2023 URBANCHEK INVITATIONAL A GREAT SUCCESS

FAST hosted the 1st Annual Jon Urbanchek Invitational Meet this past weekend to great success.  21 teams from as far away as Maryland joined in the competitive festivities to honor the Olympic coach. 

Coach Urbanchek, who produced his first and last Olympic Gold Medalists at the Janet Evans Swim Complex, was a co-founder of the Fullerton Aquatics Sports Team in 1976 when the Independence Park pool was opened in Fullerton as part of the bicentennial celebrations for the United States. 

Jon was present at all the sessions and the luncheon in his honor on Saturday afternoon. Pictured are photos of all the visiting coaches and Urbanchek presenting the "Move It" Award to the highest male and female World Aquatics/FINA point scorers Marlene Kahler and Artem Selin, both from the Trojan Swim Club. 

Kahler, a 2020 Olympian for Austria, won by scoring 789 points for her 2:02.23 in the Womens 200M Freestyle. Selin, who has represented Germany at the World Championships, won his award for scoring 800 points with a 50.53 in the Mens 100M Freestyle. 

It was awesone for swimmers and coaches alike to witness such fast performances in the FAST pool!

FAST Team Highlights were abundant:

• 30 swimmers combined for 134 personal best times
• 58 new USAS National Age Group Motivational Times (3 "AAAA", 16 "AAA", 20 "AA", 17 "A", 2 "BB")
• 1 First-time Sectional Qualifier -- Eveline Grannis (800/1500M Freestyle)
• Gold Medalists -- Matthew Chai (400/800/1500M Freestyle), Ayanna Thompson (800/1500M Freestyle), 
• Silver Medalists -- Kailee Chow (200M Butterfly), Ayden Min (400M Individual Medley), Eveline Grannis (800/1500M Freestyle), 
• Bronze Medalists -- Matthew Chai (400M Individual Medley), Kevin Yum (1500M Freestyle)

Thanks to the FAST Masters and National Age Group Development groups who timed the finals sessions and to everyone else from the FAST Swim Team who contributed to the exciting event.  We look forward to next year!