Athletes of the Week - Chantilly Meet

Congratulations to Sophia Brown and Aidan Jones on being named athletes of the week for their performances against Chantilly Friday night. Both Aidan and Sophia had phenomenal meets, posting strong times and providing steady leadership throughout the meet.

Sophia earned her distinction based on her performances in the 200 free and 100 fly. Her time in the 200 qualifies Sophia for Regions, while her time in the fly marks her first state-qualifying time of the year. Sophia is also a leader outside the pool, taking a key role welcoming and mentoring new members of the team.

Aidan's never-say-die attitude and commitment to excellence came through in his anchor legs to the 200 free and 400 free relays. In both cases, Aidan posted strong splits that helped his team edge out Chantilly for second place. His charge to the finish in the 200 free helped him out-touch his Chantilly opponent for second place by less than 0.5 seconds.

There were several other athletes whose performances are worthy of honorable mention, including:

• Hannah Carmen - Hannah was a double-winner in her individual events tonight. Just as impressive, though, was her ability to turn-around from the 500 and post a strong split in the 200 free relay. She continues to work hard and willingly faces challenges with grit and determination.
• Celia Bredehoeft - Celia overcame an injured foot to post strong strong performances in the 200 free and 100 free. Her teammates appreciated her willingness to overcome her discomfort to do what she can for her team. 
• Regan Hau - Regan took full advantage of the opportunity to compete in the 50 free for the first time in her high school career. She set a personal-best time in the event. She followed that up with a state-qualifying time in the 100 breast.  
• Anabel Huffstutler - Anabel was second in both her events (500 free and 100 breast), demonstrating the speed and strength of a top athlete. She appeared almost effortless throughout all her events. 
• Rachel Schlueter - Rachael returned to high school swimming tonight after a two-year hiatus and picked up right where she left off. Her time was just off her best-ever time in the 100 fly. A few more weeks in the water and she is sure to be faster than she's ever been! 
• Emma Wainwright - Emma won both the 100 free and 100 back tonight. She also posted a strong lead-off leg for the region-qualifying 200 medley relay. More importantly, she provided strong leadership throughout the night by leading cheers and encouraging her teammates.
• Bibi Ventura - Bibi's first meet with Madison Swim and Dive was marked by strong legs in the 200 medley and 200 free relays. She's only been a Warhawk for a few weeks but has already earned the respect of her teammates.
• Lucy Silverstein - Lucy won diving for the first time in her young career. Lucy joins a storied list of Madison divers who were individual event winners. 
• Lydia Mikhin - Lydia's teammates chose to recognize Lydia for her strong performances on the 200 medley and 200 free relays. She also competed in the 100 fly for the first time in her life. She looks to grow from her experience and improve on her times throughout the season. 
• Teddy Dinkelacker - Teddy had a breakout meet tonight, dropping time in both the 200 free and 100 back. In the 200 free, Teddy dropped nearly 7 seconds from his previous-best time. In the 100 back he dropped an additional 2 seconds.
• Benham Cobb - Benham was consistently strong throughout the night, winning both the 200 IM and 100 breast. He also helped lead his 200 medley relay to a win, and his 400 free relay to a strong second-place finish.
• Aaron Diehl - Aaron returned to high school swimming after missing last season and picked up right where he left off. His times in the 100 back and 50 free were just off his personal-bests. Aaron will continue to improve as he continues to settle back into high school swimming.
• James Rushforth - James is quickly establishing himself as one of our top sprint freestylers. He was just off his personal-best times in both the 50 free and 100 free. He was also an important contributor to the first-place 200 medley relay.
• Michael Reed - Michael set a personal-best in the 100 fly, coming tantalizingly close to breaking the one-minute mark. Michael continues his habit of dropping time each week in the 100 fly. He also set a personal-best in the 50 free.
• Colin Crowley - Colin finished second in the dive event. He is establishing himself our best male diver. He also is providing strong leadership among the divers.
• Will Simpson - Will successfully completed his first-ever 500 tonight and is already looking toward future opportunities to improve his time. Will continues to work hard in practice, and it shows with his times. 
• Robert Eachus - Robert caught the attention of his teammates by posting a personal-best time in the 200 IM along with a strong showing in the 500. He has a positive attitude and is already establishing himself as an important contributor to his team.
• Ryan Johnson -  Ryan had a strong performance in the 100 free, posting his best-ever time. He also had a good time in the 100 breast in what was only the second time in his career competing in the event.