Mississauga - With impeccable synchronization and astounding lifts, the Mississauga Synchronized Swimming Association’s Tier 6 (16 and over) team coached by Meaghan McGowan won First Place last weekend at the Ontario Provincial Championships held at the Olympium Pool in Etobicoke.

Winning the Gold Medal for their category were Lynn Gammie, Allison Hitchcock, Natalie Johnson, Cara Krall, Ashley Miller, Andrea Rubiano, Sara Savanyu and Brittany Thomson. Competing against teams from across the Province, the champions amazed the judges and packed gallery with their lively, dynamic winning routine swimming to ‘Mambo Italiano’.

In addition to team success, Ashley Miller placed 2nd winning the Silver Medal while Brittany Thomson came in 7th out of 43 swimmers in the compulsory figures events at the meet. The provincial championships are based 50% on compulsory figures and 50% on four minute routines swam to music.

The girls are now preparing for the Eastern/Atlantic Divisional Competition in Quebec City, March 22-26, 2006 and the Canadian Espoir Championships at Etobicoke’s Olympium pool June 7 – 10, 2006.

Another MSSA Tier 6 team, comprised of all new swimmers to the national competition stream, finished 4th in routine and 5th overall in the 16 and over competition. Team member Juliana Hatch placed 10th in the 16 and over figures competition. Coached by Debbie Stanton, other team members include Alissa Cait, Amanda Charbon, Samantha DiFilippo, Melissa George, Katy Kuszper, Amanda Secord, and Sarah Venner.

Mississauga Synchro swimmers are experiencing great success so far this competitive season. Earlier in February, the MSSA Tier 4 team competed in the Ontario Winter Game Trials, winning the Silver Medal and qualifying for the Games, being held March 9-12, 2006 at Buell Aquatic Centre at CFB Borden in Barrie.

The Tier 4 team includes Rebecca Gordon, Colleen Gammie, Nicole Amato, Kelly Bowman, Melissa Egan, Cheryl Jackson, and Trisha Petrosoniak.

MSSA has been in operation for 35 years and is currently one of the four largest synchronized swimming clubs in the province with over 100 members ranging in age from 7 to 50+. MSSA offers programs to suit a broad range of participants including a very successful competitive program, two separate recreational programs, a Masters program and a Unique Athletes program designed to accommodate swimmers with disabilities.

Sara Savanyu boosts Natalie Johnson out of the water during the Championship winning routine by the Mississauga Synchronized Swimming Association’s Tier Six team at the Ontario Synchronized Swimming Provincial Championships held in Etobicoke, February 17 – 19, 2006. (Photo by Steve Parr)

For more information please contact:

Wendy Yule
President
MSSA

Debbie Stanton
Head Coach
MSSA