Meet Hightlights: Fall First Try

What an incredible way to dive into a brand-new season! Our first meet of the year, Fall First Try, was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of teamwork, learning, and ROW pride. The day kicked off with a lively morning workout filled with cheers, laughter, and a quick refresher on meet routines and expectations. Swimmers came together to support one another, shake off the summer break, and get back into racing mode with smiles and determination.

With 137 ROW athletes ranging in age from 7 to 17 years old, the energy on deck was electric. From our youngest swimmers experiencing their first meet to our seasoned competitors chasing new goals, everyone brought enthusiasm and courage to the pool. It was inspiring to see the full spectrum of ROW talent on display — a true reminder of how far we’ve come and how bright the future looks!

And what a performance it was! An amazing 87% of swimmers achieved at least one personal best time, showing that all those hours of practice and dedication are paying off. Even more impressive, 37 swimmers earned best times in every single event they raced — a fantastic accomplishment that shows the power of focus, preparation, and perseverance.

A huge round of applause goes out to Liam Blais, Zade Moellenkamp, and Nikkolai Turner, who each achieved best times in all five of their events! And let’s give a special shoutout to Amy Huang, who showed outstanding improvement with a blazing 41.92 in the 50m breaststroke, marking the biggest percentage drop of the meet!

The pool deck was filled with cheers, high-fives, and plenty of ROW spirit as our athletes encouraged one another from start to finish. We were thrilled to share the lanes with our friends from the Killer Whale Swim Team and the Huron Hurricanes Aquatic Club, who helped make the day even more exciting and full of great competition.

A huge thank you goes out to all the volunteer officials, timers, coaches, and parent helpers who made this event possible. Your time, energy, and positivity keep our meets running smoothly and create such a welcoming atmosphere for our swimmers. And to all the parents cheering in the stands — thank you for bringing the fun, the noise, and the spirit! You make every meet a celebration.