Rockford Riptide swimmers perform the Hokey Pokey at a recent competition.
The Riptide team is winding down its winter competitive season with some strong performances. More than 70 local Rockford Riptide competitive swim team members competed in the club’s recent Super Splash Stroke Championship.
Eleven Riptide swimmers took first place in one or more events. They are Russell Brown, Alexa Caster, Stephan Cress, Jessica Cutler, Rachel Gamm, Daniel Haid, Marisa Marion, Sydney McDowell, David Newberger, Jacob Newberger, and Craig Wasberg.
Also placing in Super Splash events were Riptide swimmers Grace Badinovac, Yousef Bennett, Erica Cutler, Jessica Cutler, Sara Fredricks, Rachel Gamm, Daniel Haid, Julian Kipke, Marissa Marion, Sydney McDowell, David Newberger, Jacob Newberger, Rachael Romain, Meegan Snyman, Noah Stallworth, Karrington VanderMolen, Craig Wasberg, and Madelyn White.
Riptide swimmers are almost midway through the very competitive winter season. Upcoming meets include the Junior Olympics trials in Holt, plus the 12-and-under state championship at Waterford and the 13-and-over state event at Jenison.
Riptide’s purpose is to introduce children to the benefits of competitive swimming and encourage swimmers to reach their highest level of potential in and out of the water while demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship skills.
Rockford Riptide swim team is now registering swimmers its spring session, which runs April 12 through May 27. Riptide is a United States Swimming competitive swim program and part of Rockford Aquatics.
A registration session is scheduled for Monday, March 15 and Wednesday, March 17, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Rockford High School pool.
Competitive swimming experience is not necessary, and swimmers new to Riptide will be evaluated during the registration session so they can be placed in the program that best fits their skills and goals.
Riptide is comprised of several swim sessions over the course of the year. These sessions vary in length and involve some meet opportunities in addition to practices. Fun events like beach parties and pizza and pool game nights are included during the sessions. For complete information about Riptide programs, visit www.riptide.org.
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