Longhorn Aquatics takes fourth straight Club Excellence title

As Jenny mentioned in the comments below, Longhorn Aquatics has won yet again. I've read comments at other sites about Texas swimmers not having such a great year, etc., but I think this speaks for itself. Even in what has been a bit of an off year them, the guys from Texas are still better than everyone else. Congrats to them all!

From USA Swimming:

For the fourth straight year, Longhorn Aquatics, based in Austin, Texas, has earned the top spot in USA Swimming's Club Excellence Program, scoring 47,293 points. Each year, the Club Excellence Program identifies and recognizes USA Swimming clubs for their commitment to excellence in operation, performance, and for their support of the sport and USA Swimming.

This year, USA Swimming had 166 clubs apply for Club Excellence recognition, the highest number of clubs to participate in the program's five year history. In addition to Longhorn, North Baltimore Aquatic Club (43,339 points) and Mecklenburg Aquatic Club (26,895) round out the top three. (The point total indicates the total points scored from the FINA Long Course Performance Ratings/IPS "International Point Score" rating system).

Two clubs achieved have achieved gold medal status for the first time this year, Bulldog Aquatic Club of Livonia, Mich.; and Long Island Aquatic Club, based in East Meadow, N.Y.

A total of $320,000 in grant dollars will be distributed to 100 Gold- and Silver-level clubs. Final grant awards will be announced by July 23.

Happy Birthday Dana Cara!