Comets News Articles
Comets swimmer floods podium
March 10, 2010
By: Jeremy Nolais
After smashing numerous club records and climbing the podium at every event he entered, Cochrane Comets athlete Connor Matthezing wrapped up his breakthrough short-course swimming season in style at the Alberta Age-Group Championships.
Matthezing made the final in all eight of his swimming disciplines and earned four medals at the March 5-7 meet in Edmonton. And although the 12-year-old did not earn gold in any of his events, he came very close. Matthezing finished second in the boys aged 11-12 200-metre individual medley and 200-metre freestyle as well as the boys 12-and-under 200-metre butterfly. Matthezing also earned a bronze in the boys 11-12 100-metre individual medley.
In his other finals, Matthezing finished fourth in the boys 11-12 100-metre backstroke, sixth in both the 50-metre butterfly and 200-metre backstroke and seventh in the 50-metre backstroke.
Teammates Michael Audia, Stefan Daniel and Serinah Gicuhi also competed in the Age-Group Championships, each setting multiple personal bests.
Next up for the Comets will be the Swim-a-thon on March 10. Each athlete will swim either 5,000 metres or for two hours, and six cash prizes will be awarded.
Young Comets raise the bar at Grand Prix
January 20, 2010
By: Jeremy Nolais
Keeping pace with the big fish is no easy feat, however, Cochrane Comet swimmer Connor Matthezing handled the challenge well at the University of Calgary Swim Club Grand Prix.
Swimming Jan. 15-17 against a number of competitors that were as much as two years older than him, Matthezing, 12, made the final for the 200-metre backstroke and 1,500-metre freestyle, finishing fifth and seventh respectively. He also had the top time for swimmers aged 12 and under in the 200-metre individual medley as well as 100- and 400-metre freestyle.
Matthezing’s showing over the weekend competition built upon his strong results at the Fall Start Up meet — also held at the U of C last October — when he placed first in the boys 12 and under 50-metre butterfly and 50-metre backstroke.
Matthezing wasn’t the only Comets competitor to perform well, as Michael Audia and Stefan Daniel, both 12, posted personal best times in all events they competed in. Daniel’s older brother, Christian, 16, took 13 seconds off his best time in the 200-metre backstroke. Both brothers have qualified for the Swimmers With A Disability Can-Am Championships held in San Antonio this March.
Comets’ John Wilkins, 18, also took part in the Grand Prix, posting two personal-best times.
The Comets older members will hit the water for the Alberta Senior (15 and over) Championships in Medicine Hat Jan. 29-31.
Comets streak into new season
October 28, 2009
- Jon Wilkins –
It might have been the opening meet of the season, but members of the Cochrane Comets have already made an impact on the local swim scene.
Comets swimmer Connor Matthezing placed first in both the 50-metre butterfly and 50-metre backstroke for boys aged 12 and under at the Fall Start Up shortcourse meet, held at the University of Calgary Oct. 25. He also added a third-place finish to his day’s work in the 100-metre individual medley.
Cochrane Comets shoot to the top of their short season
March 25, 2009
The Cochrane Comets winter swim club is ready to spend some time on dry land after a successful short course season.
The Comets spent the season collecting medals and showing larger clubs they’re more than just small fish in a big pond. Head coach Suzanne Gaida said the season has been full of success for the Comets.
Comets dive in for strong showing at long-course meet
April 20, 2005
A trio of podium placements highlighted a strong performance by the Cochrane Comets Swim Club at the first long-course meet of the season, held April 15-17 at Calgary’s Talisman Centre.
And Comets head coach Suzanne Gaida said even the swimmers who didn’t pick up medals at the three-day event turned in solid outings. “We had an awesome meet,” Gaida said. “The kids, themselves, swam very well.
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From the Deck
March, 2010
TROPHIES
Calling in all trophies BY APRIL 1 , so that they can be displayed in the trophy case at the pool and so that preparations can begin for 2010 awards. Some trophies need additional layers added.
OFFICIALS
Information has been sent out to all club members. Get your shirt embroidered with the Comets logo and bring the receipt to any of the executive members and you will be reimbursed. There will be plenty of opportunity in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat to get involved being an official.
TEAM PICTURES & SWIM A THON
This was a great success. Congratulations to all the swimmers who took part competing for $$.
More information regarding number of lengths and distance will be in Randi’s Coaches information.
Thanks to the parents who came out and volunteered as well as the donated drinks and snacks from Cochrane Coffee Traders.
FUND RAISING
The meat/coffee fundraiser will commence again. Bar B Q season will soon be upon us. Janet Audia has graciously come forward to organize this meat/coffee order. Rob Vanderklay unfortunately is unable to fulfill his commitment at this time. Thank you for your time and efforts in the past Rob. If you have not received information regarding the order forms, please feel free to e-mail Janet at jaudia@telus.net
CAMPING LETHBRIDGE
For those interested, the swim meet in Lethbridge, end of April, there are some families interested in camping at Henderson Lake campground. I will get in contact with the resident manager to ask that we set aside an area for our club. Information will be available regarding the hotels in the area. Of course, it is up to you where you stay.
YEARBOOK PICTURES
Shelley Luckasavitch is always looking for more pictures for the upcoming yearbook. Please forward photos to saluckas@telus.net Thank you Danielle for getting 2008/09 year book out. It looks great. There will be current pictures from the swim a thon on our website. Thank you to Kim Arndt for coming out to our pool to take these photos and the team photos.
EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
As with all volunteer clubs, executive positions are always available. A number of key positions will be vacant for next season. Please give this some consideration so that YOU can become involved. No volunteers for the executive = no club. There is always room for more people on the executive. …..
3 YEAR END AWARDS CELEBRATION
The date of the year end awards celebration is JUNE 9th 6:00 – 8 pm at St. Timothy High School (same as last year). There will be a potluck portion which will be organized closer to the date as well as a supplied hot main dish. The Comets will cover the cost of swimmers’ and their parents with a cost of $5.00 for each additional family member. Tickets will be provided. A sign up sheet will be at the pool and I will contact anyone needing additional tickets.
BULLETIN BOARD
There will be a printed version of “From the Deck” placed on the bulletin board. Please do not remove it so that everyone has an opportunity to read it.
SAFEWAY and IGA Coupons
Don’t forget that buy these coupons helps with your Comet Cash. Sue D is never afraid to part with them. There are a significant amount of IGA coupons available at this time which are also good at Sobey’s. You can always find Sue or Chris as the pool.
REGISTRATION NIGHT SEPTEMBER 9, 2010
We have booked the lobby of Spray Lakes Family Recreation Centre from 6:30 – 8pm for registration. Mark your calendars now. For returning swimmers, there will be an “early registration date” provided.
Until next time…..
Submitted by
Donna Matthezing
Past president
From the Deck
February, 2010
printer friendly version From the Deck, Feb 2010
TROPHIES
Calling in all trophies BY APRIL 1 , so that they can be displayed in the trophy case at the pool and so that preparations can begin for 2010 awards. Some trophies need additional layers added.
OFFICIALS
Information has been sent out, via email, by C. Daniel regarding officials clinics and parent responsibilities regarding officiating. Remember, the club will pay for the cost of your embroidery, you need to supply the shirt. Swim Alberta has mandated a Navy Blue, sleeved shirt, Club logo left breast. Embroidery is done by SHOWCASE HORSE PRODUCTS in Cochrane. ( 122 Railway St. W near the Texas Gate). Get your shirt done and bring the receipt to any of the executive members and you will be reimbursed.
TEAM PICTURES & SWIM A THON
March 10th during the swim-a-thon:
- Swimmers will wear their team suit
- We will do group pictures without the caps. Swimmers can wear caps for their individual photos if they choose to. I will bring a number of yellow caps with me.(from Randi)
- We will have all swimmers on deck for 5:00pm photos. That will give us lots of time to take the photos and get the kids ……2 organized into their lanes for swim-a-thon.
There are also lap counters needed. More information to be forthcoming.
FUND RAISING
The meat/coffee fundraiser was a success. Looking forward to another go round in mid March with delivery in April. No word as of yet regarding a club casino. CAMPING IN
LETHBRIDGE
For those interested, the swim meet in Lethbridge, end of April, there are some families interested in camping at Henderson campground. Across the street from the large campground area are a number of hotel/motels for those not interested in camping. There is a large covered area which could be used for a team bar-b-que or team gathering. Information regarding booking to follow.
YEARBOOK PICTURES
Shelley Luckasavitch is always looking for more pictures for the upcoming yearbook. Please forward photos to saluckas@telus.net
SPONSORSHIP
A number of letters (24) have gone to local business requesting athlete sponsorship. As well, a couple of different grants have been applied for through the Town of Cochrane and Chevrolete manufacturer. If we are successful, you will be the first to hear it!! We are keeping our fingers crossed.
EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
As with all volunteer clubs, executive positions are always available. A number of key positions will be vacant for next season. Please give this some consideration so that YOU can become involved. No volunteers for the executive = no club. There is always room for more people on the executive. …..
3 YEAR END AWARDS CELEBRATION
Work is already underway for organizing this event. Hopefully, there will be no “flying fish”. If anyone wishes to help organize the event, please let Donna Matthezing know by emailing drczing@shaw.ca BULLETIN BOARD For current information, peak at the great bulletin board inside the pool. Thank you to the ladies who have done a great job!!
Until next time…..
Submitted by
Donna Matthezing
Past president
May/June News
Coach's Message
Well, this is it. The season is coming to a close for all the Comets, the Comet parents and the coaches. What an amazing year it has been. You need to congratulate yourselves for an awesome season. All of you improved in your technique and your times over the last year. The amount of focus and dedication you all have shown is awesome. I, as always, am inspired by you all. You could be sitting on a couch, eating junk and have no focus but instead you have all decided to become involved in a sport that takes up a lot of your time, allows you to live a healthy lifestyle, while still enjoying the junk, and brings you into a wonderful social team.
I am looking forward to the Awards Banquet, June 10. It is always great to wind up the season by getting together and celebrating your successes. I hope to see you all there.
For those of you still swimming - good luck at Provincials you have worked hard for this opportunity.
As most of you know, this is my last season with the Cochrane Comets. My life has become very busy with exciting new challenges at work and more time is expected of me at my job. With all the added responsibilities at work, I have decided to focus my energies in that area.
As I look back at the last eight seasons that I have been the Head Coach of the Cochrane Comets, I feel great accomplishment and have extremely positive memories. From the swimmers to the parents to the boards that I have had the opportunity to work with, I have watched this club has grow through my guidance and expertise in swimming and club function. I have enjoyed the support the club has shown me and the coaches that I have worked with. I believe the Comets have an opportunity to grow and go further with a new coach with passion and vision. As a new facility is on the not-so-far-horizon, the Comets need to be ready to grow and become a club to be reckoned with in Alberta.
I wish the Cochrane Comets great successes in the future and I will still see you at the pool. I hope everyone enjoys their summer.
Take the time to enjoy this thing we call LIFE!!
Suzanne
From the Merchandiser
Another season is winding down and I would like to thank Mark Kondrat of Edge Sports Cochrane for his support of swimming in our community by providing the various accessories required at a 20% discount for members of the Comets Swim Club.
This season brought new lime green Speedo swim bags with swimmers initials embroidered in the flap and competition racing silicone caps printed with the swimmers surname.
It has been four years since I took over the job of merchandising, but all good things must come to an end. I have informed the executive of my intent to resign as merchandiser at the end of the current season. A new merchandiser will be voted in at the Annual General Meeting on June 10th, 2009.
These past four years saw major changes in how we purchase merchandise from a new website with a full page dedicated to merchandise, a new PDF order form, and a merchandiser email.
I would like to thank all the past and future executive members for their support and dedication to this club. Without volunteer s, our Cochrane Comets Swim Club would not exist.
Ron Matthezing
Merchandizing
April/May News
Gift Cards / Comet’s Cash
Safeway and IGA gift cards are still available. Send your email request to chrdaniel@yahoo.comemail and we’ll get the cards to you. This is a great way to increase your Comet's Cash to pay for swim meets and merchandise.
Sue Daniel
Coach's Corner
Congratulations to the Blue Squad for a great year. You have all improved and I hope you will all return to the pool in September. For those in the Gold Squad that have chosen to end your season, congratulations as well. I understand the season can be a long one. I hope you enjoy your rest and are refreshed to return to the pool in September.
As we enter Long Course season it is very important to focus again on the little things. We have had a break, your bodies are rested and we need to get back to basics. Drills are done slow and perfect. Sprints need to be all out. Swims need to be perfect, not sloppy. Turns are executed with precision. Streamlines are done off each wall. As much I give you feedback on your stroke and corrections, you need to be focusing with every stroke you take. I can provide the information, but you must be the ones to apply the focus and execute correctly. Your improvement in swimming and racing is directly related to what you do in practice.
I hope to see everyone at the Awards Night as we celebrate the many accomplishments of the Comets.
Suzanne
Photos
If you’re taking great photos of our swimmers, please forward to Shelley Luckasavitch at luckasar@telus.net for use on our website and to SHELLEY LUCKASAVITCH at saluckas@telus.net. for our yearbook.
March/April News
Merchandizing
As you all know from previous news, the Comets launched a campaign to seek funding from local businesses and I'm pleased to announce that we received some very generous donations. Their names are recognized on our website.
This round of funding paid for silicone competition swim caps with the surname of each swimmer in the blue, black and gold squads. This form of displaying ones name has become very popular with various swim clubs participating at meets. Wear your name and team colors with pride!
As always, visit the merchandiser website for all your team paraphernalia.
Ron Matthezing
Merchandiser
Swim Meet Information
As a result of the Town of Cochrane providing the club funds that are to be used for the sole purpose of subsidizing a year-end bus trip, we will be going to Lethbridge on National Coach Lines - similar to the Fernie trip in 2008. We have also blocked rooms at the Best Value Inn in Lethbridge.
The cost to cover the balance not funded by the grant will be $25.00 per person. Swimmers entered in the meet and their parents have first priority on seats available. Any seats leftover will be available for siblings. The bus is a 48 passenger vehicle, so space should be adequate. Info on the trip:
LA Swim Club Spring Challenge
May 1, 2 & 3, 2009
Warm-ups: Friday May 1 @ 3:30 pm
Meet: Saturday May 2 @7:30 am & 2:30 pm Sunday May 3 @ 7:30 am
March News
Comets Photos
If you’re taking great photos of our swimmers,please forward to Shelley Luckasavitch at luckasar@telus.net for use on our website and to Danielle Genung at dannygirl4@mac.com for our yearbook.
February News
Comets Merchandise
Window Stickers are in and I have made every effort to provide each Comet swimmer with a complimentary sticker to place proudly on their parents vehicle or on their own ride. For those swimmers who have yet to receive their window sticker, please find me at the pool Monday and Wednesday evenings. You may purchase additional window stickers for just $2.00.
Thanks to Karen and Haley Jacques for creating Banner Bags, which provide both a stylish and protective carrying sack for our investment in team banners. Again, the banners are stored with the Merchandiser, so if you need one for a swim meet, email me or find me at the pool.
Regarding the track suits, Edge Sports advised there has been little interest other than those member's listed in early December. As we have not met the minimum required order of 12 suits, we will not proceed. However, I do have zipper front hoodies in stock – they are the most comfortable and preferred by swimmers.
Effective immediately the price of Lycra racing suits has increased by $5.00 to $45.00. This will ensure the club breaks even on costs.
read more about Comets Merchandise
Ron Matthezing
Merchandise
From the Registrar
Keep an eye on your mailbox for your Child Fitness Tax receipts.
I am sending them out on the 30th of January.
Karen Jaques
Registrar
Comets Photos
If you’re taking great photos of our swimmers, please forward to Shelley Luckasavitch at luckasar@telus.net for use on our website and to Danielle Genung at dannygirl4@mac.com for our yearbook.
January News
Comets Merchandise
Additional Comet hoodies have arrived and we have chamois towels and water bottles in stock!
I expect the competition suits to arrive soon - thank you for your patience. Unfortunately, only one producer in all of Canada silk screens Lycra suits.
New this year - Comets window stickers. The club will provide one complimentary sticker to each swimmer with additional stickers available at a cost of $2.00 each.
Regarding team track suits, I invite parents and swimmers to visit Edge Sports in Cochrane for a KOBE size fitting. Any future orders we make will be determined by the amount of interest. The more orders received the lower the price per unit.
As reminder, if you wish to order products through the club the Order Form must be completed and dropped off at the pool.
Ron Matthezing
Merchandise
read more about Comets Merchandise
From the Registrar
Hi everyone! Great news from the Registrar…six transfers from the Development Squad are moving up to Blue Squad! Wow! This new season will be very exciting for them. I hope they have lots of fun and continue to improve their swimming skills.
I wish everyone a very Merry and Happy holiday season!!
Karen Jaques
Registrar
Comets Casino
Thanks to everyone who came out and worked the casino – another great opportunity for parents and swimming supporters to get to know each other and enjoy time together, while raising all-important funds for our club.
Fundraising
Fundraising this year has been very successful. We sold and distributed almost 200 pounds of coffee before Christmas. Thanks to Cochrane Coffee Traders and Danielle and Jeff Genung for all their hard work and great product!
We also sold over 130 meat packages from Balzac Meats. Due to the size of our order, it is taking a little longer than expected to process, but the cows should be delivered to the pool on Wednesday, January 7.
Thanks to everyone who participated.
Rob Vanderkley
Fundraising
Coaching Evaluation
December 15 2008
Comets are asking parents to evaluate the coaching staff by filling out an evaluation form. We are doing this as part of the coaches contract and for their information. We also value your opinion.
Instructions
- Print Evaluation Form: PDF Evaluation Form
- Specify on the top of the form which coach you are evaluating ( Suzanne Gaida or Patti Coderre)
- Evaluations can be anonymous. Kids may also fill out the form.
- Complete form and drop off in a sealed envelope in the Comets box located at the pool
- Deadline is January 30, 2009.
November / December News
Comets Merchandise
For those parents and swimmers wishing to purchase a Team track suit kindly drop by Edge Sports of Cochrane for a fitting of a black KOBE jacket/pant combo or just jacket no later than December 31st, 2008. Depending on the amount of interest will determine the price.
Check out our new product, Chamois Towels with Comets logo $45.00.
read more about Comets Merchandise
From the Registrar
We are still getting requests for information about the swim club (always a good thing) and about registration for next year. I am looking forward to making those transfers from development to the competitive blue squad for the new year. Congrats to all the swimmers that participated in the Medicine Hat meet and thanks to the parents for making it fun!
Karen Jaques
Registrar
Comets Casino
Casino takes place Dec 10 and 11. Contact Matthew Wilkins to confirm your shift.
Fundraising
At time of writing, I am waiting for the orders for coffee and meat to be turned in. We hope to have them all in by Monday or Tuesday (Dec 1 or 2) and will forward to Balzac Meats and Cochrane Coffee Traders on the Tuesday or Wednesday. The turnaround time should be about two weeks. (Approximately Dec 15) We will pick a day that everyone will be at swim practice to make the deliveries; probably Wednesday December 17. Please make sure that you pick up your orders and deliver them to your family and friends. This is the first year we have done this kind of fundraising, so it is going to be a bit of a learning experience. Hopefully, if this goes well, we may look at doing a repeat order in the early spring.
Thanks for your support.
Rob Vanderkley
Fundraising
November News
Comets Cash
Chris Daniel has taken over the Safeway and IGA coupons from Nancy. read more about Comets Cash
Christmas Party
The Comets will be holding our annual Christmas Party on November 26. read more about the Christmas Party
Fundraising News
The Comets Casino for swimmers registered in the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 swim seasons will be held December 10 & 11, 2008. read more Fundraising News
Safeway Coupons and IGA/Sobeys Coupons
You can buy I.G.A/Sobeys and Safeway shopping cards for your regular grocery shopping purchases and gasoline purchases at Safeway gas bar. When you do this, you get what you pay for: $50.00 card= $50.00 in grocery money. The grocery store then gives the swimming club 10% (Safeway) or 8% (I.G.A) of the total amount of shopping cards sold. The club then takes half of the amount given and deposits it in a “bank” called “Comet Cash” for the individual swimmer to spend on swimming related things such as: swim meet fees, registration fees, and or merchandise (i.e. swim suits, sweatshirts, track pants, swim bags, etc). The other half is fundraising money for the club.
Safeway shopping cards can only be purchased during October and December, and I.G.A/Sobeys coupons are available throughout the year.
Comets Awards 2007-2008
June 2008
Click here for a full list of Comets Awards 2007-2008
Comets 2008 Long Course Provincial Swimmers
June 2008
Click here for a full list of Provincial Swimmers 2007-2008
Comets 2008 Swim-a-thon Results
Click here for a full list of Swim-a-thon 2008 Results