As if to mimic the plunging stock market prices in recent weeks, the Ocean City C-Cerpants opened their U.S.S. meet season with falling times in many of their events.  Twenty-one intrepid swimmers dove head-first into the GCIT Oktoberfest held on October 11-12^th.  Many of the swimmers improved their times from last season.  Several also tried new events that they have never entered.  It was a great start to what could be the best C-Cerpant season ever. 

 On October 19^th, the C-Cerpant mini team managed to find the pool at Fort Dix and make quite a splash.  Eleven 8-and-under swimmers attended the Storm October Mini meet.  Julia Wilson made her debut in her first U.S.S. meet and is happy to say that she had fun.  Dolan Grisbaum blew away the five year old competition, swimming 25 meters for every event including butterfly.  Matthew Nunan was the only five year old in the meet swimming the 50 free and he finished, dropping his time by over seven seconds.  Rebecca Reade had quite a showing in her events.  Carley Rossiter was raring to go and swam every 50 and 100 the meet had to offer.  Not to be outdone by his brother, Doug Grisbaum dropped almost 6 seconds in his 50 freestyle.  Maggie Wallace took an amazing 17 seconds off her 100 IM time.  Ryann Styer took 7 ½ seconds off her IM and managed an average drop of 3 seconds in her other events.  Tony Wilson showed off his talent in the 100 free and 25 breast, completing both for the first time in a meet.  Marian Wisham debuted several 50’s in this meet and helped the relay secure a third place finish.  Daniel Nunan took on five events and broke the 50 back meet record in a time of 39.26.

All the swimmers demonstrated a lot of spirit and enthusiasm as they all made quite a showing in the first mini meet of the season.  Things are looking very bright for the 8- and-under swimmers this year.

Thanks to all the parents who helped out at both meets as officials and stagers.  Swim meets are successful because of the volunteers that help support the team.  Get involved!

It was fun down on the farm, Duffield’s Farm that is, on Saturday afternoon, October 11^th, when a group of OCCC swimmers went in search of the Great Pumpkin.  Not only did they find pumpkins, they found doughnuts, pies, hot dogs and french fries, too (plus a little insect protein.)  Fortunately, no one got lost in the corn maze and even the parents were able to find their way out.  Despite the dust and the heat, everyone had a fun time on the hayride and getting to pick their very own pumpkin.  Check the bulletin board for more team activities coming soon.  Hope everyone can join us!