JESUIT CUP RESULTS IN ST. X WIN
Several years ago, then head coach Dave Albert added a very special event to the AquaBomber calendar.  The Jesuit Cup has evolved into an extremely expansive and inclusive two days of spirituality, athleticism and collegiality.  This year's version was hosted at historic Keating Natatorium and directed by Dave Albert who now serves as the aquatics program coordinator and chaplain.
Joining the Long Blue Lane were Jesuit institutions Cleveland St. Ignatius and Detroit Jesuit.
Beginning with a joint practice on Friday, January 2, the teams moved to a special Saturday mass celebrated by Fr. Bill Berbryke J.S.  Fr. Bill, a former St. X diver, delivered a powerful message of a joint journey and a mission of brotherhood. It was then race time.
Every member of the St. X squad was in action with 259 swimming and diving performances.  The Boys in Blue prevailed:
                                                St. Xavier                                864
                                                Detroit Jesuit                           608
                                                Cleveland St. Ignatius             528
 
A balanced line-up with quality depth was the right mix as St. X outscored their friendly rivals in all 12 events.  The home team garnered 5 golds as they spread the top of the podium among 7 athletes

Charles was a 3 time medalist (200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 100 Back) as were Grisi (200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 500 Free), Farrell (200 Medley Relay, 100 Fly, 400 Free Relay), Andrew Clippard (200 Medley Relay, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay), Sam DeMarco (200 Free, 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay) and Brandon Hylton (500 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay).
The 200 and 500 Free races were extremely productive as Gee was followed in the 200 by DeMarco (2^nd), Nabil Sinno [SR] (4^th) and Hansen Rodger [FR] (7^th).  In the 500, Grisi was joined on the podium by Hylton (2^nd), Miles McKeever [SR] (3^rd), and Will Braun [FR] (4^th).
Following the "water works", it was off the to the Ellis gym for a banquet feeding well over 200.  Dozens of parents kept all fed.  It was a fitting climax to a wonderful Jesuit weekend.  So much went into the detail and operation, but the results were certainly worth it.
In addition to the Varsity competition, a full JV meet was contested in a non-scoring manner.  Every JV swimmer produced at least one best time with 97% having multiples.  On the JV side winners were:

Other Top 8 individual finishers on the Varsity Side (not previously mentioned)

  
  
 
 
 
 

  
  
- COACHES' COMMENTS –
"Being a part of such a unique and valuable event means so much to our program.  Dave Albert deserves much credit for his concept, planning and results.  Getting all of our guys in the same meet with our Jesuit brothers reinforces our concept of competing with other teams", reflected head coach Jim Brower.
"The cooperation we received from the Long Blue Lane Nation was indescribable.  The enthusiastic participation of Cleveland St. Ignatius and Detroit Jesuit highlights the level of this spiritual/athletic/social endeavor unlike any other.  We are grateful to all, and I am blessed to enjoy the fruits of so many who made it possible," acknowledged aquatics program coordinator Dave Albert.
"The effort required to offer the Jesuit Cup and its multi-faceted format is huge.  But, it is well worth it in so many ways," commented assistant head coach Tom Keefe.
"I have the opportunity to experience many activities that occur behind the scenes.  Sharing the 2 days with athletes and coaches is indeed meaningful," noted coach John Zink.
"Watching our guys participate in all aspects of the weekend was gratifying.  The time drops and opportunity to race as a team was exciting," reported coach Zach Vogelpohl.
"No question this is a highlight of our season.  Congrats to athletes, coaches, families, officials and fans.  Well done," offered coach Matt Normile.