December 25, 2007

Wilson County TN...In the USA Swimming Virtual Club Championships rankings, Excel Aquatics is ranked 52nd in the Nation, and 3rd in the Southeastern Swimming LSC midway through the Short Course Season.  In a system where only the top two swimmers of each age have their score counted towards team totals, Wilson County Residents ranked in the Top 2 for Excel accounted for 10,961 of Excel's 150,617 points.  In addition, each swimmer may only score in 4 events total.  This point total by Wilson County residents is over 8,000 more points than all other Wilson County Residents swimming for all other clubs combined.  There is a Measurable Qualitative Difference with Evidence Based Results such as USA Swimming VCC rankings and IMX rankings.

December 23, 2007

Wilson County TN...As we head into an Olympic Year, Excel Aquatics has announced that Olympic Gold Medalist Ian Crocker will be coming to Brentwood TN on January 5th, to conduct a clinic exclusively for Excel Aquatics' swimmers.  For more information visit www.ExcelAquatics.org/age_group. 

December 9, 2007

Wilson County TN...The Excel Aquatics' Meet of Champions concluded today with two significant events.  Bradley Gillilan achieved his first Senior Sectional Qualifying time with his performance in the Senior Boy's 1,650 Yard Freestyle.  Luke Blackwell, after winning 4 events in the meet, was awarded the High Point trophy for the 13&14 Boy's age category.  Gillilan placed 3rd in the 1650, while also swimming in the 200 Yard Breast, placing 9th and achieving a SES Short Course Time Cut.  Luke placed 8th in the 50 Yard Free, achieving a SES Short Course Time Cut in the process; and also placed 3rd in the 100 Yard Back.  Madison Blackwell returned to the finals in the 11&12 Girl's 50 Yard Fly (8th place); and the 50 yard Back (12th place).  Taylor Wallace placed 8th in the 200 Yard Breast.  Alek Nochowicz swam in his first 1650 Yard Free, and came within 9.5 seconds of achieving a SES Short Course time cut in the grueling event.

December 8, 2007

Wilson County TN...Day 2 dawned and more outstanding swims by Wilson County residents were turned in at the Excel Aquatics' Meet of Champions.  10 Year old Dallas Barlettano started off the day by dropping 6.30 seconds in the 10&U Boy's 100 Yard Individual Medley (IM).  Dallas also dropped time in the 50 Free and swam the 100 yard Back for the first time.  Andrew Barnes dropped 1.26 seconds in the 11&12 Boy's 50 Free.  Older brother Austin Barnes swam in the 13&14 Boy's 100 Free, dropping 7.71 seconds.  Luke Blackwell returned to finals and won 2 more events (500 Free and 200 Back) along with taking a second place in the 100 Free.  Luke also turned in a Personal Best Time in the 100 Back leg of the 4x100 medley relay.  Madison Blackwell swam in the finals in the 100 Yard IM (14th Place), and the 100 Back (12th Place).  Bradley Gillilan placed 11th in the Senior Boys 200 Back and 8th in the 500 Free.  Taylor Wallace placed 9th in the Senior Boys 200 IM.  Kelsey Copeland placed 15th in the Senior Girls 100 Free and 13th in the 500 Free.  Alek Nochowicz achieved a HS State Meet Qualifying Time in the 100 Yard Free.

December 7, 2007

Wilson County TN...On the first day of competition at the Excel Aquatics' Meet of Champions, swimmers from Wilson County made their mark, and served notice that Wilson County swimming was on the rise.  8 year old Samuel Blackwell placed 13th in the 10&Under Boys' 50 Yard Breaststroke, beating many 1 to 2 years older than Samuel.  Older sister, Madison Blackwell, returned at night to swim in 11&12 Year Old Girl's Finals in the 100 Fly (7th Place); and 200 IM (15th Place).  Older brother, Luke Blackwell, won the 13&14 Boy's Finals in the 200 Yard Free; 400 Yard IM, and placed 4th in the 100 Yard Breast.  Bradley Gillilan, competing in the Senior Boy's category, placed 9th in the 200 Yard Free and achieving a SES Short Course Time Cut in the event; and 5th in the 400 yard IM.  Alek Nochowicz also competed on Friday at the Meet, turning in a HS State Meet Qualifying Time in the 200 Yard Freestyle, and dropped 2.8 seconds in the 100 Yard Fly.

November 14, 2007

Wilson County TN...At the JPII HS vs. MTHEA Dual Swim Meet tonight, 2 Wilson County swimmers turned in performances that qualified them for the State High School Championship Meet in February.  Middle Tennessee Home Educators Association Freshman Luke Blackwell qualified in the 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke, easily outpacing the field in the events.  JPII HS Sophomore Alek Nochowicz qualified in the 500 Freestyle.  Both boys train with Excel Aquatics year round, and join LHS Sophomore Bradley Gillilan.  Gillilan (also an Excel swimmer) qualified for State in the 100 Fly and 500 Free during the Wilson Country Tri-Meet held on November 2nd.

November 12, 2007

Wilson County TN...4 swimmers from Wilson County traveled to Indianapolis this past weekend to compete in the world famous IU Natatorium, site of 5 previous Olympic Trials.  Those going were Taylor Wallace, Luke Blackwell, Samuel Blackwell, and Madison Blacwell.  Those scoring in the Top 8 in their age-group categories were:  Samuel Blackwell (8&U Boys) – 3^rd Place – 50 Back, 4^th Place – 50 Free, 5^th Place – 25 Back, 5^th Place – 25 Breast; 6^th Place – 50 Breast, 7^th Place – 25 Free; 8^th Place – 25 Fly; Madison Blackwell (11&12 Girls) – 4^th Place – 200 IM, 4^th Place – 100 Fly, 4^th Place – 50 Back, 4^th Place – 100 Back, 8^th Place – 50 Fly; Luke Blackwell (13&14 Boys) – 2^nd Place – 500 Free, 3^rd Place – 100 Back, 3^rd Place – 200 Free, 3^rd Place – 200 Back, 3^rd Place – 200 IM, 4^th Place – 100 Free (new SES Cut), 6^th Place – 100 Breast, 7^th Place – 200 Fly (new SES Cut), 8^th Place – 50 Free.

November 01, 2007

Wilson County TN...At the Father Ryan High School Fightin' Irish Relays Swim Meet tonight, several female swimmers who live in Mount Juliet led Pope John Paul II HS Girl's Team to a 2nd Place Finish out of 17 teams in attendance.  Still awaiting word on scoring on the Boy's side.  Lebanon High School also participated in the meet, anchored by Excel Aquatic's standout Bradley Gillilan.

October 30, 2007

Wilson County TN...Congratulations to the following Wilson County Swimmers for participating in the 2007 Annual Excel Aquatics/USA Swimming Swim-A-Thon:  Chelsie Barlettano, Dallas Barlettano, Austin Barnes, Andrew Barnes, Luke Blackwell, Madison Blackwell, Samuel Blackwell, Lucy Cook, Grace McCullough, and Bradley Gillilan.  Luke Blackwell finished the 5000 Yard Swim in 55 Minutes and 59 Seconds.  Gillilan finished in 56 Minutes and 01 Seconds.  For both of them, that's holding an average of 1 Minute and 7 Seconds per 100 Yards swam.  Great Swims by all!  Swimmers like these are why Excel is one of the top nationally ranked teams in USA Swimming's Swim-A-Thon rankings.

October 20, 2007

Wilson County TN...Congratulations go to Madison Blackwell.  Madison, representing the Middle Tennessee Home Educators Assn Middle School Swim Team showed why she is the best Middle School age female swimmer in Wilson County.  At a Middle School meet in Lebanon, Madison placed 2nd in the 200 Free and 1st in the 100 Back.  Madison is a resident of Mount Juliet and trains with Excel Aquatics.

October 20, 2007

Wilson County TN...Andrew Barnes competed in the Tullahoma Swim Club's Great Pumpkin Open Swim Meet today.  Andrew had time drops in all three events in the 11&12 Year Old Boy's Category, the 50 Yard Freestyle, 50 Yard Backstroke, and 50 Yard Breaststroke.  Great job Andrew!  Andrew is in 6th Grade at Carroll-Oakland, lives in the Possum Town area, and trains with Excel Aquatics.

October 14, 2007

Wilson County TN...Bradley Gillilan of Excel Aquatics dropped 29.69 seconds in the 1000 Yard Freestyle today at the NAC October Open to finish in a time of 10:17.31, good enough for an 8th Place finish in the Senior Boy's category.  The time was only 0.22 seconds away from a Senior Sectional Qualifying Time.

Other Wilson County Swimmers in the Top 8 at the Meet:

13&14 Year Old Boys Category: Luke Blackwell: 3rd Place 200 Yard Backstroke (2:06.36); and 7th Place 200 Yard Individual Medley (2:11.76).

8&Under Boys Category:  Samuel Blackwell: 7th Place 100 Yard Freestyle (1:40.00); and 8th Place 25 Yard Backstroke (0:23.25).

11&12 Year Old Girl's Category:  Madison Blackwell: 6th Place 50 Yard Backstroke (0:31.98).  Madison also dropped 6.55 seconds to swim a 1:10.66 in the 100 Yard Butterfly.

October 13, 2007

Wilson County TN...Bradley Gillilan of Excel Aquatics dropped 19.39 seconds in the 500 Yard Freestyle today at the NAC October Open to finish in a time of 4:56.54, good enough for a 9th Place finish in the Senior Boy's category.

Other Wilson County Swimmers in the Top 8 at the Meet:

13&14 Year Old Boys Category: Luke Blackwell:  3rd Place 400 Yard Individual Medley (4:35.51); 3rd Place 500 Yard Freestyle (5:06.32); 4th Place 200 Yard Freestyle (1:53.68); and 5th Place 100 Yard Backstroke (1:01.21).

8&Under Boys Category:  Samuel Blackwell: 4th Place 25 Yard Breaststroke (0:26.66); and 8th Place 50 Yard Freestyle (0:46.66).

Stayed tune for Day 2 on Sunday!!!!!

September 30, 2007

Wilson County TN...Next up on the docket for Wilson County swimmers is the NAC October Open in Nashville, on Oct 13th and 14th.  After that our younger squads will be traveling to Tullahoma on October 20th to swim in Tullahoma Swim Club's meet.

September 23 2007

Wilson County TN...Wilson County Swimmers placing in the Top 8 at the Fall Fest Meet:

Luke Blackwell - 13&14 Boys - 1st Place 1,650 Free; 1st Place 1000 Free; 2nd Place 500 Free; 2nd Place 200 Back; 3rd Place 200 Free; 6th Place 100 Back; 6th Place 200 IM; 7th Place 50 Free; and 7th Place 100 Free

Bradley Gillilan - Senior Boys - 6th Place 400 IM (new SES Time).

Taylor Wallace - Senior Boys - 7th Place 400 IM.

Samuel Blackwell - 8&Under Boys - 5th Place 50 Free; 5th Place 25 Free; 7th Place 25 Back.

Madison Blackwell - 11&12 Girls - 2nd Place 50 Back; 3rd Place 100 Back (new SES Time); 4th Place 50 Fly (new SES Time); 6th Place 100 IM; 7th Place 100 Free; 8th Place 50 Free.

September 17 2007

Wilson County TN...The Psyche Sheet for the Excel Aquatics Fall Fest Swim Meet has been posted on the Excel Aquatics Website.  Nine Wilson County swimmers have entered in the meet, and 4 of the 9 are seeded in the Top 8 in many of their events.  Stop by the ISC Pool in Brentwood to see the best swimmers from Wilson County compete.

September 9, 2007

Wilson County TN...Training is ongoing for Wilson County residents for the first meet of the year, hosted by Excel Aquatics in Brentwood TN.  Technical Stroke work continues while factoring in some yardage for aerobic conditioning. There is a reason why Excel trains the most well rounded and best conditioned Wilson County swimmers from all clubs.

September 2, 2007

Wilson County TN...Placement Trials have concluded with Excel Aquatics and the regular season training begins in a few days.  If you were unable to make the Placement Trials, stop on by at any time of your choosing.  Excel welcomes new swimmers at any time during the year with a free week's worth of trying us out during practice.   

September 1, 2007

Wilson County TN...In the USA Swimming Virtual Club Championships rankings, Excel Aquatics is ranked 73rd in the Nation, and 3rd in the Southeastern Swimming LSC midway through the Long Course Season.  In a system where only the top two swimmers of each age have their score counted towards team totals, Wilson County Residents ranked in the Top 2 for Excel accounted for 7,465 of Excel's 148,828 points.  In addition, each swimmer may only score in 4 events total.  This point total by Wilson County residents is over 5,000 more points than all other Wilson County Residents swimming for all other clubs combined.  There is a Measurable Qualitative Difference with Evidence Based Results such as USA Swimming VCC rankings and IMX rankings.

August 28, 2007

Wilson County TN...Placement Trials are continuing with Excel Aquatics with new faces joining the returning swimmers.  Regular Season Practice Schedule resumes on Tuesday September 4th.  The first meet of the year is Excel Aquatics Fall Fest Swim Meet, September 21-23 in Brentwood TN. 

August 5, 2007

Wilson County TN...Excel Aquatics has released their 2007-2008 Meet Schedule.  Highlights of the schedule include new scheduled meets in Indianapolis Natatorium in November, and the Age Group Sectionals in North Carolina in March.

July 29, 2007

Wilson County TN...Congratulations to Willoughby Waves for their First Place Finish in the Division A category at the NSL City Meet Championships!  Other team with Wilson County swimmers, and how they placed:  Cages Bend - First Place, Division AA.  Langford Farms - 6th Place, Division AA.

July 29, 2007

Wilson County TN...Congratulations to all Wilson County Residents who competed in this weekend's NSL City Meet.  Wilson County swimmers representing Langford Farms, Willoughby Station, and Cages Bend participated.  Swimmers from Wilson County finishing in the Top 5:  Stephen Claycomb 1st Place Boys 15-18 Open; Taylor Wallace 4th Place Boys 15-18 Open; Spencer Bracey 2nd Place Boys 11-12 Novice; Taylor Charles 5th Place Boys 11-12 Open.

July 28, 2007

Wilson County TN...Excel Aquatics will be holding Placement Trials and Registration beginning August 20th, 2007 at 4:30pm, and held at the Gallatin Civic Center.  Come join the excitement and experience first hand why the Coaching Staff at Excel Aquatics produces more SES Championship Meet qualifiers from Wilson County residents than all other clubs combined.  There is a measurable qualitative difference.

July 25, 2007

Wilson County TN...Bradley Gillilan and Luke Blackwell of Wilson County rank #3 and #4 respectfully in Excel Aquatics' Current Top Times for the 1500 Meter Freestyle.  Excel is a USA Swimming Silver Medal Level Club of Excellence for 5 straight years, with over 300 swimmers training.  Bradley's current 1500 Meter time is 17:45.70, done in June 2007 at the age of 14.  Luke's current 1500 Meter time is 17:46.82, done in July 2007 at the age of 13.  These times are over four and one-half minutes faster than any time achieved by any other Wilson County swimmer.  Excel Aquatics - Real Team, Real Competition, Real Results.

July 22, 2007

Wilson County TN...On the Final Day of the SES Long Course Championships, Luke Blackwell notched his third 5th Place finish of the meet, turning a 17:46.82 in the 13&14 year old Boy's 1500 Meter Freestyle.  Luke also placed 8th in the 100 Meter Backstroke.  Bradley Gillilan, swimming the 15&Over Boy's Category, placed 23rd an the 1500 Meter Freestyle, having just aged up 4 days earlier.  Madison Blackwell competed in two events, the 11&12 Girl's 50 Meter Butterfly and the 50 Meter Backstroke. 

July 21, 2007

Wilson County TN...Action continued today at the SES Championships.  Madison Blackwell competed in the 11&12 year old Girl's 100 Meter Butterfly in the morning, and then competed in the "A" Relay in the Medley Relay in the evening, swimming the Fly leg.  Brother Luke placed 8th in the 400 Meter Freestyle in the 13&14 Boy's category, and also competed in the 200 Meter Individual Medley.  Bradley Gillilan of Lebanon competed in the 15&Over Boy's 400 Meter Freestyle.

July 20, 2007

Wilson County TN...Luke Blackwell recorded his second 5th Place Finish on the second day of the SES Long Course Championships.  Luke turned a 2:24.92 in the 13&14 Year Old Boy's 200 Meter Backstroke in Finals tonight.  Both Luke and teammate Bradley Gillilan participated in the 200 Meter Freestyle earlier in the day, with Bradley swimming in the 15&Over category. 

July 19, 2007

Wilson County TN...Luke Blackwell led the charge tonight at the opening day of the SES Long Course Championships.  Swimming in the 13&14 Boy's 800 Meter Freestyle, Luke turned a time of 9:24.55, a 9.72 second drop, good enough for a 5th Place Finish.  Training teammate Bradley Gillilan, swimming for the first time in the 15&16 Boy's category turned a time of 9:26.81 in the 800 Meter Freestyle, good enough for a 25th Place finish.  Action resumes tomorrow as Wilson County swimmers compete at both the Brentwood and Nashville meet locations.

July 7, 2007

Wilson County TN...Wilson County will be represented by three swimmers in the upcoming Southeastern Swimming (SES) Long Course Swimming Championships July 19-22 in Nashville and Brentwood TN. Siblings Madison and Luke Blackwell of Mount Juliet will be joined by fellow Excel Aquatics swimmer Bradley Gillilan of Lebanon as qualifiers for the meet.

June 24, 2007

Wilson County TN...At Finals tonight, Luke Blackwell dropped another 2.9 seconds in the 13&14 Boy's 200 Meter Backstroke to finish in 2:26.55, moving up a place to finish 5th.  Overall, Wilson County residents with Excel Aquatics scored 71 points in the meet, helping Excel Aquatics to a Third Place Team Finish in the Meet.  That total does not include their share of points scored by relays they were members of. 

June 24, 2007

Wilson County TN...In the Timed Finals for the 13&14 Boy's 1500 Meter Freestyle Bradley Gillilan dropped one minute and eleven seconds to turn in a time of 17:45.70.  Good enough for a Fourth Place finish at the NAC Summer Sizzler.  The time was also good for a 15&16 Boy's Qualifying Standard, as well as bettering the County record.  Excel Aquatics Teammate Luke Blackwell dropped 4.4 seconds and placed 5th in the same events with a time of 18:01.93.  In another event, Luke Blackwell placed 6th in the preliminary heats of the 13&14 Boy's 200 Meter Backstroke with a time of 2:29.41, a drop of 4.55 seconds.  Luke will be competing in Finals tonight.  Gillilan placed 13th in the 200 Back after a 5.30 second drop, finishing in 2:36.29.

June 23, 2007

Wilson County TN...In Finals tonight Bradley Gillilan, a rising Sophomore at Lebanon High School who swims for Excel Aquatics, turned a 4:30.23 in the 13&14 Boy's 400 Meter Freestyle placing 4th at the NAC Summer Sizzler Meet.  The time is a new Wilson County Resident Record.  Excel Teammate Luke Blackwell placed 6th in the same event, and then turned around dropped two seconds in the lead-off leg of the 400 Meter Medley Relay, turning a 1:09.98 in the 100 Meter Backstroke.  Both boys were on the 4th Place Medley Relay team for Excel Aquatics.  Excel = Team.

June 23, 2007

Wilson County TN...The 13&14 Boy's 400 Meter Freestyle Preliminary Heats sent two Wilson County residents to the Final's in the event tonight.  Bradley Gillilan is seeded 5th in the finals with a time of 4:33.73, and Luke Blackwell is right on his heels with a time of 4:33.93, good enough for a 6th seed.  Both times are only 2 seconds away from the Wilson County resident record set by Andrew Davidson in 1999.

June 22, 2007

Wilson County TN...Wilson County swimmers took to the water today for the start of the NAC Summer Sizzler Meet in Nashville TN.  Bradley Gillilan led the County swimmers turning in a time of 2:12.00 in the 13&14 Boy's 200 Meter Freestyle, which earned him 9th Place as well as a 15&16 Boy's Southeastern Swimming Long Course Qualifying Time.  In the 13&14 Boy's 100 Meter Butterfly, Gillilan shaved 3.47 seconds off of his time to finish in 1:11.67, good for 10th Place.

June 18, 2007

Wilson County TN...Wilson County residents finish preparations this week for the NAC Summer Sizzler in Nashville.  With swimmers from across the nation attending the meet, 3 Wilson County residents enter the meet seeded in the Top 16 in a total of 11 events.  All 3 train with Excel Aquatics.

June 14, 2007

Sumner County TN...For pictures of our BBQ Feast on Wednesday, visit BBQ FEAST PICS on the Kodak Gallery.

June 12, 2007

Wilson County TN...The families of Excel Aquatics will be hosting a BBQ feast for anyone and everyone at the Cages Bend Swim Club in Gallatin on Wednesday, June 13 after practice.  Check back for photos and details of the fun.

June 9, 2007

Wilson County TN...Congrats to Luke Blackwell for racking up 51,150 yards in just one week (6 days) of practices, ending today, June 9th.  That is 31 miles of swimming in one week.  Stroke Technique work + Focused Yardage = Superior Training.  Excel Aquatics - there is a qualitative difference.

May 30, 2007

Wilson County TN...Dates of the 2008 State of Tennessee Swimming and Diving Championship Meet has been set.  The meet will be held February 8th and 9th at the brand new UT Aquatics Center in Knoxville TN.

May 30, 2007

Wilson County TN...Several Hundred swimmers throughout Wilson County are preparing for the start of the Summer League season.  Langford Farms opens their dual meet season on June 12th, while the Willoughby Station Waves begins their season on June 19th.  Coach Johnny Davis of the Waves begins his 6th season as Head Coach.

May 26, 2007

Wilson County TN...Action at the Stars & Stripes meet resumed this morning.  Representing Wilson County was Luke Blackwell, Bradley Gillilan, and Austin Barnes.  SES Qualifying times were turned in by Bradley Gillilan (13&14 Boys 200 Meter IM, 15&16 Boys and Senior Boys 200 Meter Breaststroke, and Senior Boys 400 Meter Freestyle) and Luke Blackwell (13&14 Boys 100 Meter Freestyle, 13&14 Boys and 15&16 Boys 200 Meter Breaststroke).  All three boys had time drops in all events, collectively going 11 for 11 on setting personal best times.  Afternoon action was to feature Samuel Blackwell, Madison Blackwell, and Dallas Barlettano representing Wilson County.   **Update Saturday Evening - Text Messaging indicates that Madison Blackwell has added the 50 Meter Backstroke to her list of SES Qualifying Cuts.

May 25, 2007

Wilson County TN...Luke Blackwell, Madison Blackwell, and Bradley Gillilan participated in the 2007 Excel Aquatics' Stars & Stripes Meet in Brentwood, which started this evening.  Luke led off the evenings swims turning in a stunning 5:19.56 in the 400 Meter Individual Medley.  This was the first time Luke has swam in the meet in Long Course Meters format, and he went under the SES Qualifying time for the 13&14 Boys category by an astounding 26.63 seconds (time was also under the 15&16 Boys Qualifying Cut).  Next up was Madison Blackwell, swimming the 11&12 Year old Girls 400 Meter Freestyle, turning in a respectable 5:44.03.  Bradley Gillilan swam in the last event of the night, turning in a 9:31.57 in the 132&14 Boys 800 Meter Freestyle.  The time was only 0.38 seconds away from a SES Qualifying time in the 15&16 year old category. 

May 20, 2007

Wilson County TN...Wilson County swimmers are gearing up for the competitive Excel Aquatics Stars and Stripes meet in Brentwood TN next weekend.  Representing Wilson County in the meet are Luke Blackwell, Samuel Blackwell, Madison Blackwell, Bradley Gillilan and Taylor Wallace.  All five swim for Excel Aquatics.  4 of the 5 are already SES Long Course Championship Meet Qualifiers.  Visit SES Qualifiers for a listing of Wilson County USAS registered Swimmers with Qualifying Times.  Things to watch for in the upcoming meet:  Luke Blackwell seeking to add 4 new qualifying times, to the 6 he already has.  Madison Blackwell seeking to add two or three new qualifying times to her total.  Taylor Wallace seeking to add 4 new qualifying times to his existing total of 2.  Bradley Gillilan, although competing in the 13&14 Boys Category will be seeking to add to his 15&16 Qualifying Times in the 2 to 3 more events. 

May 6, 2007

Wilson County TN...8 SES Qualifying Times were attained by Wilson County Residents this past weekend at the PACK Swim Meet in Knoxville TN.  14 year old LHS Freshman Bradley Gillilan attained a cut in the 400 Meter Freestyle for the Boy's 15/16 Year Old Category (Bradley ages up one day before the Meet - if he was swimming in the upcoming meet as a 13/14 year old he would have 9 time standards in that age group ).  Madison Blackwell attained a time standard in the Girl's 11/12 Year Old 100 Meter Backstroke.  Luke Blackwell attained 6 time standards in the Boy's 13/14 Year Old Category:  200 Free, 400 Free, 800 Free, 100 Back, 200 Back, and 200 IM.  All three swim for Excel Aquatics.  Excel - Developing Champions.  Visit SES Qualifiers for a listing of Wilson County USAS registered Swimmers with Qualifying Times.

May 3, 2007

Wilson County TN...Excel Aquatics, a local swim team with more Southeastern Swimming Qualifying Swimmers who live in Wilson County than any other team, has been named as a USA Swimming Club of Excellence, Silver Medal category, for 2007.  This is the FIFTH year in a row for this national recognition for Excel Aquatics.  Why should you drive a few extra miles to swim for Excel? Undeniable Quality.

April 29, 2007

Wilson County TN....Two Wilson County swimmers were honored by Excel Aquatics at the Excel Annual Banquet this afternoon in Franklin TN.  Bradley Gillilan, a Freshman at Lebanon High School was awarded the "Excel Award" for the Gold training squad while Madison Blackwell of Mount Juliet received the "Excel Award" for the Silver I training squad.  The Excel Award is given out on a yearly basis to the swimmer who best represents the ideals of Excel Aquatics:  Leadership, Dedication, Positive Attitude and Determination.

April 25, 2007

Wilson County TN....The Summer training schedule has been released for Excel Aquatics.  Training will conducted at a total of 5 pools during the summer schedule which runs May 29th through July 22nd.  No other team offers so many options to meet the needs of their families.

April 25, 2007

Wilson County TN....Lebanon resident and JPII High School Senior Stephen Claycomb has committed to swim at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green KY.  WKU is a NCAA Division I school.  Congratulations to Stephen, a former Excel Aquatics swimmer.

April 16, 2007

Wilson County TN....Training is continuing in preparation for the first Long Course meet of the season for Wilson County swimmers, when they travel to the UT Pool in Knoxville to participate in a the first highly competitive meet of the young Long Course season on May 4th.  One Wilson County Swimmer will be there the weekend of April 28th to participate in a triathlon.  Excel Aquatics - Developing Well Rounded Swimmers.

April 1, 2007

Wilson County TN....April is rapidly shaping up to be a terrific time for swimming involving Wilson County residents.  Residents who swim for Excel are starting their training for Long Course season, with the eye towards adding more qualifying times for the LC Championship at the end of July and proving once again that Excel produces more Championship caliber swimmers from Wilson County than all other clubs combined.  Midway through April, the Summer League Tune-Up will begin with a record number of attendees proving once again that quality matters.  Finally, at the end of April, Wilson County residents will be gathering at the Excel Annual Banquet to come together and be a team as they are recognized for their achievements this past year.  No other club with multiple Wilson County swimmers has annually provided that type of celebration and recognition.  Excel Aquatics leading the way.

March 26, 2007

Wilson County TN....Practice resumes today after a nice Spring Break for Excel swimmers.  Come experience the team that is nationally ranked and recognized.

March 21, 2007

Wilson County TN....The major motion picture PRIDE opens on March 23rd.  "Pride is based on the life of Coach Jim Ellis, who in the early 1970’s founded and coached the Philadelphia Department of Recreation (P.D.R) swim team in one of Philadelphia’s most impoverished neighborhoods.  Through the sport of swimming troubled youths learned positive life lessons that helped them overcome the adversity in their lives."  www.PrideFilm.com

March 18, 2007

Wilson County TN....SES wrapped up today with Personal Best Times turned in by Madison Blackwell in the 50 Back (0:32.76); Luke Blackwell in the 1650 Free (17:53.82); and Bradley Gillilan in the 1650 Free (18:10.86).  Visit Top 16 to see who in Wilson County placed in the SES Top 16 this year.  Excel placed 3rd at SES as a team.  Excel = Quality.

March 17, 2007

Wilson County TN....Day 3 of the SES Championships wrapped up today, with one day left.  Madison Blackwell, leading off on the Excel Aquatic's 11&12 Girls 200 Medley Relay turned in a personal best time of 0:33.15 in the 50 Yard Backstroke.  Luke Blackwell, leading off on the Excel Aquatic's 13&14 Boys 400 Medley Relay turned in a personal best time of 1:02.71 in the 100 Backstroke.  Excel Aquatics - Swimming Relays as a Team.

March 15, 2007

Wilson County TN....During the first night of competition, Wilson County residents and Excel Aquatics swimmers Bradley Gillilan and Luke Blackwell swam to personal best times in the 1000 Yard Freestyle.  Gillilan (also a Freshman at LHS) turned in a time of 10:47.00, good for 17th place, while Blackwell turned in a time of 10:42.08 to finish in 16th place.

March 11, 2007

Wilson County TN....Madison Blackwell of Mt Juliet wrapped up a successful SES Districts Meet this weekend with 4 more top 12 finishes, including a 3rd Place finish in the 100 Back and a 1st place finish as a member of the 11&12 year old 200 Medley Relay. 

March 10, 2007

Wilson County TN....Madison Blackwell of Mt Juliet is participating in the SES Districts Championship this weekend.  Today Madison won the 50 Backstroke, dropped 3 seconds in the 100 Breaststroke, placed 4th in the 50 Fly with a time drop of 1.49 seconds finishing in 32.89, placed 6th in the 100 Yard IM, dropping over a second in the event, and swam on the 1st place 11&12 year old 200 Free Relay.  Madison trains with Excel Aquatics in Gallatin.

March 7, 2007

Wilson County TN....Swimmers from Wilson County are gearing up for the SES Districts in Memphis, March 10-11; and the SES Championships in Nashville, March 15-18.  Expecting to make an impact at the SES Championship Meet are Bradley Gillilan (9th Grade-LHS), Taylor Wallace (9th Grade-MJHS), and Luke Blackwell (8th Grade-Homeschool).

March 7, 2007

Wilson County TN....The Summer Long Course Meet Schedule has been posted by Excel Aquatics.  Visit Excel Aquatics to learn more.

February 26, 2007

Wilson County TN....TISCA approved a request that Home Schoolers be allowed to compete and score points as a team at the State of Tennessee High School Swimming and Diving Championships.  The approved team for the Mid-State area is Middle Tennessee Home School Swim Team, Phone: (615) 791-6037, Coach: Dawn VanRyckeghem, dvanryc@aol.com

February 24, 2007

Wilson County TN....Congratulations to all swimmers from Wilson County who swam in this weekends State High School Championships.  Of particular note, Lebanon Resident and Pope John Paul II Senior Stephen Claycomb placed 3rd in the State in the 50 Yard Freestyle and 8th in the State in the 100 Yard Freestyle.  Stephen's 50 Free time was 0:21.56, just .01 second away from an All-American time.  Click here to see other Top 16 Finishes at State by Wilson County Residents.

February 22, 2007

Wilson County TN....18 Wilson County Residents from multiple High Schools (MJHS, LHS, WCHS, JPII and Home School), will be competing in 33 individual events starting tomorrow at the State of Tennessee High School Championships.  Approximately 7 more will be in relay-only events. 

February 18, 2007

Wilson County TN....Congrats to the 8 Wilson County residents who competed in the Excel Aquatics' Mardi Gras Meet this past weekend.  3 new SES Cuts were achieved by Luke Blackwell in the 13&14 Boys Category, bringing his total to 7.  Kudos also go to 11 year old Madison Blackwell for swimming in her first 400 Yard Individual Medley.

February 17, 2007

Wilson County TN....8 swimmers from Wilson County are slated to take to the water this weekend at the Excel Aquatics Mardi Gras Swim Meet. 

February 16, 2007

Wilson County TN....Excel Aquatics has scheduled Summer League Tune-Ups in Brentwood and Gallatin.  Gallatin site location will hold their tune-up from April 17th to May 19th.  Brentwood site location will hold their tune-up  from April 23rd to May 24th.  Click Here to learn more.  Click here to download registration form for Gallatin.  Come train with the team that has produced more Championship level swimmers from Wilson County!

February 16, 2007

Wilson County TN....The Excel Aquatics training site in Sumner County, will be taking their Spring Break March 19th through the 24th.  Beginning March 26th select swimmers will be moving up to different training squads and preparing for another successful Long Course Season.  Come step up and join in the success that is Excel.

February 9, 2007

Wilson County TN....High School Swimmers competed today in the MTHSSA Region Meet.  Wilson County residents representing Mt Juliet HS, Lebanon HS, Wilson Central HS, and Pope John Paul II HS took to the water.  Wilson County residents who placed in the Top 8 in various events were: Stephen Claycomb (Pope JPII HS, Senior) in the 50 Free (2nd Place) and 100 Free (3rd Place); and Taylor Wallace (Mt Juliet HS, Freshman) in the 100 Breaststroke (8th Place).  This year all Wilson County swimmers placing in the Top 8 are members of Excel Aquatics.  For complete meet results visit www.MTHSSA.net.

January 30, 2007

Wilson County TN....Coach John Barnes of Lebanon has announced that he will not seek re-election to the Vice-President position of the Middle Tennessee High School Swim Association, the governing body for High School swimming in the Mid-State region.

January 27, 2007

Wilson County TN....High School Swimmers just completed swimming in the Excel Aquatics High School Invitational today in Brentwood TN.  16 Wilson County Residents from JPII, MJHS, and LHS placed in the Top 16 in various individual events.  Dual Meets are almost done, Region Championships are up as the next big meet.

January 21, 2007

Wilson County TN....High School Swimmers are heading into the home stretch of the High School Swim Season, with just two weeks of dual meets left, and then on into the Championship Season.  Wish them well as they prepare.

January 13, 2007

Wilson County TN....Congratulations go to Wilson County Resident, Excel Aquatics Swimmer, and Pope John Paul II High School Freshman Alek Nochowicz for qualifying for the State of Tennessee High School Championship Meet in the 500 Yard Freestyle with a time of 5:49.  Alek is the second Wilson County Resident this year to qualify in the 500 Yard Freestyle, both train with Excel Aquatics.

January 12, 2007

Wilson County TN....Stay tuned for news coming up in the next few months regarding Summer League Teams, Excel Summer Practice Schedule, and Summer Swim Meets.

January 3, 2007

Wilson County TN....Checking USA Swimming's Virtual Club Championship rankings, Excel Aquatics is ranked 36th in the Nation to date, during the 2006-2007 Short Course Season.  Wilson County Residents swimming for Excel Aquatics totaled 12,581 points.  That is more points than all other Wilson County Residents had combined for their respective teams in the reporting system.  Compare.  Excel Aquatics - More Value for Your Money.

January 1, 2007

Wilson County TN....2006 has passed us by, and swimming is gaining new interest in Wilson County, with a record number of Wilson County swimmers qualifying for the Southeastern Championship Meets.  Excel Aquatics led the way with 7 Wilson County Resident Qualifiers in 2006, with no other team having more than 1 Wilson County Resident.  This success rate of producing WC Resident SES qualifiers by Excel has been unmatched for the past 3 years.  In addition, 21 articles on swimming were published in Wilson County newspapers after being submitted by SWC.  More than all others combined.

2006 News Archives

2005 News Archives

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