Athletes of the Meet - Marshall/Edison

There were a number of strong performances during our tri-meet tonight against Marshall and Edison. That's why it is such an honor to recognize Benham Cobb and Regan Hau as athletes of the meet.

Regan earned recognition as athlete of the meet for the second-consecutive week. The first meet after break is historically a challenge for most athletes. But for Regan it was an opportunity to demonstrate how much she has grown as an athlete. Her performances in the 200 IM and 100 back were right on her personal-best times.

Benham is a quiet young man who lets his times do the talking. He was strong throughout the meet, including winning the 100 fly and finishing second in the 100 back. He also turned in one of the strongest splits in the 400 freestyle relay.

There were many other team members who also set themselves apart by their times and actions in supporting their teammates. The coaching staff would like to recognize the following athletes who earned honorable mention:

1. Lilly Allred -- Lilly returned to competition for the first time this season after injuring her ankle in November. She not only posted strong times in her return, but graciously offering to swim fly in the medley relay despite not knowing how her ankle would react. 
2. Erica Rice -- Erica also made her season debut tonight after recovering from injury. While she still is not cleared to compete in her strongest events, Erica demonstrated her versatility by posting strong times in her off events. Her recovery is making progress and we are excited to see what she can accomplish the rest of this season. 
3. Morgan Howat -- Morgan's 50 free and split in the 200 free relay were reminiscent of her breakout performances last season. She won the 50 free and posted of her strongest splits in the relay.
4. Maggie Shi -- Maggie looked strong again tonight, including in the 200 IM where she posted a region-qualifying time. 
5. Sophia Brown -- Sophia took on the 500 for the first time in 2 years. Despite being nervous about the event, she handled herself very well. Sophia's time set a new personal-best that she will almost certainly eclipse now that she's more comfortable in the event.
6. Ela Miralao -- Ela earned recognition because of her willingness to do whatever it takes to make her team successful. Ela volunteered to take on the 500 free when a teammate fell ill and was not able to compete.
7. Natalie Lauer -- Natalie continued her strong freshman season by setting a new personal-best in the 100 breaststroke and 100 fly. Natalie continues to excel in each new event she's entered in, demonstrating a rare versatility that makes her such an important asset to the team.
8. Elsa Marsden -- Elsa had a great meet tonight, earning a region-qualifying score for the first time this season. Elsa became the second female diver to earn that distinction. And we hope that she continues her success through regions and onto states this season!
9. Adam Hammoud -- Adam's performance in the 200 free represents his best-ever time in a high school meet for that event. He also posted a near-best time in the 500 free.
10. Owen Dyson -- Owen had another strong meet, posting region- and state-qualifying times in his events. His 50 free time fell just short of the state-cut by 0.16 seconds. He also posted a blazing time in the 400 free relay.
11. Ethan Asner -- Ethan had a strong night in both the 50 and 100 free events. His times in the 50 and 100 free were his fastest all season. And as he works on his turns and breakouts he will only get faster!
12. Will Bush -- Will is beginning to make a habit of setting new personal bests each week. This week he established a new standard for himself in the 200 IM by dropping a full 4 seconds. Will works hard every day and is a great example of what is possible when athletes devote themselves to excellence each day in practice.