(March 1, 2013) The Stephen Decatur girls’ swim team finished 11th out of the 27 teams competing in the 3A/2A/1A state championship, held on Feb. 23, at the University of Maryland’s Eppley Recreation Center.
“They swam really well,” said Decatur Coach Jenny Miller. “Everybody stayed around their qualifying times, which were personal bests for some. About half of the girls bettered their times and got new personal records.”
Swimmers and relay teams who finished first through third were awarded medals. Fourth- through eighth-place finishers received ribbons. The top 16 in each event scored points for their school.
Lady Seahawks who placed 16th or better in their individual events were freshman Hailey Williams (200-yard freestyle, 2:13.62, 12th; 500 freestyle, 5:58.58, 12th), sophomores Madison Tinus (50 freestyle, 26.36 seconds, seventh; 100 freestyle, 58.69 seconds, seventh) and Carly Deickman (100 breaststroke, 1:18.22, 14th).
Tinus, Deickman, sophomore Maria Zweifel and senior captain Julia Wellen finished 11th in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:53.48). And Williams, Zweifel, sophomore Molly Wooten and freshman Marley Rakow placed 14th in the 400-yard freestyle relay event (4:16.41).
Out of the 32 boys’ teams that competed, Decatur finished in eighth place.
“The boys did a great job. Everybody dropped time,” said Seahawk Coach Damien Sanzotti. “It was a fantastic end of the season.”
Placing 16th or better in their events were junior Jake Middleton (200 freestyle, 1:51.01, third; 500 freestyle, 5:05.62, fifth) and senior captains Shayne Custodio (200 IM, 2:03.57, fourth; 100 backstroke, 55.19 seconds, fourth) and Jeff Middleton (100 backstroke, 1:01.97, 14th tie).
Sophomore Chris Poole, junior Cory Campbell, Jake Middleton and Custodio tied for second place with Damascus High School in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:35.54)
The Middletons, Custodio and Poole took 13th in the 200-yard medley relay event (1:51.57).
Both coaches were pleased with the Seahawks’ overall performances during the past three months. The girls’ team finished with an 8-3 record. They won over Maryland schools and their only losses were to Delaware squads. The Seahawks also captured the 3A/2A/1A East Regional title.
“We were really successful. I’m definitely happy with how the girls did this season,” Miller said. “We had a strong freshmen and sophomore class this year. We’re only losing three seniors (to graduation) so there’s not a whole lot of spaces to fill for next year.”
The boys’ squad finished 7-4 and placed second in the regional meet.
“The season had its ups and downs and there were a few bumps in the road, but it was a great first year of coaching for me and I learned a lot. It was a very good season and I’m really happy with it,” Sanzotti said. “We are graduating five boys. We will have a strong team [next year], but … some boys are going to have to step up in some areas.”
