By Head Coach Bill Snape (billsnape@earthlink.net)
Led by superstar Marcus Titus, the dozen deaf swimmers who came to San Fernando, California July 17-18 had numerous personal best times and even more World Championship long course cuts. Although many collegiate-age deaf swimmers chose to skip the meet, the cadre of young swimmers in attendance was exciting and fast.
Titus, who will compete at the U.S. National Championships in early August and already possesses numerous deaf American and world records, was simply dominant as he won the 50 Free, 100 Breast, 200 Breast, 100 Fly, and 200 IM. His 58.90 in the 100 meter Fly was .03 seconds off the American record as current record holder Zeb Jenkins watched the swim from the sidelines. In Titus’ specialties, the 100 and 200 Breast, the entire crowd would stop and watch his powerful (and seemingly effortless) start, turn and strokes. Good luck at Nationals Marcus!
Scott Farrell and Scott Matchett joined Titus in the winner’s circle. Farrell had an excellent competition in the freestyle sprints, and won the 100 Free in 56.48. Matchett was equally impressive, swimming a diverse entrée of events and won the 200 Back in 2:24.37. In addition, Deaflympians Samantha Elam and Jake Hammack were in the top five in several events, including Sam’s victory in the 100 Free; 1:04.7.
The youngest deaf swimmer of the competition was 11 year-old Regan Brady from Ohio, who had several personal bests including a good 44.7 in the 50 Fly. Other excellent swims were put in by Jazmin Hernandez, Miranda Benson and Catherine Parker, all of whom made World Championship cuts. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the meet were the Freeman brothers from Kentucky, Edward and Kenneth, who not only did their personal best time every time they jumped in the pool, but also made numerous World cuts and were in the upper echelon of finishers in many of those events; these two young men are up and coming stars. Although newcomer Saruul Charlz from North Carolina did not make any World cuts, his determination and positive attitude were infectious; Saruul will only get better and he was a pleasure to have at the meet.
The swimmers were experiencing 100+ temperatures outside and 80+ temps in the water. For these swimmers to pull off multiple personal bests in those conditions was nothing short of phenomenal!
The full results of the meet can be seen by clicking here.
For those who want to see Marcus compete at US Nationals, NBC will be televising the meet the weekend of August 7-8: USA Swimming Nationals
In sum, the future of United States Deaf Swimming looks bright indeed. Stay tuned for more!
