Athletes of the Meet - Colgan

Congratulations to Ethan Morrow and Bibi Ventura on earning recognition as athletes of the week for their performances against the Colgan Sharks on Friday night.

Ethan had an outstanding night, setting new personal bests in both the 50 free and 100 free. Ethan continues to work hard each day at practice and it shows in his times. Ethan's 100 free time is now nearly 7 seconds faster than during tryouts in November. His 50 free time continues to get faster each week as well. 

Bibi had an excellent night in the pool as well. In tonight's meet, Bibi was just off her personal best time in the 100 fly. Her 50 free times in both the individual event and the 200 free relay were also very strong. While Bibi is new to the team, so is rapidly becoming an important part of our team's success and a beloved member of the team!

There were several other athletes who had performances worthy of honorable mention:

• Elsa Marsden - Elsa returned to the pool for the first time this season with an individual victory in diving. It's been a long road to recovery from a broken foot but the wait was certainly worth it!
• Abby Siddon - Abby's times in the 200 free and 500 free were just off her personal best. Abby fought through the pain and discomfort to earn valuable points for the team. She looked strong throughout each event and will certainly continue to improve through districts.
• Anabel Huffstutler - Anabel's never-say-die attitude was in full effect again this week. She had strong performances in both the 200 IM and the 500 free. Anabel was so strong in the 500 that she negative split the back half! She's also developing into an important leader on the team who helps lift up her teammates.
• Celia Bredehoeft - Celia looked strong throughout her 200 free and 500 free as well. Her most exciting race, though, was her swim as the anchor leg in the 400 free relay. In that race, Celia left even with Colgan's A and B relays. By the end of the race, though, Celia had opened up a lead of nearly 3 seconds on Colgan's nearest relay and secured second place for her relay.
• Neva Dogan - Neva took advantage of the opportunity compete in this week's meet by dropping nearly 4 seconds from her fastest split in the 200 free relay. Her time in the 50 free was more than 1 second faster than during tryouts.
• Hannah Carmen - Hannah demonstrated her versatility once again this week. She saw a terrific fly leg in the 200 medley relay, swimming fly for the first time since her freshman year. She won the 50 free while finishing second in the 100 breast.
• Kennedy O'Neail - Kennedy posted personal-best times in both the 50 free and 100 free tonight. She not only improved her times in both events, but she won her heat in both events as well.
• Sophia Brown - Sophia had another great night in the pool. Sophia had strong times in both of her events and was an important part of two winning relays. Sophia's teammates recognized her strong efforts by naming her performance in the 200 IM as being worth of a "shout out" at the end of the meet.
• Benham Cobb - Benham had one of his best meets of the season. His 100 fly was just off his personal best and he posted a very strong time in the 100 breast. Benham continues to lead by example, demonstrating the kind of work ethic that leads to success in the pool.
• Robert Eachus - Robert continued his strong freshman year by setting a new personal best in the 500 free. Robert looked fresh throughout the race and is positioning himself for a very successful district meet.
• Aidan Jones - Aidan came into the meet determined to win both his events. By the end of the night he not only accomplished his goals, but did it looking ready for a breakout meet at districts. Aidan is also an emerging leader who is supportive of his teammates.
• Daniel Lauretti - Daniel joined the parade of athletes who were right on their personal bests. His split in the 200 free relay was among the fastest times of his career.
• Collin Guo - Collin was a late addition to the 100 fly, but he quickly proved that he belonged in the event by posting one of the fastest times in his career. Collin continues to look for opportunities to challenge himself and demonstrate his skills.
• Kevin Rice - Kevin continued his strong season with two more individual wins. His 200 IM was especially fun to watch as he turned a significant deficit after backstroke into a comfortable victory. His split in the 400 free relay was also exemplary.