Buffalo Boy's Blog

80 teams from the eastern US and 1000 swimmers make for the biggest meet in the country. Team Pittsburgh Aquatics has been running their annual Christmas Invitational at the University of Pittsburgh for 46 years now.

This year my swim club, the Stingrays, took just one swimmer. She is from the group I coach so I got to go down with her this weekend. I was curious to see her stacked up against other swimmers outside of the Niagara Swim District and to say the least she came through big time.

She is just 8 years old and did 6 events this weekend. Two each day of the three day meet. On Friday she won the 100 yd Freestyle and came in second in the 50 butterfly. On Saturday, 2nd in the 100 IM and 3rd in the 50 Breaststroke. On Sunday (today) 1st in the 50 backstroke and 2nd in the 50 freestyle. Time drops in everything and a very successful weekend. By far and away the biggest meet I have had the chance to be at.

One thing to look forward to is that when she ages up next year in September, she has already qualified for Eastern Zones for 9/10 age group in most events despite only being 8, which is the next step up the ladder of big meets. Long course Zones next year I believe are held in Long Island, Short Course Zones are held right here in Buffalo at the Burt Flickenger Center.  

The success made the snowy trip down and back all the more worth it.