TAAF Winter Games of Texas: Fayette Area Swimmers Make Waves
The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Winter Games of Texas celebrated its 100th anniversary with a spectacular swimming championship held Jan. 18-19, at the Victoria ISD Aquatic Center in Victoria, Texas. With over 550 athletes competing in more than 700 events, the competition showcased some of the state’s top amateur swimming talent.
Carrying the Torch of Excellence
Inspired by the Olympic spirit, the TAAF Winter Games promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, and inclusivity, offering opportunities for athletes across all age groups and skill levels. Top performers earned a coveted qualification for the State Games of America, scheduled for July 2026 in Pennsylvania.
Among the standout participants was the Fayette Area Swim Team (F.A.S.T.), a dedicated summer league team overcoming the challenge of limited access to year-round training facilities. Traveling over an hour for practices, the team of 26 swimmers displayed grit and determination, earning both medals and national qualifications.
Medalists and National Qualifiers
Several F.A.S.T. swimmers delivered medal-worthy performances, securing their place at the State Games of America: 11-12 Girls 200-Yard Medley Relay: Savannah De-Mers, Avery Gabriel, Hannah Garza, and Adalyn Emmel earned silver.
15-17 Women’s 200-Yard Medley Relay: Madeline Willrich, Elena Supak, Hope Michalke, and Eleanor Carey claimed bronze.
15-17 Women’s 200-Yard Freestyle Relay: Madeline Willrich, Elena Supak, Hope Michalke, and Eleanor Carey claimed bronze.
Individual Events: Adysen Janacek (13-14 Girls): Silver in the 50-yard Breaststroke.
John Kaspar (18-24 Men): Silvers in the 100-yard Freestyle and 200-yard Freestyle; Bronze in the 50-yard Backstroke.
Hunter Sabo (18-24 Men): Gold in the 50-yard Freestyle, Bronze in 100-yard IM.
Celeine Fabre (18-24 Women): Silvers in the 50yard Freestyle and 50-yard Butterfly; Bronze in the 50yard Backstroke.
Gretchen Ledwik (Over 30 Women): Gold in the 50Yard Freestyle.
Strong Performances (4th-8th Place) F.A.S.T. swimmers achieved notable finishes in multiple events: 11-12 Boys: Garrison Ulrich: 8th place, 50-yard Freestyle.
15-17 Mens: Gavin Cook: 4th place, 50yard Backstroke; 6th place, 50-yard Breaststroke.
7-8 Girls: Magnolia Ray: 5th place, 25-yard Breaststroke; 5th place, 25-yard Freestyle; 6th place, 100-yard IM.
11-12 Girls: Avery Gabriel: 5th place, 100-yard Freestyle; 6th place, 50-yard Breaststroke, 50-yard Freestyle.
200-Yard Freestyle Relay: Savannah DeMars, Hannah Garza, Sloane Ray, and Avery Gabriel finished 4th.
13-14 Girls: Adysen Janacek: 4th place, 200-yard Freestyle; 5th place, 100-yard Freestyle.
Makenna Emmel: 5th place, 50-yard Backstroke; 8th place, 50-yard Butterfly.
Mallie Toombs: 8th place, 100-yard IM.
15-17 Womens: Eleanor Carey: 6th place, 100-yard Freestyle; 6th place, 50-yard Freestyle.
Madeline Willrich: 8th place, 50-yard Backstroke.
Hope Michalke: 5th place, 50-yard Butterfly.
Elena Supak: 6th place, 50-yard Butterfly; 8th place, 50-yard Breaststroke.
Laney Herdler: 4th place, 50-yard Backstroke; 5th place, 200-yard Freestyle; 8th place, 50-yard Butterfly.
Celebrating Team Spirit F.A.S.T.’s performance at the Winter Games highlighted their unwavering commitment and team spirit. Additional swimmers contributing to the team’s success included Oliver Schmidt, Everett Kubebka, Curtis Toombs, Andy Wyatt, Harlow Ray, and Eleanor Schmidt.
Looking ahead, F.A.S.T. plans to begin sign-ups in March for their summer league season. With goals of qualifying more swimmers for the TAAF regional meet and Summer Games of Texas, the team aspires to extend its success to the national stage.
With coaches who inspire greatness and a team that rises to every challenge, F.A.S.T. is proving that dedication and teamwork are the ultimate gold standard.