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Highlands Today

STARS shine in the water

Contributed photo

Special STARS swimmer Kerrie Baker, of Avon Park, reaches for the wall as she finishes her race during Saturday's event at the Avon Park High School pool.

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: July 1, 2009

AVON PARK - While some special athletes swam across the pool in seconds, others were merely delighted that they overcame their fear of getting into the water.

Special STARS athletes dove into the Avon Park High School swimming pool last Saturday to win awards in swimming competition.

There were more than 40 athletes participating in aquacize, lap competition and noodle races. Various levels of competition are set up according to the capabilities of each athlete. Some swim across the pool in the deep water for competition, while others do noodle races, which are done in the shallow water for about 50 meters.

"I did it," said Ricky Marino, of Avon Park, as he hung onto the lifeguard who assisted him across the finish line for the noodle race in the pool.

At the beginning of training, Marino was afraid to get into the water except for dipping his feet. Special STARS volunteers and the Avon Park High School lifeguards worked with him in gradually building his confidence and showed him that he could compete like everyone else. He practiced last week and was ready to take the plunge. Although he needed assistance from one of the lifeguards and his girlfriend, he still finished his race.

"It's my first year and I'm happy," Marino said, as he clutched his fourth-place ribbon.

He was equally happy to cheer for his girlfriend, Sarah Moore, of Avon Park, who got a first-place ribbon in her division.

Moore was delighted her boyfriend showed such sportsmanship. "My boyfriend is happy for me," she said.

Even for special athlete Herb Adkins, who has cerebral palsy, swimming was something he could enjoy. Adkins, of Avon Park, was lifted from his wheelchair wearing a floatation vest to aid him in staying afloat. He competed in the noodle races and found the water to be relaxing for his muscles. He won a second-place ribbon his first year out.

In lap swimming, Frankie Smelser, of Avon Park, led the pack with the fastest time at 18:16. He received a first-place ribbon in his division.

Others taking home first-place ribbons in lap swimming were Samantha Martin, Shawn Squires and Betty Burnett. Second-place winners were Angie Luft, Kerrie Baker, Rob Ward and Emily Lavely. Third-place winners were Stephanie Travi, Ilana Levey, Joe Singha and Greg Robinson. Fourth-place winners were Sharon Carpenter and Nicole Lewis.

There were 23 competitors in the noodle races. John Smith, of Sebring, led the crowd in the noodle races with a 10:53 time.

He was first in his division with Linda Decker getting second; Raymond Jackson, third; and Eva Monk, fourth.

Other first-place finishers in the noodle races were Walter Tommie, Richy Rossner, Madolyn Anders, Penny Holder and Sarah Moore.

Second place went to Herb Adkins, Kenny Roberts, Minnie Sue Reid, Maria Rivera and Mac Smith, while third-place ribbons went to Jim Kentfield, Cody Crouse, Tammy Furman and Patty Toepper.

Fourth-place finishers were Christine Frank and Ricky Marino.

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