Audrey Grammel swims the breaststroke. (Photo/Inji Kang’19. Media Team)
The AquaVikes had a phenomenal day of swimming at Sectionals on Saturday February 12. It was the first post-season meet this year, and the top thirty swimmers from each event qualify for Districts.
The girls started the day off with some great swimming. In the 200-yard medley relay, Jane Li’18, Audrey Grammel’17, Whitney Hannallah’20, and Sammie Kass’19 placed first with a time of 1:52.98. Kass is seated third in both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle, with times of 25.35 and 54.51, respectively.
Grammel, Abby Yakam’20, and Hannallah seated first, third, and fourth, respectively in the 100-yard breaststroke. Grammel placed 17th in the 100 breaststroke at states last year, and we are excited to see how this year will play out. Sadly the girls 200 freestyle relay was disqualified, but the team has its individual events and other relays to focus on for this upcoming meet.
Inji Kang’19, Taylor Warren’20, Callista Popp’19, Carly Shocket’18, Annalise Grammel’20 and Sarah Edwards’20 all qualified for district events.
When the boys took over the pool. Max Dreisbach’18 finished the day by seating first in the 100-yard butterfly and second 200-yard IM. Freshman Mike DeAscentis also qualified for the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. Both boys have had a remarkable season thus far and are planning to continue winning into post season. Seniors Dylan Warren and Tin Le are ready to compete at districts after placing first and third, respectively in the 100-yard freestyle.
The best event of the day came in the middle of the boys meet. In an breathtaking 100-yard backstroke event, spectators were beyond excited when Columbus Academy took first, second, third, and fourth place with sophomores Jacob Eismann, Jack Campbell, Peter Dimaggio and Tommy Mampieri’17, respectively. Senior Mampieri qualified with a personal best of 1:04.91 and has impressively qualified for districts in the 100 backstroke every year.
Last year, Nate Goldfarb was out touch for first place in the 100yard breaststroke at states and is seeking redemption. With a smooth win at sectionals and a third place seat at districts, his road to a first place title looks promising.
Swimmers Raymond Cao’17, James Cao’20, Chris Heermann’18, Keenan Bellisari’19, David Barren’19, Eric DeVore’19, and Luke Tiberi’18 also qualified for districts. All three relays are into districts as well.
Districts will be on Friday, February 17, at Ohio State.
