A packed Keating Natatorium witnessed an exciting and extremely impressive performance on Sunday, February 10th by 322 swimmers representing 14 schools. The host AquaBombers produced highlight after highlight, with all 38 athletes having multiple lifetime best swims.
The Long Blue Lane won 10 of 11 events. In addition, the squad had 5 runners-up and 6 third place finishes. The 200 IM and 100 Breast events were particularly “deep” for the Blue and White as they went 1 – 4 and 1 – 5 respectively.
Leading the way for St. X was Swimmer of the Meet, Will Morstadt (SO), who picked up 4 golds [200 Free, 100 Free, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay]. He was joined by 4 time winner Drew Mussman (SO) [200 Medley Relay, 50 Free, 100 Back, 400 Free Relay]. It was quite a day for the “M & M boys”. Freshman Nick Wolfe [200 IM, 200 Free Relay, 100 Breast] and Levi Shooner [500 Free and 400 Free Relay] were also multiple winners. Zach Vogeler (JR), Daniel Belyea (JR), Logan Tobery (FR) and Jeff Osterman (JR) also climbed to the top of the podium as part of victorious relays.
The event is named in honor of Hall of Fame coach Fred Cooper who touched the lives of many athletes, coaches and students during his life. The AquaBombers dedicate their efforts in recognition of his attributes of courage, caring and commitment. No team score was kept for this meet.
- INSIDE THE NUMBERS –
· 100% St. X swimmers had multiple lifetime best time
· 87% Best Times
· 95% Best times for individual events
· 10 swims would have qualified for District meet
· Every swimmer had a scoring swim (Top 16)
· 31 swimmers had individual scoring swims (Top 16)
· “Classification” Seniors (4), Juniors (9), Sophomores (13), Freshmen (12)
- COACHES COMMENTS –
“The fantastic performances were matched by the smiling faces following the meet. We are grateful to the teams that participated, as well as the countless volunteers and officials, who made it such a success. It was a very rewarding event,” commented head coach Tim Beerman.
“It will take me days to and perhaps longer to fully reflect on just how wonderful this weekend was for us all. Working with our athletes and coaches is an extremely gratifying experience for me. I could not be happier,” beamed coach don DiGiacomo.
“As a former “Coop” participant, I know how special this meet is. As a coach it takes on a deeper significance. What a performance by our guys,” noted coach Zach Vogelpohl.
“Fred Cooper touched me deeply in my life. I am so pleased to be a part of paying tribute to his achievements and admirable characteristics. Fred is smiling,” concluded assistant head coach Tom Keefe. (Fred Cooper gave Keefe his first coaching job in 1970).