NSW Short Course Development Meet

30 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
Anthony Ventra and Amber Johnson both took home top three ribbons from the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre today as they represented Cumberland at the NSW Short Course Development Meet.

Amber finished with two individual ribbons after finishing third in both the 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke. In the Freestyle, Amber took just under half a second off her P.B. to win her heat in 30.35 and finish third overall. While in the Backstroke, Amber maintained her ranking going into the event to again finish third in 34.48, just 0.07 seconds outside her personal best time.
Amber's other two individual swims resulted in two new PBs as she took over 3 seconds off her 50m Breaststroke time and almost 3/4 of a second off her 50m Butterfly.

Meanwhile, Anthony finished second in the 50m Breaststroke and also swam new personal best times in the 100m Individual Medley, 50m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke. Anthony's 100m IM was a new personal best by over 3 seconds while in the 50m Freestyle he swam under 28 seconds for the first time and took over 1 second off his 50m Backstroke PB.

Amber and Anthony also combined to make up half of the Cumberland 14yrs & Over Team in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay, finishing in a very close second place.

Congratulations to both Amber and Anthony on their performances.
The full results with splits are now available.

Medal Tally

Gold 0
Silver 2
Bronze 2

See Also
  • 2007 Cumberland Development Squads Announced

  • 2007 NSW Short Course Development Meet - Results

    • 2006/2007 Season Review

    30 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Features
    2006/2007 saw some of the closest finishes in club competitions for years along with some excellent representative results as the club marked the completion of another successful season.

    The 2006/2007 season again began with some brilliant October weather. Despite the good weather, numbers were down slightly at both the weekly Saturday morning races and weekday training sessions.

    The club's Learn to Swim program however continued to increase in popularity and numbers, with 74 children enrolled while Brittany Johnson completed her Austswim Qualifications to increase our Instructor ranks.

    In the club competitions, some members were able to successfully defend their titles while some events saw the emergence of new champions. "The Swimmers" backed up their 2005/2006 win in the Relay Competition to take out the title for the second time. In the Senior Handicap, Peter Johnston topped the pointscore for the 6th time to equal Glenda Wood's record number of titles.

    In one of the closest finishes in years, Brittany Johnson won the Champion of Champions Award for the fourth year in a row, just 15 points ahead of Peter Johnston. Brittany won both her Age and Open Championships, placed second in the Female Graded Pointscore and set 9 club records. Brittany also represented the club at the Metropolitan Championships.
    Meanwhile, Taysha Wilson was presented with the Jack Smart Encouragement Award after steadily improving over the season.

    In the Graded Pointscore, Peter Johnston finished with the highest number of points overall. Mitchell Burt, was awarded the Michael Rossek Trophy for the highest placed Junior Boy in the Graded Races Pointscore while Amber Johnson received the Ronald Exley Trophy for the highest placed Junior Girl. Amber's victory in the Graded Pointscore further extended her record number of wins in the competition to have now won the competition on 5 separate occasions.

    2006/2007 saw some changes to our representative teams while the number of swimmers representing the club remained about the same. During the season we had swimmers competing at all levels up to and including State Age Championships with our teams consisting of a mixture of new and experienced swimmers. Some swimmers returned to teams after not qualifying in previous years, some were rookies, qualifying for their first representative team while others added new events to their roster or qualified for new teams.
    Anthony Ventra qualified for the State Championships for the first time while Amber Johnson qualified for the Metropolitan Short Course Championships for the first time since 2004.
    At the Cumberland Short Course Championships, the club had finalists in over 70% of the events we contested with Timothy Tunks qualifying for his first District Championships and Anthony Ventra taking home a medal in the 50m Breaststroke, making this year's meet one of the club's best team performances at the championships since they began in 2002.
    Four of our swimmer's performances at District meets over the summer were recognised with selection in the 2007 Cumberland District Development Squads with Anthony and Amber scoring top 3 finishes at the NSW Development Meet.

    In the Club Championships, the Open Mens Championship was the most hotly contested with 13 swimmers competing. The 12yrs Boys Age Championship was also well contested with 6 swimmers competing. 13 Championship records were broken over the season.

    Brittany Johnson
    16yrs Girls 50m Freestyle (Sue Corkin, 1982/1983)
    16yrs Girls 100m Freestyle (Angela McQueen, 2001/2002)
    16yrs Girls 200m Freestyle (Angela McQueen, 2001/2002)
    16yrs Girls 400m Freestyle (Sue Corkin, 1982/1983)
    16yrs Girls 50m Backstroke (Merran Lee, 1974/1975)
    16yrs Girls 50m Breaststroke (Meaghan Legge, 2001/2002)
    16yrs Girls 100m Breaststroke (Carolyn Exley, 1973/1974)
    16yrs Girls 50m Butterfly (Sue Corkin, 1982/1983)
    16yrs Girls 100m Butterfly (Sue Corkin, 1982/1983)
    Mitchell Emery
    16yrs Boys 400m Freestyle (Todd Jenkin, 2004/2005)
    Open Mens 1500m Freestyle (Mitchell Emery, 2005/2006)
    Anthony Ventra
    13yrs Boys 50m Breaststroke (Todd Jenkin, 2001/2002)
    Ian Wilson
    Veterans Mens 50m Backstroke (Stephen McFarlane, 2000/2001)


    2006/2007 also saw the running of our annual swimming meet, the Merrylands SwimFest, at Merrylands for the fifth time. The weather was outstanding with the meet held in excellent conditions and running very smoothly. The meet again featured the use of AOE & SAT timing equipment and this year had a record number of entries. 39 of our swimmers competed at the meet, winning 31 medals and also narrowly winning the club pointscore, just 12 points ahead of Wentworthville.

    Our Winter Competition was held for the fourth time and despite low numbers those attending had a good time. Anthony Ventra won the male competition and Belinda Sloane the female competition.

    Finally, towards the end of the season it was announced that Swimming NSW would be changing the District Boundaries of the Metropolitan Districts, merging the existing 8 districts into 4 new areas. As a result, the Cumberland District will cease to exist as of 31st March 2008.

    See Also
  • 2006/2007 Rankings

  • 2006/2007 Presentation Evening

  • NSW Metropolitan Championships - Team

  • NSW Metropolitan Championships - Results

  • Cumberland Open & Age Championships - Team

  • Cumberland Open & Age Championships - Results

  • NSW Metropolitan Short Course Championships - Team

  • NSW Metropolitan Short Course Championships - Results

  • NSW State Age Short Course Championships - Team

  • NSW State Age Short Course Championships - Results

  • Cumberland Open & Age Short Course Championships - Team

  • Cumberland Open & Age Short Course Championships - Results

  • NSW Short Course Development Meet - Results

  • Cumberland Development Squads

    • Cumberland Short Course Results

    19 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
    Anthony Ventra won Merrylands' sole medal at the Cumberland District Open & Age Short Course Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on the weekend.

    Swimming in the 50m Breaststroke, our club's final event of the weekend, Anthony took home the Bronze Medal in a new personal best time. Anthony's medal followed some other outstanding swims by our other team members earlier in the weekend.

    In addition to Anthony's medal, our team of 5 swimmers finished with 16 finalists ribbons and 14 personal best times from 23 events at the two day meet.

    Anthony also finished with finalist ribbons in 4 other events and swam 3 new personal best times along the way.

    Amber Johnson swam new personal best times in four of her six events and finished in the top 10 in 3 events. Amber's best result came in the 50m Backstroke where she finished 6th in a new personal best time of 34.41.

    Peter Johnston's best result was in the 50m Breaststroke where he finished 7th in a new personal best of 34.05. In total, Peter swam new PBs in 3 out of his 5 events with finalist ribbons in 4 events.

    David Wang was our fourth finalist at the meet and finished in the top 10 in all 5 of his events. David also swam 3 new personal best times with his best result coming in the 200m Individual Medley where he finished 4th after breaking his PB by over 13 seconds.

    Timothy Tunks was our fifth swimmer at the meet and he was swimming in his first District Championships. Tim swam well, dispite not breaking his PB.

    Finalist Summary:

    Anthony Ventra
    14yrs 50m Freestyle (9th)
    14yrs 100m Freestyle (10th)
    14yrs 50m Breaststroke (3rd)
    14yrs 100m Breaststroke (4th)
    14yrs 200m Individual Medley (7th)
    David Wang
    14yrs 50m Freestyle (10th)
    14yrs 100m Freestyle (8th)
    14yrs 50m Breaststroke (6th)
    14yrs 100m Breaststroke (6th)
    14yrs 200m Individual Medley (4th)
    Amber Johnson
    14yrs 50m Backstroke (6th)
    14yrs 100m Backstroke (7th)
    Open 100m Backstroke (10th)
    Peter Johnston
    17yrs & Over 50m Breaststroke (7th)
    Open 100m Breaststroke (8th)
    Open 200m Breaststroke (10th)
    17yrs & Over 50m Backstroke (9th)

    The swimmers who swam PBs were:

    Anthony Ventra
    50m Freestyle
    100m Freestyle
    50m Breaststroke
    200m Individual Medley
    David Wang
    50m Freestyle
    100m Freestyle
    200m Individual Medley
    Amber Johnson
    50m Freestyle
    50m Backstroke
    100m Backstroke
    200m Individual Medley
    Peter Johnston
    50m Breaststroke
    200m Breaststroke
    50m Butterfly

    Congratulations to all 5 swimmers on their performances. Overall our club finished in 19th position on 223 points.
    The full results with splits are now available.

    Medal Tally

    Gold 0
    Silver 0
    Bronze 1

    See Also
  • Cumberland Open & Age Short Course Championships

  • 2007 Cumberland District Open & Age Short Course Championships - Results

    • Cumberland Short Course Championships

    13 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
    The 2007 Cumberland District Open & Age Short Course Championships will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September, 2007.

    The club will be represented by 5 swimmers at the meet, competing in 24 individual events.
    Amber Johnson and Anthony Ventra have qualified for their first Open events while for Timothy Tunks, this will be his first Cumberland Championships.

    Our team will be competing in the following events over the two day meet:

    Timothy Tunks
    9 & Under/10yrs 50m Freestyle (Day 1 - Session 1 - 10:34am)
    Anthony Ventra
    13/14yrs 100m Breaststroke (Day 1 - Session 1 - 10:01am)
    13/14yrs 50m Freestyle (Day 1 - Session 1 - 11:20am)
    Open 100m Breaststroke (Day 1 - Session 2 - 2:31pm)
    13/14yrs 200m Individual Medley (Day 2 - Session 3 - 9:49am)
    13/14yrs 100m Freestyle (Day 2 - Session 3 - 11:34am)
    13/14yrs 50m Breaststroke (Day 2 - Session 4 - 3:01pm)
    David Wang
    13/14yrs 100m Breaststroke (Day 1 - Session 1 - 10:01am)
    13/14yrs 50m Freestyle (Day 1 - Session 1 - 11:20am)
    13/14yrs 200m Individual Medley (Day 2 - Session 3 - 9:49am)
    13/14yrs 100m Freestyle (Day 2 - Session 3 - 11:34am)
    13/14yrs 50m Breaststroke (Day 2 - Session 4 - 3:01pm)
    Amber Johnson
    Open 100m Backstroke (Day 1 - Session 1 - 10:58am)
    13/14yrs 50m Freestyle (Day 1 - Session 1 - 11:25am)
    13/14yrs 100m Backstroke (Day 1 - Session 2 - 1:53pm)
    13/14yrs 200m Individual Medley (Day 2 - Session 3 - 9:59am)
    13/14yrs 50m Backstroke (Day 2 - Session 3 - 11:02pm)
    13/14yrs 100m Freestyle (Day 2 - Session 3 - 11:41am)
    Peter Johnston
    15yrs & Over 50m Breaststroke (Day 1 - Session 1 - 11:32am)
    Open 100m Breaststroke (Day 1 - Session 2 - 2:31pm)
    15yrs & Over 50m Backstroke (Day 1 - Session 2 - 3:07pm)
    Open 200m Breaststroke (Day 2 - Session 3 - 10:41am)
    15yrs & Over 50m Freestyle (Day 2 - Session 3 - 11:23am)
    15yrs & Over 50m Butterfly (Day 2 - Session 4 - 3:01pm)

    Times should be used as a guide only.

    Congratulations to the 5 swimmers for qualifying and good luck at the meet.

    You can follow the team's progress over the weekend at http://www.cumberlandswim.com.au/.

    See Also
  • 2007 Cumberland District Open & Age Short Course Championships - Program of Events & Qualifying Times
  • State, Metropolitan and Country Championship Procedures

  • Competitor Information

  • Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Parking Arrangements

    • Take the plunge

    12 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Media Articles
    If you have always wanted to swim competitively, Merrylands Swimming Club coach Peter Johnston invites you to dip your toe in the water.

    The club is having a Come 'n' Try Day for swimmers to see if they want to take the plunge into serious swimming, either at a club, or state competition level.

    "We are looking for people who can swim a bit, but want to take that further and work up to competition swimming," Mr Johnston said.

    Participants need to be able to swim at least 20m but stroke and style is not important.

    A competitive swimmer for 20 years, Mr Johnston has been a coach at Merrylands for about four years.

    He said some swimmers enjoyed the competition and could go all the way to state championships.

    Some took part for social reasons in club competitions, he said.

    The day is on September 14 at Merrylands Swim Centre and is free with pool entry but registration is essential.

    2007/2008 Registration

    04 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
    Merrylands Swimming Centre re-opens for the 2007/2008 season on Monday, 10th September and Swimming Training returns to the pool on the same day.

    The club will be running two weeks of time trials leading into the 2007/2008 Swimming Season, starting at 7:00am on Saturday, 15th and Saturday, 22nd September.
    On these two mornings you will also be able to register for the new season after the time trials.

    New members are welcome to register on either of these days or can attend our Come 'n Try Day on Friday, 14th September.

    This season, Swimmers 20yrs & Over have the option of registering as a Masters Competitor which will allow them to participate in Masters Swimming activities.

    If you are unable to register on the time trial mornings you are welcome to register on any Saturday morning during the normal season. The 2007/2008 season will begin on Saturday, 6th October.

    See Also
  • Masters Swimming

  • Swimming Training

  • Come 'n Try Swimming

  • School Holiday Program

    • Training Returns to Merrylands

    04 September 2007 Peter-Johnston Squad Training News
    Training returns to Merrylands Swimming Centre on Monday, 10th September, 2007.

    On this afternoon swimmers will need to complete enrolment forms for the 2007/2008 season.

    All squad members must register as members of Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club for the 2007/2008 swimming season. Swimmers are encouraged to attend the club’s races on a Saturday morning to register and participate in the races.

    Training times remain the same as at Wentworthville and are available on the Training Schedule page.

    See Also
  • Training Schedule

    • Masters Swimming

    30 August 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
    Merrylands A.S.C. has recently affiliated with Masters Swimming New South Wales. Club Members 20yrs and Over now have the option of registering as a Masters Competitor to participate in activites offered by Masters Swimming NSW.

    AUSSI Masters Swimming's programs cater for all levels of swimming ability.
    You may just be able to swim 25 metres, you may have been a school champion; you may be swimming laps to improve your fitness and well-being; or you may have been a competitive swimmer. Whatever level you are, you will benefit from the range of activities offered by Masters Swimming.

    These activities include Inter-Club Swims, State Championships and the Aerobic Swim Program. Merrylands Swimming Squad is also expecting to soon offer Adult classes for training and stroke correction.

    For more information on Masters Swimming, visit the Masters Swimming NSW website.

    See Also
  • Masters Swimming NSW
  • Masters Swimming NSW Activities

    • Cumberland Short Course Entries

    20 August 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
    Entries for the 2007 Cumberland District Open & Age Short Course Championships close on Monday, 27th August, 2007.

    The entries are to be on Multi-Entry Cards.

    To compete at these championships you must have achieved the required qualifying time at an approved meet as detailed on the Qualifying Time Information page.

    The Multi-Entry cards must be completely filled out including date and place that times were achieved. Entries must also include your registration number.

    No late entries will be accepted.

    See Also
  • 2007 Cumberland District Open & Age Short Course Championships - Program of Events & Qualifying Times
  • Qualifying Time Information

  • Multi-Entry Card Information

  • Winter Meet Entry Procedures

  • State, Metropolitan and Country Championship Procedures

  • Competitor Information

  • Schedule of Constants

  • Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Parking Arrangements

    • State Age Short Course Results

    18 August 2007 Peter-Johnston Latest News
    Anthony Ventra took over 2 seconds off his personal best time at the 2007 NSW State Age Short Course Championships at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre this morning.

    Swimming at his first State Championships in the 100m Breaststroke, an event that he had only just qualified for by 0.03 seconds, Anthony swam a great race with an excellent second 50m to finish in 1:19.70. His time was a new personal best by 2.07 seconds and placed him 18th overall, after originally qualifying in 25th.

    Congratulations to Anthony on his swim.

    The full results are available here.

    See Also
  • 2007 NSW State Age Short Course Championships - Results
  • 2007 NSW State Age Short Course Championships Team