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Even with the event being moved forward a month, lots of uncertainty surrounds the 2011 Carthage Aquatic Invitational, held this weekend in Carthage. Despite some uncertainties, organizers still plan on a solid turnout.
Citing rising gas prices and last months devastating tornado in Joplin, not to mention summer camps and family vacations that happen over the course of every summer, Carthage swim coach Andy Youngworth says it’s hard to tell just what kind of numbers will be on hand when the event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday.
“The last couple of years we’ve had the biggest meets in our conference,” Youngworth said. “So far, the numbers at some other events so far this year have been way down. Along with Joplin, we’re the most centrally located event in our conference, so it will be interesting to see how many show up.
“I think we’ll have good numbers,” he added. “We’re expecting maybe 300-400 swimmers. It really is hard to tell though, it’s hard to judge.”
The event, usually held in July, will happen much earlier in the summer than in years past.
“The meets are (organized) kind of in a lottery system,” Youngworth said of the change. “Not every team gets to host an event. This is a major fundraiser for most of the teams and it’s important.”
With some 90 members, Youngworth said Carthage can expect to see approximately 50-60 of its swimmers compete in the event, with some absent due to other commitments, though he cautioned that it’s hard to tell right now how accurate those numbers will be.
Regardless, Carthage has several members who it figures to have strong showings this weekend. Seth Jensen is one of those members, competing in the 11-12 boys age group. Jensen was the high-point award winner for his category last week, according to Youngworth.
A trio of siblings also figure to boast well: Jacques Bene, 11-12 boys, Olivia Bene, 10-under girls, and Sophie Bene, 8-under girls.
“I know there’s going to be others,” Youngworth said of those who will stand out for Carthage. “Because we have several other kids that I think will do well. The key to the meet is having enough kids in each age group to put together some relays.”
Along with Carthage, the rest of the Tri-State Aquatic Conference includes: Claremore, Okla., Siloam Springs, Ark., Nevada, Lamar, Webb City, Joplin, Monett, Missouri State Aquatics of Springfield, Branson, Parsons, Kan. and Pittsburg, Kan.
Events will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
To reach Levi Payton, send e-mail to sports@carthagepress.com or call 417-358-2191.
Even with the event being moved forward a month, lots of uncertainty surrounds the 2011 Carthage Aquatic Invitational, held this weekend in Carthage. Despite some uncertainties, organizers still plan on a solid turnout.
Citing rising gas prices and last months devastating tornado in Joplin, not to mention summer camps and family vacations that happen over the course of every summer, Carthage swim coach Andy Youngworth says it’s hard to tell just what kind of numbers will be on hand when the event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday.
“The last couple of years we’ve had the biggest meets in our conference,” Youngworth said. “So far, the numbers at some other events so far this year have been way down. Along with Joplin, we’re the most centrally located event in our conference, so it will be interesting to see how many show up.
“I think we’ll have good numbers,” he added. “We’re expecting maybe 300-400 swimmers. It really is hard to tell though, it’s hard to judge.”
The event, usually held in July, will happen much earlier in the summer than in years past.
“The meets are (organized) kind of in a lottery system,” Youngworth said of the change. “Not every team gets to host an event. This is a major fundraiser for most of the teams and it’s important.”
With some 90 members, Youngworth said Carthage can expect to see approximately 50-60 of its swimmers compete in the event, with some absent due to other commitments, though he cautioned that it’s hard to tell right now how accurate those numbers will be.
Regardless, Carthage has several members who it figures to have strong showings this weekend. Seth Jensen is one of those members, competing in the 11-12 boys age group. Jensen was the high-point award winner for his category last week, according to Youngworth.
A trio of siblings also figure to boast well: Jacques Bene, 11-12 boys, Olivia Bene, 10-under girls, and Sophie Bene, 8-under girls.
“I know there’s going to be others,” Youngworth said of those who will stand out for Carthage. “Because we have several other kids that I think will do well. The key to the meet is having enough kids in each age group to put together some relays.”
Along with Carthage, the rest of the Tri-State Aquatic Conference includes: Claremore, Okla., Siloam Springs, Ark., Nevada, Lamar, Webb City, Joplin, Monett, Missouri State Aquatics of Springfield, Branson, Parsons, Kan. and Pittsburg, Kan.
Events will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
To reach Levi Payton, send e-mail to sports@carthagepress.com or call 417-358-2191.
