SOFLO Swimmers Shine In Session Two Of GCST Fall Open; Noah Mejias Triple Winner

By Sharon Robb
FORT MYERS, September 18, 2021–South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers had a strong showing in the second session of the GCST Fall Open Saturday at Florida Gulf Coast University Center.

Several swimmers placed in the top 10 and dropped time against a competitive field.

Noah Mejias, 10, led the boys winning three events. Jenesys Amores, 12, was a double winner for the girls.

Among SOFLO’s winners were:

Jenesys Amores, 12, 100-yard freestyle, 58.25, time drop 0.94; 100-yard individual medley, 1:10.52, time drop 1.88.

Gianna Martin, 10, 200-yard freestyle 2:26.18, time drop 8.47.

Sofia Lugo, 12, 500-yard freestyle, 5:39.77, time drop 18.24.

Guillermo Mantilla, 100-yard freestyle, 1:04.19, time drop 1.27.

Noah Mejias, 50-yard breaststroke, 38.63, time drop 1.99; 100-yard backstroke, 1:14.49, time drop 2.29; 100-yard individual medley, 1:12.45.

Juan Vallmitjana, 50-yard breaststroke, 33.75, time drop 3.00.

Other top three SOFLO finishers were:

Sofia Lugo, 12, 100-yard freestyle, second, 58.61, time drop 0.45; 100-yard backstroke, third 1:09.27.

Mikhel Martin, 12, 200-yard freestyle, second, 2:15.14, time drop 5.74.

Gianna Martin, 10, 100-yard backstroke, second, 1:17.85, time drop 5.43.

Jenesys Amores, 12, 100-yard backstroke, second, 1:09.02, time drop 0.90; 50-yard butterfly, second, 30.52, time drop 2.80.

Jianna Amores, 11, 50-yard butterfly, third, 31.58, time drop 7.64.

Jemma Baldwin, 11, 100-yard individual medley, third 1:14.39.

Noah Mejias, 10, 100-yard freestyle, second, 1:04.71, time drop 4.42.

Joshua Menezes, 12, 50-yard breaststroke, second 35.31, time drop 0.21.

David Gonzalez, 10, 200-yard freestyle, third, 2:52.34, time drop 19.15.

Guillermo Mantilla, 10, 100-yard individual medley, second 1:16.63, time drop 0.63.

Martin Petkov, 12, 100-yard individual medley, third 1:13.53, time drop 0.66.

SOFLO is among ten teams competing in the two-day meet. SOFLO has 32 swimmers (16 girls, 16 boys) entered in 209 individual events over two days.

The two final sessions are Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The meet is a 25-yard timed final event and for all novice, bronze, silver, gold and senior teams.

In addition to host GCST and SOFLO, other teams entered are: Carrollwood Village Swim Team, Lakewood Ranch Swim Association, Piranhas YMCA Palm Harbor, Sarasota Tsunami Swim Team, Sea Dragon Aquatics, Swim Florida, T2 Aquatics and The Sky Family YMCA Hurricanes.

The field features 448 swimmers (253 girls and 195 boys). The meet is sponsored by Deromos Italian Restaurant.

Currently, there are no restrictions at FGCU. During the meet, spectators will not be allowed on the pool deck for any reason. Live results are posted on Meet Mobile.

SESSION ONE
GIRLS
100-yard freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Helen Zhang, SWIM 1:05.80.
11-12, 1. Jenesys Amores, SOFLO 58.25, time drop 0.94; SOFLO: 2. Sofia Lugo 58.61, time drop 0.45, 8. Jemma Baldwin 1:03.16, time drop 0.95, 12. Sofia Rodriguez 1:05.46, time drop 3.90.

25-yard freestyle:
8-and-under, 1. Purdey Cotterill, T2 15.10.

50-yard breaststroke:
10-and-under, 1. Patricia Nemes, SWIM 40.61; SOFLO: 8. Sofia Duranti 49.93.
11-12, 1. Naya Pearo, T2 36.41.

200-yard freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Gianna Martin, SOFLO 2:26.18, time drop 8.47.
11-12, 1. Julia Pieniadz, SWIM 2:10.39, 2. Mikhel Martin, SOFLO 2:15.14, time drop 5.74, SOFLO: 8. Jianna Amores 2:28.58, time drop 20.54.

100-yard backstroke:
10-and-under, 1. Maggie Adamczyk, T2 1:16.21, 2. Gianna Martin, SOFLO 1:17.85, time drop 5.43.
11-12, 1. Carina Nichitean, GCST 1:06.45, 2. Jenesys Amores, SOFLO 1:09.02, time drop 0.90, 3. Sofia Lugo, SOFLO 1:09.27; SOFLO: 8. Sofia Rodriguez 1:14.06, time drop 1.79.

25-yard backstroke:
8-and-under, 1. Olivia Bajzat, T2 18.40.

50-yard butterfly:
10-and-under, 1. Maggie Adamczyk, T2 32.50.
11-12, 1. Kiley Renick, SRQ 30.51, 2. Jenesys Amores, SOFLO 30.52, time drop 2.80, 3. Jianna Amores, SOFLO 31.58, time drop 7.64; SOFLO: 6. Jemma Baldwin 32.30, time drop 0.55.

100-yard individual medley:
10-and-under, 1. Helen Zhang, SWIM 1:17.05.
11-12, 1. Jenesys Amores, SOFLO 1:10.52, time drop 1.88; SOLO: 3. Jemma Baldwin 1:14.39, 9. Sofia Rodriguez 1:17.49, time drop 2.45, 11. Jianna Amolres 1:18.66, time drop 7.63.

500-yard freestyle:
12-and-under, 1. Sofia Lugo, SOFLO 5:39.77, time drop 18.24; SOFLO: 7. Mikhel Martin 6:14.81, time drop 25.25, 11. Gianna Martin 6:39.99.

BOYS
100-yard freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Guillermo Mantilla, SOFLO 1:04.19, time drop 1.27, 2. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 1:04.71, time drop 4.42; SOFLO: 12. Toma Petkov 1:20.67, time drop 4.23.
11-12, 1. Andrew Malaj, SRQ 54.78; SOFLO: 8. Martin Petkov 1:03.30, time drop 9.96.

25-yard freestyle:
8-and-under, 1. Grayson Mondragon, SWIM 17.62.

50-yard breaststroke:
10-and-under, 1. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 38.63, time drop 1.99; SOFLO: 4. Guillermo Mantilla 41.18.
11-12, 1. Juan Vallmitjana, SOFLO 33.75, time drop 3.00; SOFLO: 2. Joshua Menezes 35.31, time drop 0.21.

200-yard freestyle:
10-and-under, 1. Kallen Garnier-Chan, GCSTY 2:24.36; SOFLO: 3. David Gonzalez 2:52.34, time drop 19.15, 5. Michael Barber 3:01.72.
11-12, 1. Andrew Malaj, SRQ 2:02.60; SOFLO: 7. Martin Petkov 2:18.96, time drop 14.57.

100-yard backstroke:
10-and-under: 1. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 1:14.49, time drop 2.29.
11-12, 1. Andre Hersom, SRQ 1:03.59; SOFLO: 4. Juan Vallmitjana 1:06.35, time drop 2.75.

25-yard backstroke:
8-and-under, 1. Grayson Mondragon, SWIM 21.05.

50-yard butterfly:
8-and-under, 1. EJ Mokhiber, GC ST 43.25.
10-and-under, 1. Bradshaw Shoemaker, SRQ 35.34; SOFLO: 4. David Gonzalez 47.17, time drop 7.02, 7. Luis Escobar 50.83.
11-12, 1. Nicholas Kirby, GCST 29.85; SOFLO: 11. Martin Petkov 35.55, time drop 1.67.

100-yard individual medley:
10-and-under, 1. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 1:12.45, 2. Guillermo Mantilla, SOFLO 1:16.63, time drop 0.63; SOFLO: 8. David Gonzalez 1:34.81, time drop 0.84, 13. Luis Escobar 1:43.56.
11-12, 1. Jacob Cainas, SWIM 1:11.54; SOFLO: 3. Martin Petkov 1:13.53, time drop 0.66.

500-yard freestyle:
12-and-under, 1. Andrew Malaj, SRQ 5:38.02; SOFLO: 6. Joshua Menezes 5:50.27, time drop 15.56, 11. Toma Petkov 8:04.76, 12. Michael Barber 8:05.09.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

Florida Gulf Coast Routs North Florida; SOFLO’s Hailey Jerew Has Two Top 2 Finishes

By Sharon Robb
JACKSONVILLE, January 17, 2021—Florida Gulf Coast won its first dual meet of the season on the road Saturday with a 201-61 rout of University of North Florida.

Florida Gulf Coast won all 14 events and swept four events including the 200 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 100 breaststroke and 400 individual medley.

Florida Gulf Coast now has a 14-0 all-time advantage in the series.

“It’s great to get a chance to get on the road and compete,” FGC coach Dave Rollins said. “Taking advantage of every opportunity that comes our way will continue to benefit us as we inch closer to the end of the season.

“There were a lot of encouraging races today and it was really exciting to see Anna [Hogan] perform the way she did. We are looking forward to getting in some great training and representing the Green and Blue over the course of the next few weeks.”

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Hailey Jerew anchored the winning 200-yard freestyle relay that won in 1:39.40 and was second in the 100-yard freestyle in 54.70.

Four different Eagles picked up multiple individual wins. Sophomore Hannah VanDress won the 1000- and 500-yard freestyles. Anna Hogan and Julia Rodriguez swept the breaststroke (100, 200) and butterfly (200, 100) events, respectively. Senior Petra Halmai won the 200 backstroke and 400 IM.

FGC will host UNF in Fort Myers later this month, Jan. 29-30, to end the team’s regular season and final tuneup for the Feb. 15-17 Coastal Conference Swimming Association Championships in Lynchburg, Va.

FGC will also host Florida International, Jan. 23. FGC leads the series, 11-3.

WOMEN’S RESULTS
Florida Gulf Coast 201, University of North Florida 61
400-yard medley relay: 1. Florida Gulf Coast 3:55.73 (Claire McAtee, Petra Halmai, Tori Czarnacki, Zuzu Rabiniak), 2. North Florida A 4:05.97, 3. North Florida B 4:08.77.

1,000-yard freestyle: 1. Hannah Vandress, FGC 10:42.39, 2. Rebecca Winn, FGC 10:55.02, 3. Sarah Trago, NF 11:28.21.

200-yard freestyle: 1. Joely Merriman, FGC 1:57.44, 2. Sara Niepelova, FGC 1:57.93, 3. Alexis Durlacher, FGC 1:58.27.

100-yard backstroke: 1. Alice Ulicka, FGC 59.24, 2. Emma Hixenbaugh, FGC 59.75, 3. Claire McAtee, FGC 1:00.14.

100-yard breaststroke: 1. Anna Hogan, FGC 1:06.44, 2. Hailey Jerew, FGC 1:08.37, 3. Emily Merton, FGC 1:09.19.

200-yard butterfly: 1. Julia Rodriguez, FGC 2:09.31, 2. Ashley Cozad, NF 2:11.19, 3. Sophia Macaisa, FGC 2:12.21.

50-yard freestyle: 1. Zuzu Rabiniak, FGC 24.78, 2. Sarah Wyant, NF 25.36, 3. Joely Merriman, FGC 25.42.

100-yard freestyle: 1. Tori Czarnecki, FGC 53.61, 2. Hailey Jerew, FGC 54.70, 3. Ashley Kephart, NF 55.03.

200-yard backstroke: 1. Petra Halmai, FGC 2:08.14, 2. Annie Fletcher, NF 2:09.74, 3. Emma Hixenbaugh, FGC 2:10.60.

200-yard breaststroke: 1. Anna Hogan, FGC 2:23.87, 2. Sara Niepelova, FGC 2:28.57, 3. Kayla Glennon, NF 2:29.24.

500-yard freestyle: 1. Hannah Vandress, FGC 5:16.42, 2. Alexis Durlacher, FGC 5:17.69, 3. Ryan Showfety, NF 5:20.44.

100-yard butterfly: 1. Julia Rodriguez, FGC 57.86, 2. Sophia Macaisa, FGC 1:00.04, 3. Sydney Groth, NF 1:00.23.

400-yard individual medley: 1. Petra Halmai, FGC 4:32.23, 2. Anna Hogan, FGC 4:37.87, 3. Sara Niepelova, FGC 4:39.28.

200-yard freestyle relay: 1. Florida Gulf Coast 1:39.40 (Tori Czarnecki, Zuzu Rabiniak, Claire McAtee, Hailey Jerew), 2. North Florida A 1:41.41, 3. Florida Gulf Coast 1:41.54.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

COLLEGE ROUNDUP: Miami Tops Florida Gulf Coast; SOFLO’s Hailey Jerew Has Four Top 3 Finishes

By Sharon Robb
FORT MYERS, January 13, 2021—University of Miami won its fourth consecutive dual meet against Florida Gulf Coast Wednesday at FGCU Aquatics Center.

The Hurricanes won, 171-129, and now trail the series, 8-5, that started in 2010.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Hailey Jerew, a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast, anchored the winning 200-yard medley relay that won in 1:46.11; was second in the 50-yard freestyle in 24.34 and third in the 100-yard freestyle in 53.43. She was also a member of the second-place 400-yard freestyle relay.

Miami was coming off its Miami Invite win over Vanderbilt in December.

“It’s always good to get a win,” head coach Andy Kershaw said. “I’m certainly proud of how they competed and how they raced with that game day attitude, which is an important thing as we head towards ACC Championships. It’s certainly going to be an important aspect to have within our team.”

UM freshman Savannah Barr won three events and sophomore teammate Adrianna Cera was a double winner.

UM had only 16 swimmers at the meet with seven winning individual events.

“We’ve been working hard in training these last two weeks,” Kershaw said. “I told them, ‘Put all that behind you. Today, our focus is the energy as a team.’ That game day attitude, having fun as a group, getting the opportunity to have this experience…as we know, it should be cherished, this year in particular. We did a really good job in that regard.

“From a performance standpoint, looking at times, we certainly have some work to do,” Kershaw said. “There’s some factor in terms of elements, but we have to get to work and stay at work and keep riding above and polish up a few things. That’s what we’ll do. That’s what these opportunities show us.”

Florida Gulf Coast was coming off its season-opening FGCU Invitational win ahead of Florida International and Georgia Southern. In that meet, Jerew was second in the 100 freestyle in 50.75, second in the 50 freestyle in 23.15, fifth in the 100 breaststroke in 1:03.48, led off the winning 200-yard freestyle relay, anchored the winning 200-yard medley relay and swam third leg of the winning 400-yard freestyle relay.

Because of bad weather host FGCU was unable to live stream on its’ Facebook page. Only the first 50 spectators were allowed to attend the meet.

Florida Gulf Coast travels on Saturday to swim North Florida at the Bolles School at 1 p.m. The Hurricanes return home for a Senior Day dual meet on Fri., Jan. 22 vs FIU. Action will begin at 3 p.m. at Whitten Center Pool.

WOMEN’S RESULTS

University of Miami 171, Florida Gulf Coast 129

200-yard medley relay: 1. Florida Gulf Coast 1:46.11 (Joely Merriman, Petra Halmai, Tori Czarnecka, Hailey Jerew), 2. Miami 1:47.46, 3. FGC B 1:50.96.

1,000-yard freestyle: 1. Adrianna Cera, UM 10:32.02, 2. Sara Niepelova, FGC 10:50.06, 3. Emily Weissman, UM 10:54.56.

200-yard freestyle: 1. Savannah Barr, UM 1:51.43, 2. Carmen San Nicolas Martinez, UM 1:55.27, 3. Anna Hogan, FGC 1:56.23.

100-yard backstroke: 1. Alaina Skellett, UM 59.45, 2. Joely Merriman, FGC 1:00.16, 3. Lucy Ho, UM 1:01.44.

100-yard breaststroke: 1. Petra Halmai, FGC 1:03.12, 2. Emma Sundstrand, UM 1:04.63, 3. Karen Arngeirsdottir, FGC 1:07.02.

200-yard butterfly: 1. Isabel Traba, UM 2:07.19, 2. Sophia Macaisa, FGC 2:10.75, 3. Una Forsythe, UM 2:11.40.

50-yard freestyle: 1. Tori Czarnecka, FGC 23.81, 2. Hailey Jerew, FGC 24.34, 3. Sydney Knapp, UM 24.96.

100-yard freestyle: 1. Savannah Barr, UM 51.61, 2. Sydney Knapp, UM 52.90, 3. Hailey Jerew, FGC 53.43.

200-yard backstroke: 1. Andrea Todorovic, UM 2:06.67, 2. Alaina Skellett, UM 2:07.39, 3. Lucy Ho, UM 2:13.21.

200-yard breaststroke: 1. Petra Halmai, FGC 2:17.28, 2. Emma Sundstrand, UM 2:22.74, 3. Anna Hogan, FGC 2:24.44.

500-yard freestyle: 1. Adrianna Cera, UM 5:09.04, 2. Sara Niepelova, FGC 5:14.07, 3. Alexis Durlacher, FGC 5:17.47.

100-yard butterfly: 1. Savannah Barr, UM 56.55, 2. Tori Czarnecka, FGC 57.15, 3. Isabel Traba, UM 59.35.

200-yard individual medley: 1. Petra Halmai, FGC 2:06.57, 2. Emma Sundstrand, UM 2:08.76, 3. Andrea Todorovic, UM 2:09.67.

400-yard freestyle relay: 1. University of Miami 3:31.76 (Savannah Barr, Carmen San Nicolas Martinez, Alaina Skellett, Sydney Knapp), 2. Florida Gulf Coast 3:32.08 (Tori Czarnecka, Meghan Schienvar, Kaja Reinhardt, Hailey Jerew), 3. Florida Gulf Coast B 3:41.70.

3-meter diving: 1. Millie Haffety, UM 324.53, 2. Reese Wakefield, FGC 276.53, 3. Delaney Nelson, FGC 244.88.

1-meter diving: 1. Millie Haffety, UM 296.18, 2. Jessie Creed, UM 286.58, 3. Isabeau Keene, FGC 259.35.

SEC CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Southeastern Conference has a new format for the 2021 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships. The championships will now feature three separate events:

Men’s and Women’s Diving on Feb. 17-20 at the Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, Mo.

Women’s Swimming on Feb. 17-20 at Gabrielsen Natatorium in Athens, Ga.

Men’s Swimming on Feb. 23-26 at Mizzou Aquatic Center in Columbia, Mo.

The 2020-21 SEC men’s and women’s swimming & diving season began in October and will conclude no later than Jan. 25 with regional competition permitted upon the adherence of opponents to SEC Medical Guidance Task Force Requirements for COVID-19 Management. Contests are limited to a dual-meet format unless alternative strategies are identified to limit the overall number of participants to ensure appropriate distancing. The number of events is at the discretion of each school.

The SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force continues to meet on policies and procedures for the safe return of student-athletes to competition, building on the NCAA’s Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines.

The NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships is scheduled for March 17-20 at Greensboro Aquatic Center in Greensboro, N.C., and NCAA Division I Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships is set for March 24-27, also at Greensboro Aquatic Center.

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Big Ten Conference has also adjusted its procedure for the 2021 championships, with the meet across three different sites for the men’s, women’s and diving championships.

The Big Ten men’s and women’s diving championships are Feb. 24-27 at Purdue University, while the women’s swimming-only championships are also Feb. 24-27 at University of Minnesota and men’s swimming-only championships are March 3 – 6 at Ohio State.

There are other championships that have adjusted because of COVID-19.

The 2021 Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Championships were moved back to April, according to Pepperdine officials. The championships normally fall in February, during NCAA “conference season,” but due to circumstances relating to COVID-19, the meet is now tentatively set for April 14-17. The site has not been announced and schedule is subject to change. The Mid-American Conference has also moved back its championship meet to April.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

AQUATIC NOTEBOOK: Atkinson Among World Cup Field Racing For Prize Money; Florida Gators Open In South Florida; Poppell, Nesty Make College Head Coaching Debuts

By Sharon Robb

September 27, 2018—After missing the opening cluster, SOFLO’s four-time Jamaican Olympian Alia Atkinson will join the 2018 FINA World Cup Series for its second cluster Friday through Sunday in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

Both the men’s and women’s fields are larger than the small turnout in Kazan and Doha. The field features 185 swimmers from around the world.

Other swimmers expected to compete are Brazil’s Felipe Lima and Eteine Medeiros, Americans Michael Andrew, Kelsi Worrell Dahlia, Molly Hannis, Melanie Margalis and Kathleen Baker, Mitch Larkin, Mack Horton and Emily Seebohm of Australia, Hungary’s Katinka Hosszu, Yulia Efimova of Russia, Spain’s Mireia Belmonte, Japan’s Daiya Seto and South Africa’s Chad Le Clos.

Twelve events will be raced on each of the three days in Eindhoven.

Atkinson will be joined by women’s series leader Sarah Sjostrum of Sweden and men’s leader Anton Chupkov of Russia. Sjostrum earned the maximum points and earned the $50,000 Cluster One bonus after the first two stops of the short course meters series.

COLLEGE SWIMMING

After intrasquad and alumni meets the past two weeks, the college dual meet season opens Thursday through Saturday across the nation including South Florida.

University of Florida men’s and women’s teams open their season Thursday at Florida Atlantic in the first meet of the season. The Gators women’s team head further south on Friday to swim University of Miami. The Gators then head to Florida Gulf Coast also on Saturday.

The women’s team begins its first season under head coach Jeff Poppell, former Gulliver Prep head coach and aquatics director. Poppell has been at Florida since 2016 serving as an associate head coach.

The Gators women’s team returns 27 letter winners including All-Americans Sherridon Dressel and Brooke Madden. The Gator men feature 14 freshmen. Anthony Nesty makes his debut as first-year head men’s coach. Nesty has spent the last 20 seasons with the Gators.

Florida International University women’s team heads to University of Miami on Saturday. Florida State is holding an intrasquad meet on Saturday in Tallahassee. Florida Atlantic will host Gardner-Webb and North Florida on Saturday.

WEDDING BELLS

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin, 23, is engaged to fellow swimmer Hayes Johnson. Johnson proposed at Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Georgia. Johnson swam at University of Texas and was a member of the 2010 NCAA champion team. “Thank you for making this the easiest answer to any question I’ve ever been asked,” Franklin posted on Instagram.

MISCELLANEOUS

South African Olympic medalist Cameron van der Burgh has relocated to London to train for his fifth FINA World Short Course Championship in Hangzhou, China, Dec. 11-16. Burgh said after 30 years in South Africa it was time to start a new journey. He will continue to compete internationally for South Africa…

American Heritage Plantation alum Dylan Carter of Trinidad and Tobago was awarded the Hummingbird Silver Award from the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago at this year’s Republic Day National Awards Function. Carter was honored for bringing national attention to the tiny island and for putting aquatics at the forefront. Carter was a silver medalist at the Commonwealth Games and won three gold medals at CAC. He is the first and only swimmer to medal at both the Youth Olympic Games and FINA World Junior Swimming Championships…

The 2020 Olympic Trials date were officially set for June 21-28. The Trials will be hosted by Omaha, Nebraska for the fourth time. The 2020 Olympics will be held in Tokyo five weeks after the Trials. The Trials cuts were announced by USA Swimming during Thursday’s U.S. Aquatic Sports Convention in Jacksonville and they are all faster than the 2016 cuts. The men’s 800 and women’s 1500 freestyle events will make their debut at the 2020 Trials. The 2018 Winter National Championships in Greensboro, N.C. in late November will be the first meet where swimmers can get their Trials cuts.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com
http://www.swim4soflo.com

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE SWIMMING NOTEBOOK: Jerew, Virgin Commit; Nick Dworet Stroke Clinic Coming Up; Bolles Coach Stepping Down

By Sharon Robb

September 11, 2108—Two top high school and club swimmers, Hannah Virgin and Hailey Jerew, have made verbal college commitments.

Jerew of AquaKids Sharks and recent USA Swimming Futures champion in the 50-meter freestyle, verbally committed to Florida Gulf Coast.

Jerew, a senior at Cutler Bay Academy, a Class 1A school. She is a U.S Open qualifier in the 50-meter freestyle and has a junior national cut in the 100-meter breaststroke. She was a seven-time finalist at the Florida Gold Coast Senior Championships in March.

Florida Gulf Coast won its fourth straight and ninth overall CCSA crown last season. Jerew is expected to compete in the sprint and breaststroke events in college.

Hannah Virgin, a two-time defending state 1A champion in the 100-yard breaststroke at Pine Crest, verbally committed to Virginia Tech. She won a state title as a sophomore in 1:04.06 and junior in 1:03.89.

Virgin competes year-round with Pine Crest. As a club swimmer, Virgin has a U.S. Open time standard in the 100 breaststroke. She competed in both breaststroke events and 200 individual medley at the 2017 Speedo Winter Juniors East meet.

At the Florida Gold Coast Senior Championships in 2017, she won the 200 breast (2:15.53) and was the runner-up in the 100 (1:04.65). She has dual citizenship competes for Sweden internationally. She is a Swedish age group championship medalist.

NICHOLAS DWORET STROKE CLINIC

The inaugural Swim 4 Nick free swim stroke clinic will be held Sunday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Coral Springs Aquatic Complex. The clinic is for novice and intermediate middle and high school swimmers. Participants should know all four strokes. Registration ends Sept. 25 at http://www.swim4nick.org. The clinic is open to all swimmers from Broward, Dade and Palm Beach to bring swimmers together for a day of learning and help keep Nick’s legacy alive.

The clinic, sponsored in part by Triton Insurance Group and presented by The Nicholas Dworet Memorial Fund, Inc., is a 501c (3) Charity and benefits the fund.

Dworet was killed Feb. 14, 2018 in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas mass shooting. Dworet started swimming at age 7 and had a scholarship waiting for him at University of Indianapolis this fall and hopes of swimming in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Dworet was always helping friends and teammates. In his memory, a swim clinic is being held in his honor for swimmers who want to improve through hard work and dedication just as Dworet did through the years.

High school and club coaches will be on hand to work with swimmers. There will be giveaways and raffles.

CIESLA READY FOR SEASON

Pine Crest alum Marta Ciesla is more than ready for her sophomore season at University of Southern California. In the recent Cardinal vs. Gold intraquad exhibition meet, she went 36.40 in a 75-meter race, winning by more than a body length…Clearwater’s Becca Mann, also of USC, earned Pac-12 All-Academic first team honors. Mann, eligible for the award for the first time as a sophomore, earned first team honors with a 3.80 GPA. The U.S. national team open water swimmer, who has already written a book, is majoring in writing for screen and television.

BOLLES COACH STEPS DOWN

Jon Sakovich, a former All-American at Florida, is stepping down as head coach of Jacksonville Bolles in December. He has been at Bolles for 18 years. Sakovich said he is seeking new opportunities. Bolles is beginning a national search for a head coach and aquatics director replacement immediately.

In a prepared statement, Sakovich said: “I am very thankful to The Bolles School for allowing me this amazing opportunity for the last eighteen years and I could not ask for a better place to work. It is time for me to seek a change in my career direction and look for new ways to expand my professional horizons. I am committed to the continued growth and success of our student-athletes and I look forward to working with them through the fall.

“The Bolles School and Bolles Swim Programs will always have a special place in my heart. Without this opportunity, I would not be the person, father and coach I am today,” Sakovich said.

The Bolles boys and girls swimming and diving teams have reached a combined total of 14 national titles. Fifty-nine Bolles students, alumni or Sharks have participated in every Olympics since 1972, representing 28 countries and claiming 20 medals.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO Swimmers Hit The Road For GCST Winter Invitational

By Sharon Robb

January 12, 2017—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers are on their first road trip of the New Year.

Swimmers will compete in the three-day GCST Winter Invitational at Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatics Center in Fort Myers.

The meet begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. with the 500 freestyle and 200 and 400 individual medleys.

Two SOFLO swimmers, Marcella and Melissa compete for the women’s swim team at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Sixteen SOFLO swimmers will compete in 114 individual events and four relays under the watchful eye of age group coach Rose Lockie.

They are: Alana Acevedo, 15; Sarah Acevedo, 13; Kaitlyn Barrios, 11; Samuel Bullen, 11; Mia Escudero, 12; Nathaniel Garrick, 12; Yannai Michael, 12; Leah Pando, 10; Alessandro Pereira, 10; Giada Porven, 8; Lucas Porven, 11; Kailey Smith, 12; Owen Smith, 10; Emma Twombly, 12; Christian Vasquez, 13; and Sarah Vasquez, 9.

The Gulf Coast Swim Team of the Florida Swimming Association is hosting the three-day age group and senior meet. The 25-yard meet will be run in two eight-lane courses each day except Sunday afternoon.

IF YOU GO

What: GCST Winter Invitational

When: Friday-Sunday

Schedule: Friday, 5:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday morning session 8:30 a.m. (13-14 and senior); Saturday and Sunday distance sessions begin 15 minutes following the end of the morning sessions. Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions will begin approximately 30 minutes after the distance session ends.

Where: Lee County/Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatics Center, 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

http://www.swim4soflo.com

SWIMMING ROUNDUP: American Heritage Finishes In Top 10; Florida Gulf Coast Places Third At All-Florida Invite

By Sharon Robb

September 26, 2016—American Heritage Plantation got in some good racing against the state’s best Saturday at the 53rd annual Woodson Invitational at Pine Crest.

The defending state champion boys’ team finished in the Top 10, placing tenth with 50 points. The girls finished 12th with 43 points.

The boys and girls fields featured defending 1A state champion Jacksonville Bolles, Pine Crest, St. Andrew’s, Trinity Prep, University School, Belen Jesuit, Boca Raton, Ransom Everglades and Bishop Verot among others.

Cathy Cooper was the Patriots’ highest finisher, placing second to Marta Ciesla in the 100-yard freestyle in 51.41 and third in the 50-yard freestyle in 23.88. Cooper was also a member of the Patriots’ eighth place 200-yard freestyle relay.

SOFLO’s Annita Huang was a member of the 200-yard medley relay that placed 12th.

Sebastian Vargas was fourth in the 100-yard butterfly in 52.28 for the boys.

SOFLO’s Kevin Porto was eighth in the 500-yard freestyle in 4:57.44.

The undefeated Pine Crest girls team (11-0) turned in back-to-back days of jaw-dropping swims.

On Friday, Pine Crest knocked off former mythical national champion and defending state 1A champion Jacksonville Bolles breaking a 20-year dual meet losing streak.

Bolles has won 23 girls state team titles including the last 19. Last year Pine Crest was fourth in the 1A state meet.

The girls team won by 11 points, 160-149. The Panthers won 10 out of all 12 events including all three relay events. Alexandra Meszaros and Gulliver Prep transfer Andrea Santander were double winners. They also took the top four spots in the 1-meter springboard diving event.

The girls also captured the 53rd annual Woodson Invitational that featured Bolles, St. Andrew’s, Trinity Prep and Bishop Verot. Pine Crest won with 283 and Bolles was third with 197.

The Panthers have won their share of state titles (27) but last won in 1990, having to settle for 11 runner-up finishes to Bolles.

In the boys’ competition, Bolles defeated Pine Crest, 193-112, in the dual meet winning seven of the 12 events. Bolles also won the Woodson boys title with 217 points. Pine Crest was third.

Three-time high school state champion Marta Ciesla was voted the Ann Marshall Award for the most outstanding girl swimmer of the meet.

It was the second consecutive year she won the award. Ciesla swept the 50- and 100-yard freestyles and was a member of the winning 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays.

North Broward Prep transfer Nico Ferrara of Pine Crest was voted the Andy Coan Award for most outstanding boy swimmer. Both Marshall and Coan, former highly-decorated Pine Crest swimmers, were on hand to present the swimmers the awards.

Ferrara won the 50-yard freestyle, was second in the 100-yard freestyle and member of the winning 200-yard freestyle relay.

University School’s Patrick Groters won the 100-yard backstroke and 200-yard individual medley in 1:51.52, knocking off Bolles’ Santi Corredor in 1:52.66.

Kyla Valls of Ransom-Everglades was a double winner in the 500-yard freestyle in 4:56.65 and 200-yard freestyle in 1:49.46.

WOODSON RESULTS

GIRLS: 1. Pine Crest 283, 2. St. Andrew’s 219, 3. Jacksonville Bolles 197, 4. Trinity Prep 129, 5. Bishop Verot 101, 6. University School 73, 7. Calvary Christian 69, 8. Westminster Academy 68, 9. Berkeley Prep 67, 10. Boca Raton 56.

GIRLS RESULTS:

200-yard medley relay: 1. Pine Crest 1:47.70 (Annabella Lyn, Hannah Virgin, Andrea Santander, Marta Ciesla), 2. Trinity Prep 1:48.94, 3. St. Andrew’s 1:50.72, 12. American Heritage 2:05.61 (Annita Huang, Thea Mckenna, Molly Weidner, Cathy Cooper).

200-yard freestyle: 1. Kyla Valls, RE 1:49.46, 2. Alexandra Meszaros, PC 1:52.62, 3. Rachel Contich, CALV 1:53.91.

200-yard individual medley: 1. Andrea Santander, PC 2:06.39, 2. Shayna Fetes, SAS 2:07.72, 3. Hannah Virgin, PC 2:08.81.

50-yard freestyle: 1. Marta Ciesla, PC 22.79, 2. Jessica Nava, WA 23.51, 3. Cathy Cooper, AH 23.88.

1-meter springboard diving: 1. Maia Goldstein, US 460.10, 2. Daniela Castillo, SAGE 456.80, 3. Juliette Pozzuoli, PC 423.70.

100-yard butterfly: 1. Claire Maiocco, TP 54.50, 2. Alexandra Meszaros, PC 56.50, 3. Molly See, PC 58.21.

100-yard freestyle: 1. Marta Ciesla, PC 49.69, 2. Cathy Cooper, AH 51.41, 3. Andrea Santander, PC 52.35.

500-yard freestyle: 1. Kyla Valls, RE 4:56.65, 2. Rachel Contich, CALV 5:01.20, 3. Hannah Van Dress, BV 5:08.63.

200-yard freestyle relay: 1. Pine Crest 1:38.79 (Marta Ciesla, Alexandra Meszaros, Hannah Virgin, Marissa Brannan), 2. St. Andrew’s 1:38.81, 3. Berkeley 1:42.97, 8. American Heritage 1:46.32 (Cathy Cooper, Olivia Mason, Jade Grabow, Kassidy Kadosh).

100-yard backstroke: 1. Jessica Nava, WA 55.65, 2. Lauren Hew, SAS 58.40, 3. Allison Kopas, US 58.48, 28. Annita Huang, AH 1:10.96.

100-yard breaststroke: 1. Hannah Virgin, PC 1:05.80, 2. Shayna Fetes, SAS 1:06.21, 3. Victoria Miyamoto, BR 1:06.51.

400-yard freestyle relay: 1. Pine Crest 3:34.02 (Andrea Santander, Marissa Brannan, Annabella Lyn, Alexandra Meszaros), 2. St. Andrew’s 3:34.72, 3. Trinity Prep 3:34.99, 10. American Heritage 4:05.22.

BOYS: 1. Bolles 217, 2. St. Andrew’s 159, 3. Pine Crest 156, 4. Berkeley Prep 153, 5. Trinity Prep 136, 6. Belen Jesuit 95, 7. Boca Raton 92, 8. University School 78, 9. Ransom Everglades 56, 10. American Heritage 50.

BOYS RESULTS:

200-yard medley relay: 1. Bolles 1:36.99 (Matt Serra, Paul DeGrado, Ariel Spektor, John Pate), 2. St. Andrew’s 1:40.35, 3. Belen Jesuit 1:42.00 (Alejandro Carriazo, Juan Ramirez, Andres Solares, Daniel Simpson), 12. Sagemont 1:54.60 (Sam Quintero, Alan Corvaia, Juan Imposimato, Lucas Munoz), 15. American Heritage 1:57.28 (Carlos Rodriguez, Cristian Rossi, Cody Chin, Guy Royce).

200-yard freestyle: 1. Robert Cecil (TB) 1:41.23, 2. Daniel Jacobs, US 1:42.26, 3. Nathan Stovern, TB 1:42.56, 5. Sebastian Vargas, AH 1:46.23, 10. Kevin Porto, AH 1:49.79, 12. CJ Kopecki 1:52.12.

200-yard individual medley: 1. Patrick Groters, US 1:51.52, 2. Santi Corredo, JB 1:52.66, 3. Adan Diaz, WESP 1:55.98.

50-yard freestyle: 1. Nico Ferrara, PC 21.29, 2. Christian Soderberg, PC 22.04, 3. Jan Collazo-Torres, TP 22.14.

1-meter springboard diving: 1. Kevin Mendez, PC 516.35, 2. Lyle Hayes-Macaluso, PC 440.15, 3. Javier Saumell, BJ 367.80.

100-yard butterfly: 1. Ariel Spektor, JB 50.03, 2. Matt Serra, JB 50.45, 3. Matthew Degtyar, TP 51.24, 4. Sebastian Vargas, AH 52.28.

100-yard freestyle: 1. Robert Cecil, TB 46.48, 2. Nico Ferrara, PC 46.83, 3. Nathan Stovern, TB 47.11.

500-yard freestyle: 1. Santi Corredor, JB 4:32.80, 2. Daniel Jacobs, US 4:36.34, 3. Nicholas Pacitti, AH 4:47.94, 8. Kevin Porto,AH 4:57.44, 11. CJ Kopecki, AH 5:01.00.

200-yard freestyle relay: 1. Pine Crest 1:27.44 (Nico Ferrera, Elvis Kotivovski, Nicholas Vale, Christian Soderberg), 2. Trinity Prep 1:27.85, 3. St. Andrew’s 1:28.30, 12. American Heritage 1:42.33.

100-yard backstroke: 1. Patrick Groters, US 51.04, 2. Elvis Kotikovski, PC 51.57, 3. Matthew Degtyar, TP 52.75.

100-yard breaststroke: 1. Izaak Bastian, SAS 7.53, 2. Adan Diaz, WESP 57.97, 3. Paul DeGrado, JB 1:00.82.

400-yard freestyle relay: 1. Bolles 3:10.20, 2. Berkeley 3:10.99, 3. Trinity Prep 3:12.33, 11. American Heritage 3:35.26.

COLLEGE SWIMMING

Florida Gulf Coast University’s women’s team, including SOFLO’s Marcella and Melissa Marinheiro, finished third at the All-Florida Invitational at the NSU Aquatic Center this past weekend.

Even though the Eagles decided to scratch from Sunday’s final events, they totaled 692 points during the three-day meet. Florida won the women’s team title with 1,076 points and University of Miami was second with 744. The Gators won the men’s title with 1,099 followed by NSU with 894.

Sophomore Melissa Marinheiro was 14th in the 1650-yard freestyle in 17:57.59. She also went 5:09.33 in prelims and 5:05.27 in finals in the 500-yard freestyle and 2:14.06 in the 200-yard backstroke prelims and 1:54.99 in the 200-yard freestyle,. She was also a member of the third place 800-yard freestyle relay that finished in 7:38.78.

Older sister Marcella Marinheiro, a senior, went 2:17.53 in the 200-yard individual medley and 1:56.32 and 2:15.61 in the 200-yard backstroke and 57.24 in the 100-yard freestyle.

“The team did a great job this weekend,” said FGCU first-year coach Dave Rollins. “Our team spirit was off the charts. This early in the season, we have been focused on building our base and getting into shape. It was great to watch them compete.”

Florida Gulf Coast returns home Saturday for the annual Green-Blue Scrimmage at 10 a.m.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com for results and questions.

http://www.swim4soflo.com

SOFLO’s Megan Romano Wins Backstroke At All-Florida Sr. Circuit Meet

By Sharon Robb

May 14, 2016—With the U.S. Olympic Trials six weeks away, Megan Romano is in the midst of one of her final tune-ups at the All-Florida Senior Circuit Meet at Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatics Center.

On Saturday, Romano, 25, a former world champion, won the 100-meter backstroke in 1:02.16, after going 1:02.09 in morning prelims to earn the top seed.

Romano had the fastest seed times in the 50-meter freestyle in 26.28 and 400-meter freestyle in 4:22.75 in prelims before scratching from finals.

The U.S. Olympic hopeful is preparing for the June 26-July 3 Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb. She has been training with SOFLO’s ProFlo group since early January with remarkable progress.

SOFLO teammate Catalina Mendieta, 26, was fifth in the 100-meter backstroke in a best time 1:06.50, improving her previous best time of 1:06.97.

SOFLO’s Santiago Rivera, 19, was fourth in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:31.43, shaving 4.63 seconds off his previous lifetime best time of 2:36.06. He qualified third in prelims in 2:31.53.

The three-day meet concludes Sunday with prelims at 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.

SATURDAY’S RESULTS

WOMEN

200-meter butterfly: 1. Isabella Paez, Metro Aquatics 2:11.72, 2. Caroline Cooper, Highlander 2:17.58, 3. Mary Smutny, AquaKids Sharks 2:18.26.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Kaitlyn Schorr, STAR 26.24, 2. Kyla Valls, Miami Swimming 26.93, 3. Caroline Simmons, PAQ 26.94; SOFLO: 9. Ksen Golovkina 27.80, 13. Emiliana Pelaez 28.43, 23. Kelley Heron 29.25; prelims Catalina Mendieta 27.79.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Megan Romano, SOFLO 1:02.16, 2. Karen Vilorio Muchnik, SWIM 1:04.53, 3. Sandra Wilk, SWIM 1:05.71; SOFLO: 5. Catalina Mendieta 1:06.50, best time, 8. Kelley Heron 1:07.54.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Ryley Ober, SRQ 4:23.61, 2. Mary Smutny, AquaKids Sharks 4:24.58, 3. Lani Cabrera, SWIM 4:25.53.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Christina Loh, Unattached 2:39.55, 2. Elizabeth White, SWIM 2:46.92, 3. Alixandra Roy, Highlander 2:47.94; SOFLO: 5. Kelley Heron 2:51.43, 13. Emiliana Pelaez 2:54.70, best time.

MEN

200-meter butterfly: 1. Alexander Arrieta, Metro Aquatics 2:06.21, 2. Campbell Lee, SRQ 2:06.91, 3. Luke Smutny, AquaKids Sharks 2:07.11; SOFLO: 10. Max Asnis 2:12.35, 13. Ervin Marin 2:14.81, best time.

50-meter freestyle: 1. Michael Saco, Miami Swimming 23.68, 2. Brandon Selts, Miami Swimming 24.27, 3. Irvin Hoost, Metro Aquatics 24.66; SOFLO: 15. Santiago Rivera 26.10.

100-meter backstroke: 1. Kevin Lindgren, MART 57.03, 2. Carlos Omana, Metro Aquatics 57.70, 3. Matthew Garcia, SYS 59.63.

400-meter freestyle: 1. Theodore Smith, SRQ 4:01.94, 2. Hayden Curley, Highlander 4:02.01, 3. Daniel Erlenmeyer, SYS 4:07.40; SOFLO: 12. Sam Asnis 4:18.58; 15. Max Asnis 4:25.20, 4:23.52, prelims.

200-meter breaststroke: 1. Campbell Lee, SRQ 2:23.54, 2. Joseph Perez, Metro Aquatics 2:24.00, 3. Carlos Omana, Metro Aquatics 2:29.99; SOFLO: 4. Santiago Rivera 2:31.43, best time, 7. Ervin Marin 2:36.07.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

SOFLO’s Alvarez, Rivera, Kopecki, Pelaez Shine On Opening Day Of Senior Circuit Meet

By Sharon Robb

May 13, 2016—Monica Alvarez, Santiago Rivera and C.J. Kopecki were top South Florida Aquatic Club finishers Friday night in the All-Florida Senior Circuit Meet at Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatics Center in Fort Myers.

Alvarez, 27, was third in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:14.31 followed by SOFLO teammate Ksen Golovkina, 26, fourth in 1:14.71.

Rivera, 19, was fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke in a best time 1:07.94. He swam back-to-back bests, 1:10.57 in prelims. He dropped 4.99 seconds. His previous time was 1:12.93.

C.J. Kopecki, 16, was fourth in the 400-meter individual medley in 5:02.62.

Catalina Mendieta, 26, was seventh in the 100-meter butterfly in 1:03.97, just off her seed time of 1:03.89.

In the 200-meter freestyle, Emiliana Pelaez, 17, swam back-to-back best times. She swam 2:11.28 in finals to finish 13th. She had swum 2:14.73, also a best time in prelims. Her previous best was 2:14.88.

The three-day meet is also serving as an Olympic Trials qualifier. The meet continues Saturday with prelims at 9 a.m. and finals at 6 p.m.

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

WOMEN

200-meter freestyle: 1. Kyla Valls, Miami Swimming 2:02.08, 2. Ryley Ober, SRQ 2:02.64, 3. Mary Smutny, AquaKids Sharks 2:05.65; SOFLO: 13. Emiliana Pelaez 2:11.28, best time finals, 2:14.73, best time, prelims.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Justine Bowker, Unattached 1:11.09, 2. Christina Loh, Unattached 1:11.96, 3. Monica Alvarez, SOFLO 1:14.31; SOFLO: 4. Ksen Golovkina 1:14.71, 11. Emiliana Pelaez 1:20.75.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Isabella Paez, Metro Aquatics 1:00.80, 2. Caroline Cooper, Highlander 1:02.02, 3. Justine Bowker, Unattached 1:02.40; SOFLO: 7. Catalina Mendieta 1:03.97.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Alixandra Roy, Highlanders 5:00.21, 2. Allison Kopas, SFTL 5:02.09, 3. Olivia McMurray, SWIM 5:07.08.

MEN

200-meter freestyle: 1.Alexander Arrieta, Metro Aquatics 1:55.38, 2. Theodore Smith, SRQ 1:55.82, 3. Kevin Lindgren, MART 1:56.55; SOFLO: 9. Max Asnis 2:02.33, 11. Sam Asnis 2:03.11, best time, 14. CJ Kopecki 2:04.36, 11. Max Asnis 2:04.23, 12. Sam Asnis 2:04.57, 23. Juan Diaz 2:08.02.

100-meter breaststroke: 1. Campbell Lee, SRQ 1:07.66, 2. Joseph Perez, Metro Aquatics 1:07.85, 3. Carlos Omana, Metro Aquatics 1:07.86; SOFLO: 4. Santiago Rivera 1:07.94.

100-meter butterfly: 1. Luke Smutny, AquaKids Sharks 57.80, 2. Evan Jacob, LA 57.87, 3. Alexander Arrieta, Metro Aquatics 58.06; SOFLO: 16. Max Asnis 1:01.81, 18. Santiago Rivera 1:03.41, 23. Juan Diaz 1:04.00.

400-meter individual medley: 1. Carlos Omana, Metro Aquatics 4:33.58, 2. Theodore Smith, SRQ 4:43.51, 3. Joseph Perez, Metro Aquatics 4:45.07; SOFLO: 4. C.J. Kopecki 5:02.62.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com

SOFLO Swimmers Ready For This Weekend’s All-Florida Sr. Circuit Meet

By Sharon Robb

May 12, 2016—A talented group of South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers, headed by U.S. Olympic hopeful Megan Romano and Suriname’s Raiz Tjon-A-Joe, will compete Friday through Sunday in the All-Florida Senior Circuit Meet at Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatics Center in Fort Myers.

The three-day meet, which is also serving as an Olympic Trials qualifier, is fast, according to meet officials.

Seventeen teams, including several from the Florida Gold Coast, are entered.

SOFLO is sending 13 swimmers to the meet. They are:

Tjon-A-Joe, 18, a national record holder, 100-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke. Tjon-A-Joe is seeded first in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:06.92.

Romano, 25, a former world champion, 50- and 400-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke. Romano is seeded first in the 100 backstroke in 1:01.94 and 400 freestyle in 4:18.98 and second in the 50 freestyle in 25.69.

Catalina Mendieta, 26, 100-meter butterfly, 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke.

Ksen Golovkina, 26, 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle.

Monica Alvarez, 27, 100-meter breaststroke.

Max Asnis, 16, 200- and 400-meter freestyles, 100- and 200-meter butterfly.

Sam Asnis, 17, 200- and 400-meter freestyles.

Juan Diaz, 16, 100- 200- and 400-meter freestyles, 100- and 200-meter butterfly and 200-meter backstroke.

Kelley Heron, 16, 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter backstroke, 200-meter breaststroke.

CJ Kopecki, 16, 200-meter freestyle, 400-meter individual medley.

Ervin Marin, 16, 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter breaststroke.

Emiliana Pelaez, 17, 50- and 200-meter freestyle, 100- and 200-meter breaststroke.

Santiago Rivera, 19, 100- and 200-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly.

Prelims are 9 a.m. and finals are 6 p.m.

Sharon Robb can be reached at sha11cats@aol.com