Cyrus Hannallah swimming the 200 IM. (Andrew Barren’22/Media)

Academy’s swimmers entered the road to states on Saturday, February 9, as they faced off against 17 other teams for the sectional title.

Starting off the meet with a bang was the 200 medley relay, comprised of juniors James Cao and Mike DeAscentis and seniors Jack Campbell and Eric DeVore’19. Cao then placed first in the 200 freestyle.

Senior Jacob Eismann took the gold in the 50 free, as DeVore and Campbell tied for bronze. Freshman Drake Bellisari placed fifth in the 100 fly before DeAscentis and Cao got first and fourth, respectively, in the 100 free.

Continuing the momentum, Campbell, DeVore, DeAscentis, and Eismann took the golds in the 200 free relay and 400 free relay, and Eismann won the 100 back.

The Vikes won the meet with 247 points, leading second-place Olentangy Berlin by 55.

The AquaVikes take their next step to the state meet on Thursday, February 14, when they swim at districts at OSU.