SUPER COOPER
Projected to win one event at the Fred Cooper Invitational, the Long Blue Lane racked up eight in a very impressive culmination of a season's work for the majority of the team.  Over 330 athletes and an overflow crowd converged on historic Keating Natatorium on Sunday, February 15.  Referred to as the "Biggest Show on Surf", it lived up to its billing for the host St. X squad, joined by swimmers representing 18 schools.  The "Nat" was rocking.
The AquaBombers focusing on values of commitment, caring and courage dedicated their efforts to the late Fred Cooper.  Cooper, who touched many lives through his career, has left a lasting imprint.  Certainly, that legacy was embraced throughout the weekend by the "Boys in Blue".
St. X was represented by 51 athletes.  From start to finish, the home team was on fire at the largest single day high school event held at Keating.  The normal high school program was used with no team scores tallied.
The 200 Medley Relay got things rolling in a dramatic touch out win by .04 seconds.  John Marsden [JR], Miles McKeever [SR], Henry Hoelle [JR] and Gus Leder [JR] all posted lifetime bests.  McKeever, Hoelle and Leder were far from finished.  Leder posted 3 more gold medals as he won the 50 Free.  He then anchored the record setting 200 Free Relay joined by Jacob Morris [SO], Alex Serafin [JR] and Hoelle.  Hoelle finished right behind Leder in the 50 Free and then won the 100 Free.  For his efforts, he was named Swimmer of the Meet.

  
 
McKeever, finished his career, posting a new meet record on the 100 Breast.  The 1:01.05 bested the 26-year-old mark previously held by Ryan Rooney.  Serafin also was under that time going 1:01.11.  Leder's final win came as he anchored the 400 Free Relay joined by J.T. Schibi [SO], Corbin Potter [FR], Grant Schibi [SO].  All posted the fastest of their careers.
Other winners were Owen Hein [SR] in the 200 IM and Mike Reeves [JR] in the 100 Fly.  All told Hein, Hoelle, Leder, McKeever, Potter, J. T. Schibi and Serafin would have qualified for Districts with their individual swims.  St. X showed tremendous balance by placing 5 on the podium in the 100 Free, 500 Free and 100 Breast.  They also had four in the 200 Free, 50 Free, 100 Fly and 100 Back.
Most notable were:
100 Fly            Reeves 1^st, Sam Mather [SO] 2^nd, Brendan Sprengard [FR] 3^rd, Jude Heckman [FR] 7^th
100 Free          Hoelle 1^st, Jackson Herlong [SO] 2^nd, Morris 3^rd, Potter 5^th, Grant Schibi 5^th
100 Breast       McKeever 1^st, Serafin 2^nd, Hein 4^th, Will Braun [FR] 5^th, Owen Benedict [FR] 7^th
All of the above were lifetime bests.
A review of the results showed 42 St. X athletes in the scoring columns.

  


    

 

   
 

"The focus and intensity displayed at the Coop by our guys was truly inspiring.  Every member of the team was on hand and enhanced an extremely energized environment.  The results were outstanding," reflected head coach Jim Brower.
"We have worked collaboratively for four months.  To be a part of such a special weekend was indeed gratifying.  I thank all those who made the Coop such a unique experience," noted coach Dave Albert.
"I had the opportunity to work with many of those who swam in the Coop.  In addition, I saw firsthand how much goes into finishing our season in such a positive way, both in and out of the water," opined coach John Zink.
"We refer to this meet as the "Biggest Show on Surf".  It certainly lived up to its billing.  So many memorable aspects of our Coop weekend brought us together in a way that is hard to describe but not forgotten.  What a combination of spirituality, athleticism and brotherhood," offered coach Matt Normile.
"It was a satisfying season.  Coaching these athletes alongside my colleagues, continues to expand my perspective of our sport and program.  Great to see so many smiles highlighted by dinner with coaches Vogelpohl and Keefe," said coach Gerry Vondenbrink.
"No question this is my favorite meet of the year.  To watch athletes throw down times that were impossible 17 weeks ago reinforces my commitment to what and how we operate.  The Long Blue Lane got wider and deeper, and I am so please to be a part of it," shared coach Zach Vogelpohl.
"As many know, Fred Cooper played a major role in my involvement in swimming.  To honor him with an affirmation of what he taught me and others touches me deeply.  I congratulate and thank all who have made the Coop the momentous experience it has become.  Fred, this one's for you," summarized assistant head coach Tom Keefe.