The St. Croix Dolphins Swim Team took five swimmers to compete at the St. Maarten Super Splash Invitational Swim Meet over the weekend of Nov. 15-17. The young athletes, ages 6 to 12, participated in their first ever off-island meet. The competition was attended by more than 100 swimmers from seven different teams. Dolphin swimmers had an overwhelmingly good meet with various best times and top spots for some of their events.
Victoria Sperber did very well bringing home four 3rd place medals and ranking 4th place overall in Girls 8 and under. She placed 3rd in the 8 and under girls’ category 50 breastroke, 25 breastroke, 25 butterfly and 100 individual medley. Jaiden Camacho had a great meet earning a 2nd place in the 25 freestyle and 3rd in the 50 freestyle 8 and under boys’ category. Tyler Jones, the youngest Dolphin on this trip, got 3rd in the 100 backstroke 8 and under boys’ category. Anasha Gomez and Tyler Alexis both had amazing swims with numerous best times, placing 4th in many of their events. Dolphin swimmers looked great in the water and made many new friends, displaying great enthusiasm and team spirit as well as positive sportsmanship among all competitors. 
The meet was a great opportunity for the young Dolphins to develop their competition and racing skills. Understanding bigger competitions like this one takes some time and experience for swimmers to develop. After each meet the swimmer competes in, they learn something new about competition and even about themselves. This group of swimmers had a great work ethic, and they represented the St. Croix Dolphins well. This only furthers the motivation to achieve qualification standards to represent St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands in even bigger competitions in the future.
The upcoming events on the Dolphins calendar are the VISF Short Course Swim Meet on Nov. 23 at the Beeston Hill Pool and the 10th Annual Dolphins Sea Swim on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. Those who register for the Sea Swim by Dec. 6 can take advantage of the special price of only $30. Registration forms can be accessed on the Web site: wwwstcroixdolphins.org.
Anyone who would like to be a part of this rewarding sport or would like more information about the program, contact the Dolphins Swim Team on St. Croix at 719-7946, e-mail stcroixdolphins@gmail.com. or visit the Web site: www.stcroixdolphins.org. In addition to the competitive youth and masters swim teams, the St. Croix Dolphins Swim Team offers a Learn to Swim Program that includes classes for infants, toddlers, children and adults as well as life guard and CPR certifications.
