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in December.
The day wouldn’t have been complete without TigerShark Brad York polishing off a 500g pack of cream biscuits in 19 minutes, which, according to proud team-mates, is a state record. York is still recovering.