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Vallejo Aquatic Club
P.O. Box 5846
Vallejo, CA 94591
(707) 553-swim
www.vallejoaquatics.org
April - May 2009
2009 “Senior” Edition
2008 - 2009 VJO Board
Debbie Rodinsky, President
Angelynne Yee, Vice President
Dove Butler, Treasurer
Jennifer Unger, Secretary
Diane Powell, Membership
Debbi Tucker, Officials
Debbie Rodinsky, Interim Meet
Director
Debbie Cameron, Newsletter
Coaches
Coach Tuffy Williams
Coach Aaron Jon Toch
Coach Lesley Toch
Shark Attack
The Official Newsletter of the Vallejo Aquatic Club
Presidential Proclamation
Congratulations to all of our seniors. As you all move into the next
phase of your lives, I hope that you take with you the memories, hard
work and dedication that you acquired from VJO. You have set the
standard high and left your mark on this team. I personally will miss
seeing you on deck during high school water polo season, swim
season and of course, practicing with VJO. Each of you are to be
congratulated on your accomplishments. May God Bless you and
bring you back each summer.
Go Seniors! Go Sharks!
Debbie Rodinsky
Board President
2009 Swim-A-Thon Goal: $25,000
Get those pledges collected and turned in!
Christian Dowell and Makenna Pezzuto Share
2009 Favaro Scholarship Honor
Christian “Cuppy” Dowell and Makenna Pezzuto are the well deserved
recipients of the 2009 Jeanne Roberts Favaro Scholarship Award.
Both recipients attended St. Patrick – St. Vincent High School. Cuppy
graduated with a 4.21 GPA and Makenna a 4.29 GPA. Both are
members of NHS & CSF. Cuppy swam for St. Patrick – St. Vincent and
plans on attending UC – Davis. Makenna swam for the Benicia swim
club and St. Patrick – St. Vincent as well as for VJO. She also played
water polo for GVRD, Oakland and St. Patrick – St. Vincent. She plans
on attending Santa Clara University and playing water polo for their
women’s water polo team.
The Vallejo Aquatic Club wishes both of these excellent student
athletes the best and would like to thank the Favaro family for
continuing this fine tradition.
Page 2
Reflections from the Deck
NOTES FROM THE TUFFGUY
To all the Hammerheads: this is
the week we have been waiting
for...R.E.A.L.'s (Redwood Empire
Aquatic League) in Ukiah.
For those of you who signed up
for the meet, you will have a
great time swimming well and
having fun. Don't forget, the
Coach Tuffy
theme this year is "Western" so
dress like a cowboy or cowgirl!
accomplishments and wish
them the best of luck as they
begin their future endeavors
and “real life.”
Our group of 6 in the
Class of 2009 represent not
only some of the brightest
students in Vallejo, but some
of the best people. From
their academic achievements
Coach Aaron Jon
to their talents outside of the
.
pool, we can truly be proud
that they were associated
As this newsletter is with our team.
dedicated to our
graduated Seniors, I’d I’d like to encourage all
like to acknowledge of our younger swimmers
their many (and their parents) to read
about them and what they’ve
Shark Attack
This is our last meet of the year
so make it your best meet.
After this meet we will take a two
week break and return
to the pool on Monday, August
24th. Practice times will be the
same (5:30-6:30 OR 6:30-7:30).
Have a great meet and break.
Tuffy
been able to accomplish. It’s
no coincidence that
greatness in the classroom is
accompanied by dedication
in the water--the two
combine to form well-
rounded, mentally and
physically healthy children
with a deep-rooted
confidence in what they can
achieve. This sense of
purpose (that many children
today seem to lack) is
something special and is
what makes VJO such a
special place to be.
Shark Attack Page 3

SHARK PROFILES
April - May 2009

Max Tiuseco Age: 18

Shark Attack: What are your plans for next year? Max: Attend St.
Mary's as a full time student.
SA: What are your future goals? Max: Graduate, have a family, and
a good paying job.
SA: How do you think swimming will impact your future? Max: By
teaching me dedication, responsibility, and leadership.
SA: What advice would you give new swimmers? Max: It's not
about the suit, it's about the swimmer.
SA: What was your favorite set? Max: 8 Rounds of 4 x 50 [20 sprint
/30 ez, 30 sprint / 20 ez, all ez, @100 pace]
SA: What is your favorite memory from swimming? Max: Making
new friends and long lasting friendships; achieving so much in so little
time.

Nikki Bueno
Page 4 Shark Attack
SHARK PROFILES
April – May 2009
Cuppy Dowell Age: 17
Shark Attack: What high school do you attend? Cuppy: St.
Patrick-St. Vincent High School
SA: What are your plans for the next year? Cuppy: I'll be heading
off to UC Davis in the fall with an undeclared major in Physical
Sciences looking to play water polo at the club level.
SA: What are your future goals? Cuppy: I hope I can get a good
job out of college and hopefully head off to graduate school.
SA: How do you think swimming will impact your future? Cuppy:
Swimming has given me an outstanding foundation in athletics and
has surrounded me with great people. It will undoubtedly provide
me with a great future, both indirectly and directly.
SA: What advice would you give new swimmers? Cuppy: When
going to practice, focus on what you're doing! Try to focus on
working harder everyday and perfecting everything you can about
your stroke.
SA: What was your favorite set? Cuppy: 1000 Timed Kick,
without question. Best set ever.
SA: What is your favorite memory from swimming? Cuppy:
Winning BSAL Championships last year with the SPSV Varsity and
JV Team!
SA: Tell us something about you that would surprise us. Cuppy:
I'm 17 years old and still can't ride a bike.

Makena Pezzuto Age: 18

Shark Attack: What high school do you attend?
Makena: St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School
SA: What are your plans for the next year?
Makena: Attend Santa Clara University and play
water polo.
SA: What are your future goals? Makena: To
harness my ninja-like skillz.
SA: How do you think swimming will impact your
future? Makena: In order to stay in shape for
water polo, I need to continue swimming.
SA: What was your favorite set? Makena: 11 x
100m cone set.
SA: What is your favorite memory from
swimming? Makena: The delicious potlucks after
the Swim-A-Thon and at holiday parties.
SA: Tell us something about you that would
surprise us. Makena: I have freckles! 
Shark Attack Page 5
SHARK PROFILES
April – May 2009

Lucas Spacil has moved on…we wish you

the best!

Jenna Yoshisato Age: 18

Shark Attack: What High School do you

attend? Jenna: St. Patrick-St. Vincent High
School
SA: What are your plans for the next year?
Jenna: I’ll be at UC Davis studying biology.
SA: What are your future goals? Jenna: I’m
going to travel the world. Ireland, Rome,
Egypt, Japan, Machu Picchu. I want to see it
all.
SA: How do you think swimming will impact
your future? Jenna: Swimming has given me
a lifelong skill. Not only does it give me
peaceful time for myself, but it keeps me in
excellent shape.
SA: What was your favorite set? Jenna: I
like distance sets. I find them relaxing. I
always look forward to a good thirty minute
swim.
SA: What is your favorite memory from
swimming, e.g. race, event? Jenna: At my
junior year BSALs, after winning my first event,
Aaron told me I had a “dogged determination”
and I should swim summer. The alliteration
won me over.
SA: Tell us something about you that would
surprise us: Jenna: I have old-fashioned
hobbies. I crochet everything from blankets to
socks and cross stitch on the side. It’s my
favorite pastime. Oh. And I almost have a
black belt in Hokushin Shito Ryu Karate-Do.
Page 6 Shark Attack
Can you say “Mayhem”?
VJO May Meet Pix

Fun in the Sun

in Napa
Shark Attack Page 7
Tidbits from USA Swimming…

RULES

The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote
uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair
competitive advantage over another swimmer.
Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance with these technical rules. If a
swimmer commits an infraction of the rules that is observed by an offical, a disqualification (DQ) will result. This
means that the swimmer will not receive an official time and will not be eligible for an award in that event. A
disqualification may result from actions such as not getting to the starting blocks on time, false starting, performing
strokes in an illegal manner, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
DQs are also a result of technical rules violations. They include but are not limited to:
Freestyle: Walking on the bottom, pulling on the lane rope, not touching the wall on a turn, or not completing the
distance.
Backstroke: Pulling or kicking into the wall once a swimmer has turned passed the vertical onto the breast. Turning
onto the breast before touching the wall with the hand at the finish of the race.
Breaststroke: An illegal kick such as flutter (freestyle), dolphin (butterfly), or scissors (side stroke); not on the
breast; alternating movements of the arms; taking two arm strokes or two leg kicks while the head is under water;
touching with only one hand at the turns or finish.
Butterfly: Alternating movements of the arms or legs; pushing the arms forward under instead of over the water
surface (underwater recovery); a breaststroke style of kick; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish.
For specific language on any technical rules consult the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations book. Violations of the
rules are reported to the Referee. The rules require that every reasonable effort be made to notify the swimmer or his
coach of the reason for the disqualification. If your child is disqualified in an event, be supportive rather than critical.
For beginning swimmers, a disqualification should be treated as a learning experience, not as a punishment. A
disqualification alerts the swimmer and coach to what portions of the swimmer's stroke need to be corrected. They
should be considered in the same light as an incorrect answer in schoolwork-they point out areas that need further
practice. Disqualifications are necessary to keep the competition fair and equitable for all competitors. A supportive
attitude on the part of the official, coach, and parent can make a positive situation out of the disqualification.
For more information, go to USA Swimming's Rules and Regulations.

Life in the “Unattached” Fast Lane

Welcome (Back) to the Deck These swimmers were missed in the last issue due to their
“unattached” status…so sorry!!!

A Times: B Times:
New Swimmers Returning Swimmers VJO SC C/B/A+ (2/6-8): VJO SC C/B/A+ (2/6-8):
John Bayotas: 1000 Free Mariel Bautista: 100 Breast
Andrew Butler: 100 Breast Mel Chaewsky: 100 Free
Isabelle Ramos Andres Rojas
Tomas Horder: 50 Free Chris Duplantis: 100 Back
Bryce Yee Adriana Rojas Napa SCY C/B/A+ (2/20-22):
Mary Falcon Izzy Fouad 100/200/500 Free
John Bayotas: 500 Fr, 200 IM
Jericho Putong Andrew Butler: 100 Fly
Chris Craft: 100 Breast
Jackie Vega Mel Chaewsky: 100 Free
Holly Fedor
Eli Prompradit JO Times: Far Western Times:
Devin Babot Spring JOs (3/20-22):
Napa SCY C/B/A+ (2/20-22):
Jake Everett Max Tiuseco: 500 Free
Tomas Horder: 200 Breast
Max Tiuseco: 100 Fly
Page 8 Shark Attack

Donation Station & Volunteer Central

Some great big THANK YOUs to organizations & people who have contriubuted so generously to & in behalf of VJO!

THANK YOU to all of the volunteers that worked from dawn to dusk on the May Meet. A special
thank you to Felix Viray for being the Meet Director.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
At away meets, please make sure to sign up to do some timing. We typically need 3 timers at
a time and try to get enough parent volunteers to sign up so that no one has to time for more
than 2 hours at any meet. Look for a sign up sheet in the VJO “Village”.
At home meets, consider becoming a Stroke and Turn Judge. You get to wear blue pants,
white shirt, & white shoes. It does require certification so check with Debbi Tucker to see when
the next training session is. At the meet, you will observe swims and make judgments
regarding legality of the strokes. You must be able to raise your hand to indicate an infraction
and then write legibly on the disqualification slip and inform the swimmer of such infraction.
You must be able to withstand a few tears and turn a deaf ear to parents and coaches (actually
send them to the Referee).

Life in the Fast Lane

The following swimmers achieved new time standards at the following meets:
THE “A” TEAM: “B” Times: Far “Out” Western Times…

VJO LC C/B/A+: VJO LC C/B/A+: 10 & Under Championships:

Mirelle Augst: 50/100 Back, 200 IM
Mariel Bautista: 100 Free/Br, 200 IM
Gerica Butler: 50 Free
Anjel Falcon: 100 Back
Bobby Hilton: 50 Free, 50 Back
Regina Horder: 400 Free
Tomas Horder: 100 Free
Milton Lau: 200 Free/IM, 100 Breast
Ricki Liang: 50 Free, 50 Fly
Sam Man: 100 Free
Tim Man: 100 Breast
Brandon Miguel: 100 Breast
Laurie Tucker: 200 IM
Colin VanDervoort: 50 Free
Alexander Viray: 100 Free, 50 Back
Marshall Zia: 50 Free
Mitchell Zia: 50 Breast, 100 Breast
2009 BSAL Swimming & Diving:
Evan Augst: 50 Free
Mariel Bautista: 50 Free, 100 Free
Crisha Cahil Carlos: 50 Free
Mel Chaewsky: 50 Free
Jalen Aquino: 50 Free Alyssa Powell: 50 Free
Mirelle Augst: 100 Breast
Gerica Butler: 50/100 Fly, 200 IM
Kaeleigh Cameron: 50 Free, 100 Br VJO LC C/B/A+:
Taylor Castro: 50 Free Brandon Miguel: 100 Fly
Mel Chaewsky: 100 Back Alyssa Powell: 50 Free, 200 IM
Anjel Falcon: 50 Free
Frankie Liang: 100 Free, 200 IM
Tim Man: 100 Free PRT Times:
Chris Rodinsky: 100 Free
Colin VanDervoort: 100/200 Free
Braeden Yee: 100 Free, 50 Back
S/C Far Westerns:
Alyssa Powell: 50 Back, 50/100 Fly
10 & Under Championships:
JOOOOOOOOO Times: Sam Man: 25 Breast
VJO LC C/B/A+: VJO LC C/B/A+:
Brandon Miguel: 50 Fly, 200 IM Alyssa Powell: 50 Fly, 100 Fly
Dylan Powell: 400 Free, 800 Free
Max Tiuseco: 200 Free
New Sectional Cut:
2009 San-Joaquin Section:
Andrew Butler: 100 Fly 2009 North Coast Section
Tori Singley: 100 Free Swimming & Diving
Championships:
Post- Coast Junior + Walk On:
Evan Augst: 500 Free, 1650 Free Max Tiuseco: 200 Free