New Diamondbacks taste competition for first time

  • Published
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Several swimmers on the Del Rio Diamondbacks had their first opportunity to swim in a meet last Saturday in downtown San Antonio at the Natatorium. 

The meet was sponsored by the Alamo Area Aquatic Association (AAAA) and was comprised of 7 teams that included 361 swimmers from San Antonio, Austin and the surrounding communities. The athletes were swimming for best times and an opportunity to compete in the state championships in February.

Del Rio sent 17 Swimmers, 7 of which it was there first big swim meet and chance at competition. Emma Palmer (9 yrs old) from Brackettville had the most outstanding performance of the day by dropping her time 35 seconds in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:45.45. Marley Koontz (10 yrs old) and Zach Koontz (8 yrs old), also from Brackettville, competed for the first time in a swim meet and finished with incredible times. 

Marley was so excited, "I didn't want to swim because I think I was afraid but after I jumped in I just wanted to win", said Marley Koontz after her 50 yard freestyle event. Gage LaCharite and Mason LaCharite from Laughlin AFB were also swimming in their first meet and dominated with swims by Mason in the 50 yard freestyle and the best "place" performance by Gage LaCharite with a fourth place in the 100 yard Butterfly with a time of 1:31.31. 

Angeli MacClellan showed some racing speed in the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 30.89 and a ninth place with less than one second that separated her and first place.

When they weren't swimming the Diamondbacks were cheering on their teammates and veteran swimmers. Ben Jackey (9 yrs old) and Megan Thompson (9 yrs old) of Del Rio, led the way with "B" times in the 100 Breaststroke. 

Additionally, the following swimmers swam best times: Kara Thompson, Megan Thompson, Sarah Jackey, Josh Jackey, Abby Romero, Braxton Evans, Elisa Evans and Sam Palmer.

The team practices year around and although the fall season ends this month, the winter season will begin on Jan 8 and run thru May. All swimmers interested in trying out should call 775-0765 or visit the website at www.delriodiamondbacks.com.