Vance Aquatics wraps up successful summer season
Jul. 19—CHAPEL HILL — The Vance Aquatics Barracudas wrapped up its summer campaign earlier this month, finishing in a tie for first in the Durham Summer Swim League.
Guided by head coach Natasha Rubin, who has been with the program nonstop since 2010, and the coaching staff, the Barracudas compiled a 4-1 regular season record, their lone second place finish coming by just one point against Croasdaile in June.
Over their four victories, they defeated opponents by an average of 67.75 points.
"It's been an honor to be their coach and [to] coach here since 2010 and to watch them grow and improve. We have a Swamily, or swim family, atmosphere," said Rubin. "It's not about just individuals and going fast and winning. It's about self-improvement. Whether you're the fastest kid or the slowest kid, you get the same amount of attention and care."
The postseason saw Rubin's squad earn third place in Division III, competing against programs with much higher numbers. In the Durham Summer Swim League, teams are assigned to one of three divisions based on their numbers from the previous seasons.
This means that oftentimes programs may grow from season to season and have a distinct advantage in the numbers game over their opponents.
Despite this, the Barracudas found success in the water and had individuals close out the campaign with impressive results.
In the age 15-18 division, Kailen Craddock secured a second place finish and team record in the 50-yard breaststroke with a time of 33 seconds.
Bridger Stewardson turned in impressive performances through the day, finishing top 10 in the 100-yard free, 50-yard backstroke, and 50-yard fly.
Keats and Chapel Westbrook both earned top-15 times in their respective events, highlighting the widespread talent of the Vance Aquatics program.
In the 9-12 division, 10-year old CJ Hayes was the catalyst for the roster with times good enough for sixth in the 50-yard backstroke, sixth in the 50-yard breaststroke, and ninth in the 50-yard freestyle.
Aiding the Barracudas total was their younger division, particularly those at the age 7-8 level.
Sam Cole paced the roster, recording a seventh place finish in the 25-yard free, a ninth place finish in the 25-yard fly, and a second place finish in 25-yard backstroke.
Joaquin Edwards assisted Cole in the 25-yard free, tallying eighth place as one of three Barracudas to finish within the top-15 of the event. Edwards' time in the 25-yard backstroke was also good for eighth, giving the 7-year old a well-rounded effort on the afternoon.
Georgie Drake rounded out the age group, securing seventh place in the 25-yard backstroke.
Rubin credits part of the success across the board to the high school swimmers, who guide and teach those at the younger divisions.
"We create an atmosphere where the older kids take ownership and they work with kids who are developmental, meaning they can't swim the length of the pool yet," said Rubin. "They work with kids before and after practice, helping them with certain strokes or turns."
Out of the pool, Vance Aquatics has also been given support from a variety of angles, creating a well-rounded program with a bright future.
"We've created a core. We've got a great swim board that helps us be able to make swimming affordable," said Rubin. "We have great and consistent sponsors that make it more affordable for those that may not be able to offset the costs. We also have a great coaching staff."
The Barracudas offer year-round swimming and competition for those interested, starting as young as six years of age.
For Rubin however, it's much more about self-improvement and helping swimmers achieve their goals than wins and trophies. Whether you are six years old with little experience or a high schooler who is just looking for a recreational activity, Vance Aquatics is for you.
"We take all abilities and all ages on our team. We coach the individuals [based off] of where they are and try to push them to be their best selves," said Rubin. "If your goal is to be a college swimmer, we're going to help you do that. If your goal is to be the best high school swimmer you can be, we're also going to help you. And if your goal is to maybe just lose weight, we're going to help you."
Action will ramp back up next month for Vance Aquatics and Rubin is happy to welcome, coach, and mentor both new and familiar faces.
"I think swimming is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. It's a lifelong skill," said Rubin. "You can do it by yourself and it's not like a typical team sport where you have to get together as a team to participate."
