LAKEPORT — The Lake County Channel Cats celebrated the end of the summer season Aug. 31 with their 48th annual awards banquet at the city pool.
The evening began with an introduction of board members and a special thanks to all parents and supporters of the swim team. Fundraiser awards were presented next with acknowledgement of the team”s two biggest fundraisers: SwimALot and the Fourth of July fireworks sales.
SwimALot, an event where swimmers gather pledges for laps swam in two hours, raised more than $2,500. Special recognition was given to the team”s top lap swimmers per group. They were Maya Butcher, Edgar Vasquez, Emma Larsen, Quinlan Burke, Nicole Hanson, Liam Wayment, Matteo Merodio and Lauren Rudnick. The Channel Cats swam a total of 54 miles.
Ribbons and medals were also given to participants in the first Channel Cat Challenge ? the team”s first sanctioned swim meet held at the Westshore Pool facility.
Special acknowledgement was given to Merodio and Charlie Adams for qualifying for Far Western Championships and to Rudnick for qualifying for the Junior Olympics. Also receiving special recognition were the MVPs for the high school swim season. They were Evan Thompson and and Chelo Lundquist-Krag of Clear Lake High School and Merodio and Amanda Ray of Kelseyville High School.
Swimmers who accomplished the incredible feat of swimming across Blue Lakes and back again were asked to stand for recognition.
Participation awards were then given to each and every swimmer. Participation awards are based on the number of years that each swimmer has been with the Channel Cats. Topping the list was Evan Thompson, who has been with the team for 11 years.
The Lake County Channel Cats award plaques to those swimmers who are considered most improved in their groups. The most improved girls were Siobhan Reed, Pualani Erickson, Nicole Hanson and Elizabeth Fricker. The most improved boys were Michael Sharp, Quinlan Burke, Tanner Morton and Owen Lawler.
The Channel Cats also awarded plaques to seven swimmers who received the Coach”s Award in their group. They were Wayment, Rudnick, Clara Andre, Ashley Vasquez, Cooper Dodd, Kelly Mulligan and Candace Clayton.
The highest honor of the evening was the one saved for last ? the Albert Arnold Award. This award is given to the swimmer who exhibits leadership, respect and a passion for life, athletics and family as did Albert Arnold. This year”s winner is Allison Hanson.
The Lake County Channel Cats have started their fall season, which encompasses the months of September and October. For more information visit their website at lakecountychannelcats.com or call 263-3131.
BraiderHansonArnold: Kerry Braider (left) presented Allison Hanson with the Albert Arnold Award for 2011.
FarWesternJO2011: Left to Right: Lauren Rudnick qualified for the 2011 Junior Olympics and Charlie Adams and Matteo Merodio qualified for the Far Western Championships. All three swimmers were given special towels to honor their accomplishments.
