Submitted by Amy Williams
Five Fluvanna Aquatic Sports Team (FAST) swimmers – an impressive 10 percent of the team – have already beaten Jefferson Swim League (JSL) established gold times after just the first two meets of the season. Gold times are goals set by JSL based on championship finishes.
Emma DiFazio, 16, leads the team with gold times in 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke and 50-meter butterfly. Emma is one of the team’s swim lessons instructors, helping to introduce children as young as four to swimming. Emma has practically grown up in the pool, with her father and older brothers coaching her along the way. Her favorite stroke is the backstroke, but what she loves most is coaching. Her goal is to be the best coach she can be, and by the smiles on her swimmers’ faces, she is hitting that mark with ease. Her brother, Coach Cosmo DiFazio, stated that he is very proud of the commitment and dedication that Emma shows, noting that she is a respected leader among other swimmers. Head Coach Nathan Johnson added, “Emma always tries her hardest regardless of what she has going on in life or the pool. She swims year-round, which can lend itself to burnout, but Emma always maintains her enthusiasm.”
Tyler Davis
Tyler Davis, 12, a year-round swimmer, has obtained a gold time in the 50-meter butterfly. Tyler’s favorite stroke is the breaststroke and he strives to drop time in all of his events. Tyler is a fun, creative young man with an interest in building and gaming. Coach DiFazio described him as a positive energy on the pool deck and Johnson praised his ability to work hard and stick with his lessons.
Swimmers with two gold times each are Noah Klipp, 17, Abby Caruso, 7, and Jackson Kinsella, 13. Noah’s gold times are for the 100-meter individual medley and 50-meter butterfly. Johnson complimented Noah’s work ethic and said he is “fun and easy to coach.” Abby is known by the team for her pleasant attitude and the high-fives she hands out on deck. Her gold times are in the 25-meter backstroke and 25-meter butterfly. Jackson beat the gold times with his 50-meter backstroke and 50-meter butterfly. Johnson noted that Jackson has exhibited a huge shift in attitude over the last few months and is seeing the dividends of all his hard work.
Outside the pool, FAST continues to rack up points toward the JSL Spirit Award, the winner of which will be announced after the championship meet July 27-28. To date, FAST has clinched 200 points toward the award, with their submissions of “teamwork” and “excitement,” in JSL’s weekly photography contest.
After a bye week June 25-29, FAST traveled to Culpeper Country Club Tuesday (July 3) and will host the Louisa Gators at the Louisa pool Friday (July 6). Additionally, a number of the FAST swimmers completed the Swim across the Lake July 4.
