Tag Archive for: Swimming

GENEVA BOYS AND LAKESIDE GIRLS MAKE SPLASH AS REPEAT CHAMPS IN COUNTY SWIM MEET

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Photo Credit: CM Photography

Geneva, OH- January 5, 2024

The Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, was abuzz with excitement as the Ashtabula County All-County Swim meet brought together the finest swimmers from across the county. The Geneva Eagles continued their dominance on the boys’ side, securing their second consecutive overall team win, while Lakeside’s girls clinched a repeat victory for the second year in a row as well. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the event’s results:

Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay:

  1. Lakeside, Time: 2:13.82 – Madrigal, Stellaluna; Shevchik, Alexandra; Miklacic, Mary Grace; McClure, Rachael
  2. Geneva, Time: 2:18.03 – Collins, Kendall; Park, Ella; Griffiths, Abigail; Krieg, Julia
  3. Jefferson, Time: 2:18.11 – Anderson, Lauren; Phillips, Emma; Hanek, LaLa; Wood, Shelby

Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay:

  1. Geneva, Time: 1:54.94 – Lee, Alex; Lee, Tyler; Reigle, Nathan; Rose, Isaiah
  2. Conneaut, Time: 2:09.37 – Knight, Logan; Rich, Liam; Dean, Kyler; Sorenson, Cole
  3. Edgewood, Time: 2:13.56 – Cline, John; Tobie, Elliott; Hill, Tyler; Skwera, Joseph

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Miklacic, Mary Grace, Lakeside, Time: 2:09.44
  2. Perez, Jacqueline, Lakeside, Time: 2:28.58
  3. Shevchik, Alexandra, Lakeside, Time: 2:45.19

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Collins, Caiden, Geneva, Time: 2:05.27
  2. Yopp, Connor, Lakeside, Time: 2:10.85
  3. Meaney, Owen, Lakeside, Time: 2:33.64

Girls 200 Yard IM:

  1. Hanek, LaLa, Jefferson, Time: 2:20.71
  2. Collins, Kendall, Geneva, Time: 2:48.25
  3. Madrigal, Stellaluna, Lakeside, Time: 2:53.35

Boys 200 Yard IM:

  1. Reigle, Nathan, Geneva, Time: 2:07.76
  2. Rose, Isaiah, Geneva, Time: 2:45.52
  3. Navarro, Pablo, Geneva, Time: 2:59.67

Girls 100 Yard Butterfly:

  1. Griffiths, Abigail, Geneva, Time: 1:11.17
  2. McClure, Rachael, Lakeside, Time: 1:17.59
  3. Park, Sofia, Jefferson, Time: 1:26.63

Girls 50 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Juliaunna, Gregory, Edgewood, Time: 28.91
  2. Perez, Jasmine, Lakeside, Time: 30.54
  3. Phillips, Emma, Jefferson, Time: 30.65

Boys 50 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Lee, Tyler, Geneva, Time: 25.67
  2. Dean, Kyler, Conneaut, Time: 27.05
  3. Surbella, Matthew, Lakeside, Time: 27.65

Girls 100 Yard Butterfly:

  1. Griffiths, Abigail, Geneva, Time: 1:11.17
  2. McClure, Rachael, Lakeside, Time: 1:17.59
  3. Park, Sofia, Jefferson, Time: 1:26.63

Boys 100 Yard Butterfly:

  1. Reigle, Nathan, Geneva, Time: 58.60
  2. Yopp, Connor, Lakeside, Time: 1:09.56
  3. Walls, Wesley, Geneva, Time: 1:42.00

Girls 100 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Miklacic, Mary Grace, Lakeside, Time: 58.40
  2. Perez, Jacqueline, Lakeside, Time: 1:05.88
  3. Anderson, Lauren, Jefferson, Time: 1:14.12

Boys 100 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Lee, Alex, Geneva, Time: 59.11
  2. Surbella, Matthew, Lakeside, Time: 1:03.84
  3. Dean, Kyler, Conneaut, Time: 1:05.90

Girls 500 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Hanek, LaLa, Jefferson, Time: 5:44.90
  2. Wood, Shelby, Jefferson, Time: 7:23.44
  3. Ducro, Mary Cate, Lakeside, Time: 7:49.82

Boys 500 Yard Freestyle:

  1. Hill, Tyler, Edgewood, Time: 5:01.83
  2. Rose, Isaiah, Geneva, Time: 6:50.93
  3. Billman, Allan, Pymatuning Valley, Time: 8:14.76

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay:

  1. Lakeside, Time: 1:57.84 – Perez, Jacqueline; Perez, Jasmine; McClure, Rachael; Miklacic, Mary Grace
  2. Lakeside, Time: 2:08.22 – Madrigal, Stellaluna; Garay Montelongo, Hayzel; Ducro, Mary Cate; Shevchik, Alexandra
  3. Edgewood, Time: 2:13.79 – Juliaunna, Gregory; Crooks, Maddie C; Naus, Zoe; Patton, Avery

Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay:

  1. Geneva, Time: 1:43.04 – Collins, Caiden; Navarro, Pablo; Lee, Alex; Reigle, Nathan
  2. Conneaut, Time: 1:50.94 – Knight, Logan; Rich, Liam; Dean, Kyler; Sorenson, Cole
  3. Lakeside, Time: 1:55.91 – Meaney, Owen; Smith, Tyler; Yopp, Connor; Surbella, Matthew

Girls 100 Yard Backstroke:

  1. Juliaunna, Gregory, Edgewood, Time: 1:14.82
  2. Collins, Kendall, Geneva, Time: 1:15.38
  3. Madrigal, Stellaluna, Lakeside, Time: 1:16.01

Boys 100 Yard Backstroke:

  1. Hill, Tyler, Edgewood, Time: 1:00.56
  2. Collins, Caiden, Geneva, Time: 1:02.57
  3. Piccirillo, Joshua, Jefferson, Time: 1:15.91

Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke:

  1. Phillips, Emma, Jefferson, Time: 1:24.87
  2. Shevchik, Alexandra, Lakeside, Time: 1:32.17
  3. Park, Sofia, Jefferson, Time: 1:36.75

Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke:

  1. Lee, Tyler, Geneva, Time: 1:10.03
  2. Rich, Liam, Conneaut, Time: 1:13.43
  3. Tobie, Elliott, Edgewood, Time: 1:17.24

Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay:

  1. Jefferson, Time: 4:40.72 – Wood, Shelby; Park, Sofia; Phillips, Emma; Hanek, LaLa
  2. Geneva, Time: 4:49.64 – Collins, Kendall; Doherty, Bridget; Krieg, Julia; Griffiths, Abigail
  3. Geneva, Time: 6:13.67 – Elek, Sophia; Cybulski, Sarah; Armington, Joanna; Kobus, Delaney

Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay:

  1. Geneva, Time: 4:01.60 – Collins, Caiden; Rose, Isaiah; Lee, Alex; Lee, Tyler
  2. Lakeside, Time: 4:32.98 – Meaney, Owen; Smith, Tyler; Yopp, Connor; Surbella, Matthew
  3. Edgewood, Time: 4:47.38 – Hill, Tyler; Cline, John; Tobie, Elliott; Skwera, Joseph

The Ashtabula County All-County Swim meet showcased outstanding performances, highlighting the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of the swimmers. Congratulations to all participants for an incredible display of skill and sportsmanship!

I SPIES

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- Orange High School’s swimming team has found a hidden gem in senior student-athlete Avery Spies. Despite starting swimming as a casual whim during sophomore year, Spies has quickly risen to become one of the team’s key leaders, inspiring fellow swimmers with his relatability and unwavering support.

Spies admits that he shares a special connection with those who are new to the sport, having faced similar challenges himself. As someone who started swimming without much prior experience, Spies understands the difficulties and frustrations that come with learning the technical language and improving performance. By providing moral support and serving as a guiding figure, Spies establishes a strong bond with his teammates, encouraging them to stick with the sport and overcome the obstacles they face.

Jumping into the swimming scene late, Spies encountered his fair share of challenges. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic made his entry even more arduous. However, with determination and perseverance, Spies tackled the steep learning curve, gradually improving his times and techniques. Despite the initial struggles, he quickly adapted to the rigors of competitive swimming, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to push through difficult practices.

When asked about his mindset during races, Spies emphasizes the personal battle he faces in the pool – a war with his own thoughts. Overcoming negative thinking and self-doubt, Spies remains locked in and focused, relishing the feeling of triumph over his inner demons after each practice. His mental strength and ability to stay motivated have become invaluable assets in his swimming journey.

Spies’s favorite events are the middle-distance sprints, particularly the 100-meter and 200-meter freestyle races. While acknowledging the immense pain and struggles that come with these events, he appreciates the intensity and the opportunity to witness the difference made during the final meters. He thrives on the challenge, embracing the physical and mental endurance required to excel in these races.

Beyond the pool, Spies draws inspiration from his parents, especially his father, who overcame significant adversity in his own life. Having lost his parents at a young age and growing up with limited resources, Spies’s father serves as a constant reminder that anything is possible through hard work and determination.

As a senior leader in the Orange High School swimming team, Spies reflects on his personal growth and evolution over the years. He attributes his improved perspective to his newfound ability to think long-term, recognizing that daily practices may seem insignificant, but their cumulative impact leads to measurable changes and growth in the sport. This broader perspective has allowed him to appreciate the journey and the transformative power of dedication and consistency.

With his exceptional leadership qualities and unwavering commitment to growth, Avery Spies is not only making waves in the pool but also leaving a lasting impact on his teammates and the Orange High School community. As his senior year progresses, all eyes are on Spies, eager to witness his continued success and the positive influence he brings to the sport he loves.

 

PRESENTED BY

NEVER A DOUBTING TOMAS

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Orange High School swimmer Tomas Cakulev captivated listeners as he shared his inspiring story. From his early introduction to the sport to his unwavering dedication, Cakulev’s journey in swimming is one of triumph over adversity.

At the young age of ten, Cakulev was introduced to swimming by a friend who invited him to a practice at a local club. It was during these early experiences that Cakulev discovered the importance of bonding with teammates, both in and out of the pool. The camaraderie and competition formed the foundation of his love for the sport and ignited a competitive fire within him.

Cakulev’s competitive nature extends beyond the pool, as he strives for excellence in all aspects of his life. Whether it be academics or personal growth, his drive to compete and improve is ever-present. He finds motivation in beating his own records during practice, pushing himself to shave off precious seconds and continuously bettering his performance.

Despite encountering obstacles along the way, Cakulev’s determination remained unshaken. From challenging classes to inconsistent coaching, he navigated through adversity both in and out of the pool. These obstacles taught him the value of perseverance and instilled in him a sense of resilience that has carried him through his swimming career.

Throughout his competitive journey, Cakulev has developed a set of rituals to stay motivated before, during, and after events. He curates a playlist filled with his favorite songs, preferring a balanced tempo to keep himself focused yet not overly hyped. Before races, he dons his headphones, immersing himself in his own world while ensuring he stays warm to maintain peak performance. After races, Cakulev exemplifies great sportsmanship by congratulating his fellow swimmers and seeking feedback from his coach to identify areas for improvement.

Cakulev’s role models both inside and outside the pool include professional swimmers who have achieved great success. However, he also draws inspiration from his parents and his younger brother, who is making waves in his own swimming career. Their support and guidance have been instrumental in his development as an athlete.

One quote that resonates deeply with Cakulev is “if it is to be, it is up to me.” This motto serves as a reminder that he holds the power to shape his own destiny. It fuels his determination to push himself during practice, knowing that his hard work and dedication will lead to achieving his goals.

As a senior at Orange High School, Cakulev leaves a lasting impact on the swimming community, both as a talented athlete and a sportsman. His story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring swimmers, demonstrating the power of perseverance, camaraderie, and self-belief.

 

PRESENTED BY

KOZAK’S CAUSE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent podcast episode of YSN titled “Orange Swimming Player Profile: Emma Kozak,” the spotlight was on senior swimmer Emma Kozak from Orange High School. The episode provided insights into her journey as a swimmer, her role as a senior leader, and her aspirations for the future.

Emma, a seasoned swimmer, began competing at the age of eight. While admitting to a love-hate relationship with the sport, she persevered and continued to pursue her passion. Along the way, it was her friends and teammates who motivated her to keep swimming. She embraced her role as a leader both vocally and through her actions, encouraging her teammates during practices and pushing them to give their best effort.

As a senior, Emma enjoys the privilege of being the top dog in the school. She laughs off the misconceptions that seniors are scary, highlighting the camaraderie and support that exists within the team. Her ability to create a positive and fun atmosphere during practices has made her a mentor figure to her teammates, inspiring them to push through tough workouts and strive for their goals.

Representing Orange High School in the pool holds a special significance for Emma, as she has been attending the school since preschool. She expressed her gratitude for the honor and recognizes the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

When it comes to role models, Emma looks up to her fellow swimmer, Lily Klingensmith, who has shown her how to maintain a balanced life while excelling in swimming and academics. Outside of the pool, Emma credits her mother as her ultimate role model, appreciating her amazing qualities and particularly her culinary skills. Emma’s favorite dish, her mom’s lasagna roll-ups, is renowned amongst her family.

Looking ahead, Emma has her sights set on college. While considering the University of Kentucky among her options, she plans to pursue a career in healthcare. Her personal experiences with her mother’s battle with cancer have fueled her desire to help others and make a difference in their lives.

As Emma heads towards graduation, the Orange High School community rallies behind her. With her leadership, determination, and compassion, Emma Kozak is set to leave a lasting legacy in the pool and beyond.

We wish Emma the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

 

PRESENTED BY

NO NONSENSE NINA

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In an exclusive player profile interview for YSN, Orange High School’s swimming sensation and senior, Nina Deshpande, shared her ambitions and preparations for her final year in high school swimming.

Deshpande, a state qualifier last year, is no stranger to success. As she gears up for her senior year, she faces the challenge of surpassing her previous achievements and making her mark in the swimming world.

Reflecting on her successful junior year, Deshpande emphasized the importance of dedication and effort in every practice. “Every practice matters,” she stated. Deshpande admitted feeling the pressure to maintain her stellar performance and secure a place in the state competition once again. Moreover, she revealed her determination to qualify for the finals, a goal she narrowly missed last year.

As a senior, Deshpande recognizes the added responsibility of being a role model and leader for her younger teammates. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment, encouraging her peers to perform their best both in and out of the pool. Deshpande mentioned team bonding activities as a crucial element in fostering camaraderie within the team.

When asked about her competitive drive, Deshpande attributed it to her early exposure to swimming and the highly competitive swimming community she grew up in. Having trained alongside talented athletes, both older and younger, she has developed a strong sense of competition that fuels her desire to excel.

Outside of her swimming pursuits, Deshpande enjoys indulging in her favorite pastime: shopping. Target, being her go-to store, offers her both online and in-person retail therapy.

As the holiday season approaches, Deshpande revealed her excitement for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. While she appreciates the delicious foods associated with Thanksgiving, her favorite being mashed potatoes, she also looks forward to celebrating the festive spirit during Christmas.

The dedicated athlete credited her family for their unwavering support throughout her swimming journey. She mentioned her older brother, a talented athlete himself, and her mother, who introduced her to swimming and always encouraged her to strive for her best. Deshpande expressed her desire to make her family proud with her accomplishments in the pool.

In conclusion, Deshpande’s determination, leadership qualities, and relentless drive make her a force to be reckoned with in the competitive swimming world. As she enters her final year of high school swimming, all eyes will be on Deshpande as she aims to surpass her previous achievements and leave a lasting legacy in Orange High School’s swimming program.

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ALL GO FOR CVERCKO

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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, titled “Boardman Player Profile: Andrew Cvercko,” we delve into the fascinating world of a talented young athlete from a sports-oriented family. Andrew joins us to discuss the unique dynamics and pressures that come with being part of a competitive household.

We explore his journey in various sports, from soccer to swimming, and the influential role his family has played in his athletic pursuits.

Join us as we uncover Andrew’s passion for football, his determination to excel, and his plans for the future. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for another engaging player profile on YSN!

 

PRESENTED BY

BOARDMAN TANKERS TAKE OVER

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PLACE POINTS
Boardman High School 1st 151
Howland High School 2nd 69
Poland Seminary High School 3rd 39

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- On a cold, blustery, winter night, the Spartans heated up the pool by defeating Howland and Poland at Beeghly Natatorium. “Our kids were a bit tired but they knew they would be racing two quality opponents. Poland and Howland both have many fast athletes and there were some very good races. Our depth paid off in the end,” mentioned Coach Cordon.

Double event winners for the Spartans include freshman Petra Crnjak in the 500 Free (6:14.18) and the 100 Breaststroke (1:11.35), junior Alexis Mihok in the 50 Free (25.99) and the 100 Free (56.85), and junior Madison Murphy in the 200 IM (2:17.02) and the 100 Backstroke (1:02.42).

The single event winner for the Spartans was freshman Gina DiNapoli in the 100 Butterfly (1:04.24).

The Spartans won the 200 Medley Relay (Madison Murphy, Petra Crnjak, Gina DiNapoli, and Alexis Mihok) in a time of 1:57.35 and the 400 Freestyle Relay (Madison Murphy, Abbi Mihok, Petra Crnjak, and Morgan Russo) in a time of 4:02.89.

The Spartans record now stands at 7-2 as they head into this Friday’s quad-meet at Beeghly Natatorium vs state powerhouses Akron Firestone, Solon, and Shaker Heights.

 

*Story contributed by Chelsea D’Angelo and BoardmanAthletics.org

YOUNGSTOWN SWIM LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS PREVIEW WITH CARLO CORDON

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EAST PALESTINE OH- It’s Olympic season, and the sport of swimming never shines brighter than it does now. But the action isn’t just in Tokyo, locally swimmers are gearing up for the biggest meet of the summer with the Youngstown Swim League Championships on Saturday morning. 8 different swim clubs will be competing, and there will be 60 events throughout the day. The meet will highlight swimmers from all the age groups, and has plenty of competitive swimming to offer. YSN will be there live streaming the meet starting at 9:00 am. The stream can be found on Boardman’s channel, or the Live Games page.

Applewood Swim coach Carlo Cordon called in to YSN’s Running Point this week to give us a preview of what to expect on Saturday. Coach Cordon and his team took the mantle of hosting this meet last minute and did a wonderful job putting it all together in a short time window. He talks with Anthony Hartwig about some of the premiere swimmers competing in the meet, seeing swimming on the national stage in Tokyo, and much more. Dive in with us as we preview the Youngstown Swim League Championships with Carlo Cordon.

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8XWK9qOrV4[/embedyt]

 

 

SWIMMING SPARTANS STATE-BOUND

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BOARDMAN, OH- The Boardman High School Boys Swim Team competed this past weekend at the Northeast Ohio District Championships held at Cleveland State.  Noah Basista qualified individually for the State Championships by earning an automatic bid by placing 2nd in the 100 Fly (50.06) and 3rd in the 100 Breaststroke (57.19). Matthew DunLany qualified individually for the State Championships by placing 4th in the 100 fly (51.37).

Other Individual swimmers that finished in the top 30 for Boardman include sophomore Carter Cailor in the 100 Backstroke and the 500 Freestyle, freshman Ethan DunLany in the 500 Freestyle, junior Siman Mascola in the 200 IM and the 100 Breaststroke, and freshman Caleb Satterfield in the 200 IM and
100 Breaststroke.

 

*Story contributed by Karen Rohan and boardmanathletics.org