Six swimmers from the Valley-Shore Y Marlins were invited to attend the annual Connecticut Swimming, Inc. Awards Banquet at the Aqua Turf on Nov. 6, where 885 swimmers from 50 swim teams from around the state were recognized for their outstanding performances in the pool or academics during the 2010-2011 season. Recognition was given to those who achieved Top 16 in each individual event for each age group, including the Open Water Championship Madison Mile. A Scholar Athlete Award went to swimmers who are in 10th grade or above who have a grade-point average of 3.5 or better in their solid academic subjects.

Caius Mergy of Old Lyme, a student at The Williams School in New London was recognized as a Scholar Athlete. Peter Fuchs, also of Old Lyme, achieved a fourth-place ranking in the 50-yard breaststroke (32:07), a seventh-place ranking in the 100 breaststroke (1:12.00), and an 11th-place ranking in the 200 breaststroke (2:24.37) individual events for the boys 11-12 age group. This is Fuchs' third year on the Connecticut Top 16 list for breaststroke. Old Lyme student Jessica Lee's time in the girls' 13-14 50 freestyle (25.37) gave her a 14th-place ranking this year, returning her to the Top 16 list, where she has previously been recognized for both freestyle and butterfly.

Michael Iranpour of Guilford ranked 16th in the boys' 13-14 age group for his 50 freestyle (24.03), while Old Saybrook senior Alexis Henry and Valley Regional graduate Amelia Haney were both recognized for their Top 16 placement in the Open Water Madison Mile, Henry placing fourth (26:17) and Haney sixth (27:19) in the female 17-18 age group.

Connecticut Swimming, Inc. is the local swim committee and governing body representing USA Swimming in Connecticut. According to their website, CSI has 5,548 registered athletes, 634 coaches, officials and other non-athlete volunteers in 61 members' clubs ranging in size from less than 10 to over 200 athletes. Connecticut Swimming, Inc. has swimmers of all ages and abilities, from novice to Olympic Trials finalists. More information on the Marlins can be found at www.vsymarlins.org. Information courtesy of Carol Daly