St. Michael's Sea Devils Complete Successful Winter Season

As the recent Minnesota State Swim Championships came to a conclusion and the Sea Devils swimmers compiled their accomplishments, the results were outstanding.  Many individual records and relay records have fallen during the past several months, highlighting the talent and dedication of these athletes. "The improvement that we have seen since last season is amazing!  The accomplishments that we have witnessed are a direct result of the hard work that these kids put into their daily practices.  They have done a great job of setting goals and going after them." said Coach Michelle Mix.

The number of Sea Devils individual state-qualifying swimmers and state-qualifying events has nearly doubled since last season.  In 2010, 24 swimmers competed in 77 events, while this year, 43 swimmers competed in 142 events. 

There were 77 individual Sea Devils records broken this past season, while nearly all of the team relay records fell.

Another indicator of the stunning growth and potential of the Sea Devils club and its swimmers is the number of Zone-Qualifiers that have emerged.  Zone meets are annual regional championships which require a qualifying time standard for event entry.  Minnesota is part of the Central Zone with several other states including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Michigan. Historically, this club has not produced more than four swimmers with qualifying times in a single season.  However, the club now proudly boasts of 13 swimmers achieving Zone cuts in 24 events.

Of special note, 15-year-old Kasey Roberts of St. Michael swam the 100 yard Breaststroke in 1:04.63 this at the State Championship Meet, which qualifies her for NCSA Junior Nationals and puts her within reach to qualify for more national-level meets and even the Olympic Trials. 

The team is also proud to announce that, for the first time ever, two of their own athlete members, Kasey Roberts and Kyle Kackman, have achieved National Team status.

"The entire coaching staff works hard to provide a positive environment where these kids can flourish and become their best.  We are all so excited about their passion and dedication.  We are incredibly proud to be a part of this program," said Coach Mix.

Sea Devils Swimming is based in St. Michael.  There are currently 215 swimmers ranging in age from 6 to 18.  The club draws members from STMA and the surrounding communities of Rogers, Maple Grove, Elk River, Buffalo and Monticello.  The Spring/Summer 2011 Long-Course season will start mid-April.  The Sea Devils coaching staff is lead by Head Senior Coach Michelle Mix and Head Age-Group Coach Terri Moser.  Assistant coaches include: David Cliff, Dawn VanDerBeek, Katie Leuer, Tisha Lezer and Jamie Stromberg.

Coaches will be doing in-pool assessments for all new swimmers on Tuesday, April 12 at the St. Michael Middle School East pool from 5:30 to 8 p.m.  For more information on the club and how to join, go to www.seadevilsswimming.com.

 Special thanks to Tammy Gallagher for compiling this season wrap.