MOLLY McCrossin was the sole Bathurst City Amateur Swim Club representative at the recent 13-17 Years NSW State Age Swimming Championships in Homebush but made the most of her time at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Thursday with a new personal best in the 100 metres breaststroke. McCrossin produced a time of one minute and 28.14 seconds in the under 14s event against the best NSW has to offer, missing out on a finals spot but gaining valuable experience. The Bathurst swimmer also took on the 50m freestyle the same day and finished with a time of 30.07 seconds, a solid performance even though it was short of her personal best time of 29.50. Head coach of BCASC, Steve Howell, said McCrossin’s efforts at training have paid off. “She always puts in 110 per cent in every training session. She’s one of those swimmers you can set and forget,” he said. “You know she won’t compromise or try to get out of anything. She’s a great girl to coach. “Molly’s turning into one of our squad leaders. She’s picked up that mantle and run along with it well.” Even with some minor stumbles Howell said McCrossin could be proud of her achievements. “Her 50m free probably wasn’t as good as she would have liked, but she was a little nervous going into it. Last time she went over to SOPAC she broke in that event and was disqualified,” he said. “Molly got off a little slow from the block because of that … but still posted a very good time. “The 100m breaststroke was a lot better for her. Her stroke rate was probably still a little too fast for what she was trying to achieve but she still picked up a personal best.” McCrossin’s previous appearance in the Homebush pool came at the Winter State Age Championships, where she took on the short course. Howell said 2016 has been a year to remember for the Bathurst club and looks forward to seeing what 2017 will bring. “We have our Bathurst carnival coming up in January and then the Mountains and Plains Championship after that. There will also be the Summer Country Championships in Homebush,” he said. “Myself and my coaching team of Josh Stapley and Cynthia Santos are loving this team at the moment. We’re really getting into the groove and getting the best out of them. “The kids are getting more driven and motivated. We’re working really well together as a team. Josh and Cynthia are so passionate about their swimming … and they help me so much.” Full training for the club resumes on January 9. The Mountains and Plains Swimming Championship will be the next major event on the cards for the Bathurst club, which takes place on February 4.
