HOME AWAY FROM HOME – BIG SUCCESS
On Saturday, December 17, St. Henry (KY) hosted one of the largest high school swimming events at St. X's Keating Natatorium. Over 400 entrants provided energy and outstanding competition in a championship format. The AquaBombers were represented by Blue & White squads and delivered some remarkable efforts. In all, 13 men's teams participated with Ft. Thomas Highlands finishing on top with 402.5 point followed by St. X's Blues 375 and Ryle's 358. Highlands finished 10th and Ryle 5th at last year's Kentucky State Championships. The AquaBombers White team claimed seventh.
The Long Blue Lane had twenty-one top eight finishes led by:
- Alex Nixon [FR] 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 100 Fly, 400 Free Relay
- Link Tobery [FR] 200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay
- Aidan Smith [FR] 200 Free, 500 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay
- Wolfgang Bingaman [JR] 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay. 100 Breast
- Caleb Chang [SO] 200 Medley Relay, 100 Back, 400 Free Relay
- Jackson Cornwall [JR] 200 Medley Relay, 100 Back, 400 Free Relay
- David Kim [SO] 200 Medley Relay, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay
- Will Moran [SO] 200 Free, 500 Free, 400 Free Relay
- Gokul Vamadeva [FR] 200 Medley Relay, 200 IM, 200 Free Relay
The meet was closely contest with St. X Blue leading by a half of a point heading into the last 2 events. Highlands' breaststrokers came up big and pulled away to claim the trophy.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS –
- 18 schools represented
- Over 400 entrants
- 21 Top eight finishes (1 – 8)
- 29 Top sixteen finishes (9 – 16)
- All 27 AquaBombers placed Top 16
- 80% STP's (Season Best Times)
- 65% BLT's (Best Lifetimes)
- Class Attendance Juniors (6), Sophomores (11), Freshmen (10)
- Six St. X relays would have qualified for Districts last year
COACHES COMMENTS –
"We took advantage of every opportunity to compete well. Certainly more to come, but an outstanding day," observed coach Matt Normile.
"It was a terrific event and watching our athletes and coaches work together is gratifying," noted coach Zach Vogelpohl.
"What an event. Marcie Dressman and the folks at St. Henry deserve a great deal of credit. We certainly felt at home," concluded assistant head coach Tom Keefe.
"Working with coaches Vondenbrink and Luke DiGiacomo adds an element of preparedness that enhances our chances for success. I continue to be impressed by our ability to get up and race," summarized coach John Zink.
