June 20, 2006 > Mission Valley Barracudas race friendly rival Highland Sharks

by Praveena Raman

June 17
Score: 648.5 MV    Highlands 380.5

The words "friendly rivals" punctuate the relationship between the Barracudas (Cudas) and the Sharks, from Coaches to swimmers and parents.  So it was not a huge surprise to see Cuda coach Don French wearing a t-Shirt with a graphic sketch of rival coach Frank Gygax with golf clubs, on the front.  What was surprising was that on the back, instead of words describing Barracuda supremacy over the Sharks, it highlighted coach Frank's 25 years of coaching the Sharks.  Furthermore Coach Don designed the Frank Gygax t-shirt punctuating a friendship that has extended for over 32 years.  "I consider Frank as one of the best swim coaches in the Bay area.  The kids really love him."

Families from both teams streamed into the Mission Valley Swim Club at 7 a.m. on Saturday June 17.   Friendship between both teams was evident with friendly greetings, easy banter and socializing that took place throughout the meet. Cuda swimmers set the stage right from the start by placing first in the first two heats but the Sharks soon caught up and prevented the Cudas from taking first place in all heats.  The well matched teams gave spectators some exciting moments with extremely close and heated races, and then warmed everyone's hearts as contestants shook hands showing wonderful sportsmanship.  As the morning progressed, the Cudas recognized coach Frank with trivia about him announced periodically.  At the very end, before the final heat of the day, Coach Frank was given a gift of the graphic sketch by Coach Don.

The Cudas had their third straight win of the season with a score of 648.5 - 380.5. 
The following swimmers have placed first in their individual events in all three meets this season in their age group:

Boys:
Bryce McLaggen (9-10, free); Misha Galant (8&under, back); Kyle Quock (13-14, back); Paul Fracolli (15-18, back); Thomas Chi (11-12, IM); Kyle Quock (13-14, IM).
Girls: Hannah Scobel (13-14, free); Charlotte Miller, (11-12, fly).

The following swimmers have placed first for the first time this season in a particular individual event:

Boys:
Mark Perry (7-8, free); Thomas Chi (11-12, free); Kyle Quock (13-14 free); Jason Song (15-18, free); George Chen (13-14, breast); Adam Hancock (8&under, fly); Dean Luo (9-10, fly); Morten Graversen (13-14, fly); Jason Song (15-18, fly).

Girls:
Cathy Wagner (15-18, free); Hesper Wu (8&under, back); Stephanie Conn (15-18, back); Amber Chiang (8&under, breast); Tiffany Yen (13-14, breast); Courtney Moltzen (15-18, breast); Hesper Wu (8&under, fly); Krista Chan (13-14, IM); Alisa Tanakit (15-18, IM).

Kudos to the following swimmers for markedly improving their times: Keona Wu (-8.96; Free), Hesper Wu (-8.46; Free), and Laura Bean (-12.48; Fly).  The 100 yard Individual Medley is also an extremely strenuous event, which requires a lot of strength and stamina.  We would like to acknowledge these individuals who made significant improvements to their times: Krista Chan (-4.30), Samuel Mak (-4.30).