SOFLO Headed For Dual Meet Showdown With Host Plantation Swim Team

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, May 5, 2022—South Florida Aquatic Club will race Plantation Swim Team in a two-day dual meet that begins Friday at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

On Friday at 4 p.m., the PST-SOFLO Sizzler 25s will feature the 25-yard butterfly, 25-yard backstroke, 25-yard breaststroke and 25-yard freestyle events. There are 88 entries in 12 heats.

SOFLO swimmers are seeded first in every event. They are Gregory Miralles, 8, 25-yard butterfly, 25.29; Santiago Zuluaga, 7, 25-yard backstroke, 22.15; Victoria Colmenares, 8, 25-yard breaststroke, 27.59; and Andres Gomez, 6, 20.53. SOFLO has 20 swimmers entered in 76 events in the sizzler.

Friday action continues with the 50s events beginning at 5:15 p.m. There are 623 entries in 80 heats. The events are the 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter breaststroke and 50-meter freestyle. The 800-meter freestyle will also be held.

The meet concludes on Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. with the remainder of the events including relays. There are 617 entries in 83 heats.

SOFLO has 139 swimmers (71 girls, 68 boys) entered in 721 events and 32 relay teams for four relays.

Among SOFLO top seeds are: Javier Colmenares, 15, 50-meter breaststroke, 30.67, 200-meter freestyle, 2:00.94 and 200-meter butterfly, 2:08.93; Derek Hau, 14, 100-meter breaststroke, 1:09.45 and 200-meter breaststroke 2:33.72; Felix Gonzalez, 15, 200-meter individual medley, 2:23.63; Wisthon Rendon, 17, 100-meter butterfly, 58.33; Austin Nelson, 16, 100-meter backstroke 59.82 and 200-meter backstroke, 2:06.62.

Spectators will be allowed in a designated area. Spectators will be charged a $5 entrance fee (cash only) per day. Multi day passes may be offered.

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

SOFLO’s Julio Horrego Heads Field For Piranhas Senior Invitational That Begins Thursday

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, March 2, 2022—Olympian Julio Horrego heads South Florida Aquatic Club’s 12-swimmer contingent for the Piranhas Senior Invitational at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The four-day meet begins Thursday at 5 p.m. with the women’s 800-meter freestyle, men’s 1500-meter freestyle, 200-meter medley relay, 200-meter freestyle relay and mixed 200-meter medley and 200-meter freestyle relays.

The meet follows a full schedule Friday through Sunday with prelims at 8:40 a.m. and prelims at 5 p.m.

Horrego, 23, a member of the 2020 Honduran Olympic team, is entered in three events. He will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter breaststroke and 100-meter freestyle. Horrego is seeded first in the 100 breaststroke in 1:01.18, first in the 50 breaststroke in 28.35 and 11th in the 100 freestyle in 53.09.

Other SOFLO swimmers competing are Gabriela Avila, 15, Amelie Bicerne, 14, Mariann Catalasan, 15, Javier Colmenares, 15, Dahlia Hirsh, 15, Alejandro Mateus, 16, Sabrina Osorio, 17, Sofia Osorio, 17, Wisthon Rendon, 17, Ricardo Roche, 22, and Enrique Rodriguez, 17.

SOFLO swimmers will compete in 23 individual events.

The meet is expected to be fast. Among teams entered are Bolles, Sarasota Sharks, Azura Florida Aquatics, Webbs Tornadoes, TS Aquatics, Midtown Weston, Southern Utah, Eagle Aquatics and Flood Aquatics.

Some of the top swimmers expected to compete are Erika Pelaez of Eagle Aquatics, Michaela Mattes of Sarasota Sharks, Abbas Qali of Azura, Josh Zuchowski of Flood Aquatics, Nicole Frank Rodriguez of Azura, Gracie Weyant of Sarasota Sharks, Addison Sauickie of Sarasota Sharks, Yeziel Morales of Azura, Zarek Wilson of TS Aquatics, Liam Custer of Sarasota Sharks, Davidson Vincent of Azura and Carter Lancaster of Bolles.

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

SOFLO Heads Field For 31st Speedo Winter Championships

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, December 7, 2021—Defending champion South Florida Aquatic Club heads the field for the 31st annual Speedo Winter Championships at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The four-day meet, one of the oldest in the state, begins Thursday at 5 p.m. with relays and 1,650-yard freestyle event. Friday, Saturday and Sunday prelims are 8:30 a.m. and finals 5 p.m. Two pools are being used.

Last year South Florida Aquatic Club swept the combined and boys titles. SOFLO won the combined team title with 748 points. Metro Aquatics was runner-up with 676 and Midtown Weston Aquatics was third with 476.5 points.

Defending champion SOFLO repeated as boys champion with 433 points. Metro Aquatics was second with 365 and Wahoos of Wellington was third with 218.

Midtown Weston Aquatics, led all four days to win the girls team title with 394 points. SOFLO was runner-up with 315 and Metro Aquatics was third with 311.

SOFLO, the largest team, has entered 107 swimmers in 621 individual events and 28 relay events.

Other top teams competing are Azura Florida Aquatics, Pine Crest Swimming, St. Andrew’s, Midtown Weston, Jupiter Dragons and Metro Aquatics.

Several swimmers who competed in the Junior Pan American Games are entered including Haitian Olympian Davidson Vincent, Gabriel Araya, Joaquin Vargas, Maria Munoz, Yeziel Morales, Nicole Frank, Rashed Al-Tarmoom and Abbas Qali of Azura Florida Aquatics and Zarek Wilson of TSA.

Among SOFLO’s top seeds are:

Juan Vallmitjana, 12, 1,650-yard freestyle, 17:24.44; 500-yard freestyle, 5:07.07; 400-yard individual medley, 4:36.66; 200-yard freestyle, 1:54.77.

Mallory Schleicher, 18, 500-yard freestyle 4:52.65.

Sophia Grubbs, 16, 50-yard breaststroke 30.32.

Javier Colmenares, 15, 400-yard individual medley, 4:11.84; 100-yard breaststroke 57.97.

Gianna Martin, 10, 100-yard breaststroke 1:20.79.

Aldo Zepeda, 16, 100-yard individual medley 52.48.

Juan Mora, 17, 100-yard individual medley 50.16.

Among other notable swimmers:

Former NSU University School, Pine Crest Swim Club and Missouri swimmer Jordy Groters, 25, of Aruba, founder and coach of Giants Aquatics, is top seed in the 17-and-over 50-yard breaststroke in 25.60. He will also be coaching several of his club swimmers.

Spectator admission is $5 per session. There are special all-session passes on sale. Parking is free. Heat sheets are available at http://www.swimpst.com and on Meet Mobile.

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

SOFLO’s Gabriella DeLuna Triple Winner On Opening Day Of 13th North Palm Beach Summer Kickoff

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, June 5, 2021—South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers had several outstanding swims on opening day of the 13th annual North Palm Beach Summer Kickoff Saturday at Plantation Aquatic Club.

Gabriella DeLuna, 14, won three events including the mixed 400-meter individual medley topping the boys’ field.

Deluna first won the 200-meter backstroke in a best time 2:30.67, dropping 2.56. In the same event, teammate Fiorella Di Salvo, 13, was third in 2:40.42.

DeLuna also won the 100-meter butterfly in a best time 1:07.91, dropping 1.63.

In her third and final race, she won the mixed 400-meter individual medley in a best time 5:22.58, dropping 5.60 and beating the boys’ field.

Other SOFLO winners were:

Derek Hau, 13, won the 100-meter breaststroke in a best time 1:14.73 with a nice time drop of 13.67. Hau also had another nice drop of 17.11 to finish fourth in the 100-meter butterfly in 1:07.24. He also dropped 34.76 in the 400-meter individual medley and finished fourth in 5:30.59.

Hashan Ekanayake, 14, won the 200-meter backstroke in a best time 2:27.35, dropping 0.76.

Gianna Martin, 10, won the 100-meter breaststroke in a best time 1:34.18 with a time drop of 16.47.

Jemma Baldwin, 10, won the 100-meter backstroke in a best time 1:25.67, dropping 9.34. Also in the event, teammate Joanna Valdiviezo, 9, had a 27.27-second time drop to finish sixth in 1:39.88. Baldwin also won the 50-meter freestyle in a best time 33.17, dropping 0.84.

Noah Mejias, 10, won the 50-meter butterfly in a best time 35.85, dropping 8.39. In the same event, teammate Daniel Chaussky dropped 19.18 to finish ninth in 42.45.

SOFLO had five finishers in the top 11 of the 13-14 200-meter freestyle, all with best times. Hashan Ekanayake, 14, led the way with his runner-up finish in 2:08.02, dropping 1.67 seconds. Felix Gonzalez, 14, had the biggest time drop of 22.04 to finish fifth in 2:12.44.

The meet, hosted by North Palm Beach Swim Club at Plantation Aquatic Complex, is the summer kickoff for the long course season.

SOFLO has 70 swimmers (43 boys and 27 girls) competing in 376 individual events.

Among other Florida Gold Coast teams competing are Azura Florida Aquatics, Boca Raton Swim Team, Swim Fort Lauderdale, Lake Lytal Lightning, Heritage Aquatics, Sunrise Swimming, Plantation Swim Team, Gulliver Swim Club, Swim Fast, Coral Springs Swim Club, North Miami Swim Team and host North Palm Beach.

Sunday events for the older swimmers (13-and-over) are the 200-meter IM, 100 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, 100 backstroke, 200 butterfly and 400 freestyle and younger swimmers (12-and-under), 400 freestyle, 200 IM, 100 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 50 breaststroke and 50 backstroke.

Observing COVID-19 safety precautions, the meet was capped at 250 swimmers per session. No spectators are allowed at the meet. There will be no concessions at the meet. Face coverings are mandatory for all swimmers, coaches, officials and volunteers.

SATURDAY RESULTS
GIRLS
200-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Kiana Young, LLL 2:41.77, 2. Antonia Moreno, GRSC 2:42.22, 3. Addison Scott, SF 2:50.14; SOFLO: 7. Gianna Martin 3:05.04; 11-12, 1. Natalie Dufflocq, NPB 2:26.58, 2. Zoe Schnoeller, SFTL 2:27.09, 3. Alessandra Gendarmi, PST 2:28.84; SOFLO: 5. Sofia Lugo 2:29.17, time drop 12.16, 9. Alexandra Strong 2:32.42, time drop 1.39; 13-14, 1. Ava Papadopoulos, LLL 2:16.57, 2. Caitlin Martinez, GRSC 2:17.77, 3. Sofia Moreno, GRSC 2:21.43; SOFLO: 5. Amelie Bicerne 2:22.64, time drop 4.09, 8. Gabriela Avila 2:24.32, time drop 0.52, 11. Katelyn Gembicki 2:25.28, time drop 3.91; 15-and-over, 1. Colleen Furgeson, Azura 2:12.87, 2. Riley MacVane, NPB 2:13.10, 3. Elizabeth Sikes, BRST 2:19.31.

100-meter breaststroke: 10-and-under, 1. Gianna Martin, SOFLO 1:34.18, time drop 16.47, 2. Lydia Wagner, LLL 1:35.77, 3. Addison Scott, SF 1:36.39; 11-12, 1. Layla Bleakley, NPB 1:27.24, 2. Ainsley Miller, SOFLO 1:35.87, 3. Aubrey Hiller, LLL 1:37.49; SOFLO: 7. Sofia Gomez 1:41.02, time drop 9.42; 13-14, 1. Reese Rosenthal, GRSC 1:20.76, 2. Abigail Santos, SFTL 1:23.46, 3. Paola Escobar, PST 1:23.69; SOFLO: 4. Dahlia Hirsh 1:25.30, time drop 2.92, 11. Sarah Vasquez 1:34.51; 15-and-over, 1. Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Azura 1:12.95, 2. Micaela Sierra, Azura 1:13.25, 3. Julimar Avila, Azura 1:15.03.

100-meter backstroke: 10-and-under, 1. Jemma Baldwin, SOFLO 1:25.67, time drop 9.34, 2. Addison Scott, SF 1:30.38, 3. Anna Finneran, PST 1:33.83; SOFLO: 6. Joanna Valdiviezo 1:39.88, time drop 27.27; 11-12, 1. Amanda Grubbs, SOFLO 1:20.80, time drop, 0.17, 2. Alexandra Strong, SOFLO 1:21.22, time drop 0.34, 3. Rachel Nussbaum, NPB 1:22.11; SOFLO: 5. Sofia Lugo 1:22.40, 8. Saree Young 1:25.16, time drop 13.08, 9. Sofia Gomez 1:25.78, time drop 13.66, 10. Mackenzie McPherson 1:29.13, 11. Mikhel Martin 1:29.27, time drop 6.48.

200-meter backstroke: 13-14, 1. Gabriella DeLuna, SOFLO 2:30.67, 2. Ava Papadopoulos, LLL 2:34.94, 3. Fiorella DiSalvo, SOFLO 2:40.42; SOFLO: 6. Katelyn Gembicki 2:43.12, time drop 3.18, 8. Amelie Bicerne 2:43.85, time drop 2.05, 12. Tania Mantilla 2:48.88; 15-and-over, 1. Riley MacVane, NPB 2:29.32, 2. Chloe Hernandez, GRSC 2:40.66, 3. Adriana Roldan, GRSC 2:41.88.

50-meter butterfly: 10-and-under, 1. Jilliam Henriquez, Azura 37.40, 2. Jemma Baldwin, SOFLO 37.47, time drop 6.90, 3. Antonia Moreno, GRSC 38.18; SOFLO: 7. Christie Ann Lumsden 44.48; 11-12, 1. Natalie Dufflocq, NPB 32.17, 2. Cali Jerabek, NPB 34.20, 3. Kayla Diaz, SF 34.52; SOFLO: 7. Sofia Lugo 35.36, time drop 6.70.

100-meter butterfly: 13-14, 1. Gabriella DeLuna, SOFLO 1:07.91, time drop 1.63, 2. Paola Negrin, GRSC 1:10.58, 3. Gabby Meserole, LLL 1:11.25; SOFLO: 5. Gabriela Avila 1:12.84, time drop 2.40, 8. Fiorella Di Salvo 1:17.41; 15-and-over, 1. Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Azura 1:05.54, 2. Valeria Strohmeier, GRSC 1:07.99, 3. Samantha Roberts, Azura 1:08.54.

50-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Jemma Baldwin, SOFLO 33.17, time drop 0.84, 2. Jilliam Henriquez, Azura 34.23, 3. Gianna Martin, SOFLO 35.38, time drop 5.89; SOFLO: 5. Christie Ann Lumsden 35.71; 11-12, 1. Natalie Dufflocq, NPB 30.01, 2. Cali Jerabek, NPB 30.40, 3. Rachel Nussbaum, NPB 31.43; SOFLO: 4. Amanda Grubbs 31.67, time drop 0.79, 9. Mikhel Martin 33.14, time drop 4.15, 10. Mackenzie McPherson 33.24, 11. Alexandra Strong 33.43; 13-14, 1. Elyse Wood, GRSC 29.57, 2. Anastasia Lutz, PST 29.63, 3. Carlin Hughes, LLL 29.78; SOFLO: 5. Gabriela Avila 30.21, 9. Katelyn Gembicki 30.60, time drop 0.08; 15-and-over, 1. Julimar Avila, Azura 27.33, 2. Celina Marquez, Azura 27.34, 3. Samantha Roberts, Azura 27.71.

Mixed 400-meter individual medley: 12-and-under, 1. Emma Lewis, BRST 6:23.64, 2. Caitlyn Britto, SF 7:08.69; 13-14, 1. Gabriella DeLuna, SOFLO 5:22.58, time drop 5.60, 2. Paola Negrin, GRSC 5:38.32, 3. Ava Papadopoulos, LLL 5:40.06; SOFLO: 4. Amanda Bertea 5:45.31, time drop 4.44.

BOYS
200-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Trace Colton, NPB 2:21.45, 2. George Gerasim, NMST 2:34.81, 3. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 2:41.13, time drop 3.92; SOFLO: 5. Noah Mejias 2:45.12, 6. Guillermo Mantilla 2:46.35, time drop 6.17; 11-12, 1. Frank Vincze, SF 2:24.03, 2. Julian Lozano, GRSC 2:25.80, 3. Alex Viazmetinov, SOFLO 2:26.60, time drop 13.86; SOFLO: 4. Connor Jimenez 2:27.35, time drop 16.09, 8. Joshua Menezes 2:20.97, time drop 0.04; 13-14, 1. Gabriel Tortola, PST 2:05.68, 2. Hashan Ekanayake, SOFLO 2:08.02, time drop 1.67, 3. Andres Tejada, SOFLO 2:11.48, time drop 12.77; SOFLO: 4. Nicholas Pelaez 2:12.08, time drop 18.98, 5. Felix Gonzalez 2:12.44, time drop 22.04. 11. Kevin Moya 2:16.20, time drop 0.98; 15-and-over, 1. Dylan Felt, SFTL 2:00.15, 2. Jorge Depassier, Azura 2:00.24, 3. Miguel Bernotti, BRST 2:02.19.

100-meter breaststroke: 10-and-under, 1. Trace Colton, NPB 1:34.27, 2. Alex Diaz, SF 1:36.54, 3. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 1:38.10; 7. Eric Ferrer 1:48.21, 9. Daniel Chaussky 1:49.40, 11. Matteo Castelli 1:52.10; 11-12, 1. Gabriel Navarro, Unattached 1:16.82, 2. Jacob Wagner, LLL 1:28.96, 3. Oliver Cannings, GRSC 1:29.37; SOFLO: 4. Joshua Menezes 1:29.60, 11. Martin Petkov 1:43.56, time drop 1.11; 13-14, 1. Derek Hau, SOFLO 1:14.73, time drop 13.67, 2. Sebastian Guio. HAT 1:19.57, 3. Maks Charnou, NMST 1:19.98; SOFLO: 4. Felipe Rodriguez 1:20.48, 6. Ethan McPeek 1:22.28, time drop 1.65, 9. Felix Rodriguez 1:22.72, time drop 16.85, 12. Benjamin Kim 1:23.83, time drop 1.34; 15-and-over, 1. Brandon Moran, Azura 1:06.62, 2. Jacques Sonnier, BRST 1:10.33, 3. Emanuel Cuarta, PST 1:11.22.

100-meter backstroke:
10-and-under, 1. George Gerasim, NMST 1:27.97, 2. Eric Ferrer, SOFLO 1:30.20, 3. Guillermo Mantilla, SOFLO 1:30.23; SOFLO: 4. Lance Bergeron-Menard 1:30.36, 10. David Gonzalez 1:45.18; 11-12, 1. Julian Lozano, GRSC 1:17.58, 2. Frank Vincze, SF 1:17.59, 3. Jose Rincon, SOFLO 1:19.00; SOFLO: 5. Maximiliano Remmele 1:19.95, time drop 2.64, 6. Alex Viazmetinov 1:21.44, time drop 6.10, 9. Ethan Hall 1:23.11.

200-meter backstroke: 13-14, 1. Hashan Ekanayake, SOFLO 2:27.35, time drop 0.76, 2. Mathias Esteves, GRSC 2:29.47, 3. Sebastian Guio, HAT 2:31.20; SOFLO: 6. Ethan McPeek 2:38.11; 15-and-over, 1. Joaquin Vargas, Azura 2:06.66, 2. Landon Kyser, HAT 2:15.67, 3. Jose Ochoa, Azura 2:19.92.

50-meter butterfly:
10-and-under, 1. Noah Mejias, SOFLO 35.85, time drop 8.39, 2. Colby Metzger, Unattached 38.76, 3. Liam Lewis, BRST 39.14; SOFLO: 9. Daniel Chaussky 42.45, time drop 19.18; 11-12, 1. Gabriel Navarro, Unattached 32.01, 2. Jeremiah Paiz, SUN 32.49, 3. Jose Rincon, SOFLO 32.63; SOFLO: 4. Connor Jimenez 34.37, time drop 1.70, 9. Joshua Menezes 37.17, 10. Alex Viazmetinov 37.67, time drop 13.28, 11. David Valdiviezo 38.13.

100-meter butterfly: 13-14, 1. Juan Orjuela, PST 1:02.90, 2. Antoine Sharp, LLL 1:06.08, 3. Andres Tejada, SOFLO 1:06.98, time drop 6.21; SOFLO: 4. Derek Jau 1:07.24, time drop 17.11, 6. Nicholas Pelaez 1:08.21, time drop 13.14, 12. Felix Gonzalez 1:10.49, time drop 14.22; 15-and-over, 1. Abbas Qali, Azura 55.07, 2. Davidson Vincent, Azura 55.37, 3. Steven Aimable, Azura 55.80.

50-meter freestyle: 10-and-under, 1. Trace Colton, NPB 29.66, 2. George Gerasim, NMST 33.01, 3. Guillermo Mantilla, SOFLO 33.90, time drop 0.25; SOFLO: 5. Lance Bergeron-Menard 35.25, 8. Daniel Chaussky 37.42; 11-12, 1. Gabriel Navarro, Unattached 29.13, 2. Jose Rincon, SOFLO 30.45, time drop 0.01, 3. Aiden Sabocik, LLL 31.34; SOFLO: 5. Connor Jimenez 31.45, 6. Ethan Hall 31.57; 13-14, 1. Peyton Selts, GRSC 26.19, 2. Antoine Sharp, LLL 26.55, 3. Juan Orjuela, PST 26.69; SOFLO: 4. Kevin Moya 27.21, time drop 2.00, 7. Carlos Rincon 28.29, 9. Nicholas Pelaez 28.43, time drop 4.66; 15-and-over, 1. Jorge Depassier, Azura 24.17, 2. Joaquin Vargas, Azura 24.32, 3. Gabriel Araya, Azura 24.49.

400-meter individual medley: 12-and-under, 1. Gabriel Navarro, Unattached 5:32.31, 2. Jeremiah Paiz, SUN 5:33.63; 13-14, 1. Sebastian Guio, HAT 5:23.58, 2. Jonathan Lozano, PST 5:25.82, 3. Andres Tejada, SOFLO 5:28.05, time drop 9.04; SOFLO: 5. Derek Hau 5:30.59, time drop 34.76, 9. Amanda Bertea 5:45.31, time drop 4.44; 15-and-over, 1. Jose Ochoa, Azura 4:52.63, 2. Landon Kyser, HAT 5:06.79, 3. Rodrigo Azpurua, BRST 5:09.59.

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

SOFLO Gearing Up For Championship Season; First Up, Senior Long Course Qualifier At Plantation

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, February 4, 2021–South Florida Aquatic Club, preparing for the upcoming championship season, will compete in the two-day Florida Gold Coast Senior Long Course Qualifier at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The meet begins Friday with five heats of 33 swimmers in the mixed 800 freestyle at 5 p.m. Saturday will feature two sessions at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All events are timed finals.

SOFLO is among 33 teams competing along with Azura, Pine Crest, St. Andrew’s and Metro Aquatic Club of Miami. Out-of-state teams include Boise YMCA Swim Team, Flatiron Swimming, Freedom Aquatics, Great Wolf Swim Team, Nations Capital, St. Croix Dolphins, St. Thomas Swimming Association and Texas Ford Aquatics.

SOFLO has entered 47 athletes (26 male, 21 female) in 174 individual events and four relay events.

Four-time Jamaican Olympian Alia Atkinson, 32, returns to action in her first meet since competing in the International Swimming League’s second pro season with the London Roar that ended Nov. 22 with the Cali Conors winning the league title.

Atkinson is entered in three events and two relays. She will swim the 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke and 100 breaststroke. She will also compete on the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays.

Atkinson is seeded first in her signature event, 100-meter breaststroke, 1:06.48. She is also seeded first in the 50-meter backstroke in 29.78.

SOFLO’s other top seeds are:

Dominic Bono, 17, 400-meter individual medley, 4:42.20.

Maddy Smutny, 15, 200-meter butterfly, 2:19.69.

Julio Horrego, 22, 100-meter breaststroke, 1:03.69.

Julianne McCranie, 14, 50-meter butterfly, 29.23.

SOFLO’s women’s A 200-meter medley relay of Elena Dinehart, Olivia Dinehart, Atkinson and Lucy Smutny are seeded first in 2:01.96. The men’s A relay of Juan Colmenares, Julio Horrego, Miguel Sierra and Juan Mora are also seeded first in 1:50.33.

SOFLO’s men’s 200-meter freestyle relay of Miguel Sierra, Matthew Tarafa, Juan Colmenares and Juan Mora are seeded first in 1:42.32.

Other SOFLO swimmers entered in individual and relay events are: Ryan Alfonso, 18; Daniela Barreto, 17; Alan Bertea, 16; Mariann Catalasan, 14; Nick Chaimowicz, 18; Alexis Christensen, 15; Mariangela Cincotti, 17; Javier Colmenares, 14; Juan Colmenares, 17; Gabriella DeLuna, 14; Elena Dinehart, 16; Olivia Dinehart, 16; Ana Frable, 17; Andrea Freites, 15; Nathaniel Garrick, 16; Alex Golding, 16; Molly Golding, 17; Sally Golding, 16; Ivan Grass, 15; Sophia Grubbs, 15; John Paul Handal, 18; Zackary Harris, 16; Darien Hategan, 18; Adrian Hernandez, 15; Jena Legaspi, 16; Alejandro Mateus, 16; Leonardo Mateus, 19; Manuel Melendez, 17; Yannai Michael, 16; Alexander Miller, 14; Juan Mora, 16; Austin Nelson, 15; Garrett Oliver, 18; Sabrina Osorio, 16; Sofia Osorio, 16; Sara Quintero, 17; Enrique Rodriguez, 16; Mallory Schleicher, 17; Miguel Sierra, 17; Lucy Smutny, 17; Maddy Smutny, 15; Matthew Tarafa, 16; Christian Tijero, 15; and Christian Vasquez, 17.

Among other top swimmers entered are Julia Podkoscielny of Pine Crest; Hector Paz of Metro Aquatic Club of Miami; Erika Pelaez of Eagle Aquatics; Paige MacEachern of Pine Crest; Joaquin Vargas of Azura; Anna Auld of East Coast Aquatics; Gabriel Araya of Azura; Joshua Hanks of Pine Crest; Josh Zuchowski of FAST and Hungarian Olympian Norbert Szabo, 25, swimming unattached.

Meet organizers are observing all COVID-19 safety protocols and social distancing. Athletes will be required to wear masks while at the park whether they are on the deck or basketball courts. If athletes and coaches do not follow protocols they will be asked to leave.

No spectators are allowed on pool deck. The meet will be live streamed at live.pstpiranhas.com.

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

Italy Sweeps Top Five; Lares, Acevedo Top SOFLO Finishers Friday At Senior Long Course Sectional Qualifier

By Sharon Robb

February 7, 2020–Two-time Italian Olympian and current world champion Gabriele Detti opened the Florida Gold Coast Senior Long Course Sectional Qualifier Friday with a win at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

Detti, 25, world champion in the 800-meter freestyle, won the event in 7:55.49, slower than his 7:45 seed time.

Italian swimmers swept the top five places. Olympic champion Gregorio Paltrinieri, 25, was second in 8:02.14.

SOFLO’s top finishers were Sebastian Lares, 15, and Sarah Acevedo, 16. Lares was 13th in 9:07.43, bettering his previous time of 9:25.19, dropping 17.76 seconds. Acevedo was 26th in 9:51.87.

Lares and Acevedo are among 42 swimmers (22 girls and 20 boys) competing in 196 individual events and one relay event in timed finals.

Two sessions are scheduled for Saturday at 8:45 for the 400-meter individual medley, 10 a.m. for the 1,500-meter freestyle and 3:45 p.m. for the 400-meter freestyle, all timed finals.

In addition to SOFLO, the field features a mix of international swimmers and Florida Gold Coast teams including Azura, Pine Crest, East Coast Aquatic, SwimFast, North Palm Beach, Metro Aquatics, Flood Aquatics, Boca Raton Swim Team, Eagle Aquatics, Jupiter Dragons, TS Aquatics and Italy.

FRIDAY RESULTS
800-meter freestyle

1. Gabriele Detti, Italy 7:55.49, 2. Gregorio Paltrinieri, Italy 8:02.14, 3. Domenico Acerenza, Italy 8:04.93, 4. Marco De Tullio, Italy 8:07.77, 5. Nicola Roberto, Italy 8:17.76, 6. Yeziel Morales, Azura 8:18.25, 7. Joaquin Vargas, Unattached 8:21.16, 8. Simona Quadarella, Italy 8:27.07, 9. Gabriel Araya, Azura 8:28.17, 10. Matheo Mateos, Azura 8:39.68.

SOFLO: 13. Sebastian Lares 9:07.43, time drop, 15. Robert Wilson 9:12.70, 18. Yannai Michael 9:23.90, time drop, 19. Leonardo Mateus 9:28.06, 26. Sarah Acevedo 9:51.87.

IF YOU GO

What: FGC Senior Long Course Sectional Qualifier

When: Saturday

Schedule: Saturday, Session II, 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m., Session III, 3:45 p.m.

Where: Plantation Aquatic Complex, 9151 NW Second Street, Plantation

Of note: Admission is $5 per person, per session. All sessions passes are available. Heat sheets will be posted online and Meet Mobile. For more information, call 954-452-2526.

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

SOFLO Swimmers Among Field For Senior Long Course Sectional Qualifier In Plantation

By Sharon Robb

February 6, 2020–South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers will compete Friday and Saturday in the Florida Gold Coast Senior Long Course Sectional Qualifier at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

SOFLO has 42 swimmers (22 girls and 20 boys) competing in 196 individual events and one relay event in timed finals.

Among SOFLO swimmers are Paige Lane, Mallory Schleicher, Philopatier Ibrahim, Miguel Sierra, Sebastian Lares, Gaby Banks, Alex Golding, Molly Golding, John Paul Handal, Robert Wilson, Rafael Rodriguez and Nicolas Rossi.

SOFLO teammates Maddie Smutny and Sarah Acevedo are seeded one-two in the 200-meter butterfly.

Four-time Jamaican Olympian Alia Atkinson is seeded first in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:05.59. SOFLO teammate Olivia Dinehart is seeded second in 1:13.03.

Atkinson is also seeded first in the 50-meter butterfly in 26.65 and 200-meter breaststroke in 2:23.45.

Italian swimmers dominate the top seeds including Olympic champion Gregorio Paltrinieri. He is seeded first in the 1500-meter freestyle in 14:34 and 800-meter freestyle in 7:39.

The meet begins 4:15 p.m. on Friday with the 800-meter freestyle in Session I. Two sessions are scheduled for Saturday at 8:45 for the 400-meter individual medley, 10 a.m. for the 1,500-meter freestyle and 3:45 p.m. for the 400-meter freestyle, all timed finals.

In addition to SOFLO, the field features a mix of international swimmers and Florida Gold Coast teams including Azura, Pine Crest, East Coast Aquatic, SwimFast, North Palm Beach, Metro Aquatics, Flood Aquatics, Boca Raton Swim Team, Eagle Aquatics, Jupiter Dragons, TS Aquatics and Italy.

IF YOU GO

What: FGC Senior Long Course Sectional Qualifier

When: Friday-Saturday

Schedule: Friday, Session I, 4:15 p.m.; Saturday, Session II, 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m., Session III, 3:45 p.m.

Where: Plantation Aquatic Complex, 9151 NW Second Street, Plantation

Of note: Admission is $5 per person, per session. All sessions passes are available. Heat sheets will be posted online and Meet Mobile. For more information, call 954-452-2526.

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

Olympian Vien Nguyen Heads SOFLO At XXI FLA International Cup

By Sharon Robb

PLANTATION, June 26, 2019—Two-time Vietnam Olympian and national record holder Vien Nguyen heads South Florida Aquatic Club’s eight-swimmer contingent at the XXI FLA International Cup at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

Nguyen, 22, will compete in four events: 400-meter individual medley, 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter backstroke and mixed 100 freestyle. She is the top seed in the 400 IM in 4:38.66 on Thursday.

Nguyen will be joined by five boys and two girls: Marco Cabrera Duarte, 18, Lance Lesage, 16, Jacqueline Lugo, 17, Garrett Oliver, 16, Juan Pablo Pineda, 17, Lucy Smutny, 16 and Robert Wilson, 16.

SOFLO will compete for two days during the four-day meet. The meet is Thursday through Sunday.

All sessions are timed finals. The meet features 22 Florida Gold Coast, Caribbean and out-of-state teams, down from 31 last year.

IF YOU GO

What: XXI FLA International Cup

When: Thursday-Sunday

Schedule: Thursday, Session 1A, 2 p.m., Session 1B, 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Session 2A, 8 a.m., Session 2B, 30 minutes after Session A, Session 2C, 5 p.m.; Saturday, Session 3, 8 a.m.; Sunday, Session 4, 9 a.m.

Where: Plantation Aquatic Complex, 9151 NW Second St., Plantation.

Of note: All sessions are timed finals. Admission is $5 per session. All sessions pass is also available. Heat sheets are free online. For information call 954-593-8552 or go to Plantation Swim Team’s website.

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

SOFLO’s Smutny, Pineda, Lesage Top Finishers; SOFLO Third Among Teams At Speedo Champion Series Southern Zone South Sectionals

By Sharon Robb

PLANTATION, March 11, 2019—Mary Smutny of South Florida Aquatic Club finished on a good note in one of the most exciting women’s races on the final day of the Speedo Championship Series Southern Zone South Sectional Championships Sunday at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

In a two-woman race, Smutny, 18, University of Texas-bound this fall, won the 200-meter butterfly in 2:15.63, edging Sarasota’s Isabel Traba in 2:15.05. Smutny was also a member of SOFLO’s runner-up 400-meter freestyle relay in 3:55.27 along with Alia Atkinson, Kathleen Golding and Gaby Banks.

Smutny was SOFLO’s top finisher in high points, placing seventh with 128 points edging out teammate Alia Atkinson, eighth with 124. Rafael Rodriguez was top boys finisher in sixth place with 112 points.

SOFLO teammate Juan Pablo Pineda was second in the 200-meter breaststroke in 2:27.60. Berkeley’s Ryaan Hatoum won in 2:23.21.

Lance Lesage was third in the 200-meter backstroke in 2:09.84. Dan Cross of LCLA won in 2:05.74.

South Florida Aquatic Club finished third among the boys and girls teams. The girls totaled 852 and the boys had 776. Azura Florida Aquatics won the boys team title with 1,116.5 points. Sarasota YMCA won the girls team title with 1,432 points.

SOFLO had 35 qualified swimmers compete in 155 individual events and 12 relay events race in the long course meet.

A large field competed over four days in one of four designated USA Swimming zones. The others are Eastern, Central and Western Zone Sectionals. The meet attracts some of the top swimming talent from across the United States and internationally.

Among Florida Gold Coast teams entered were Azura Florida Aquatic, East Coast Aquatic Club, Boca Raton Swim Team, North Palm Beach, Martin County, Coral Springs Swim Club, Sunrise, TS Aquatics, and host Plantation Swim Team.

SUNDAY RESULTS
GIRLS TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota YMCA 1,432, 2. East Coast Aquatic Club 1,069, 3. South Florida Aquatic Cub 852, 4. Blue Dolfins 613.5, 5. Barrington Swim Club 611.5.

GIRLS HIGH POINT: 1. Talia Bates, Gator Swim Club 161; SOFLO: 7. Mary Smutny 128, 8. Alia Atkinson, 124, 10. Mallory Schleicher 109, 47. Kathleen Golding 49, 62. Molly Golding 38, 74. Olivia Dinehart 29.

BOYS TEAM TOTALS: 1. Azura Florida Aquatics 1,116.5, 2. Sarasota YMCA 861, 3. South Florida Aquatic Club 776, 4. Colorado Stars 735, 5. Gator Swim Club 472.

BOYS HIGH POINT: 1. Gabriel Arraya, Unattached 167; SOFLO: 6. Rafael Rodriguez 112, 31. Lance Lesage 69, 41. Juan Pablo Pineda 60, 61. Philopatier Ibrahim 39, 81. Dominic Bono 25, 90. tie, Javier Roman 20, Leonardo Mateus, 20.

GIRLS

200-meter butterfly:
1. Mary Smutny, SOFLO 2:15.05, 2. Isabel Traba, SYS 2:51.63, 3. Abigail Gibbons, Bolles 2:18.55; SOFLO: 25. Sarah Acevedo 2:26.01.

100-meter freestyle:
1. Marie Wattel, LCLA 55.21, 2. Emily Crane, LCLA 57.03, 3. Talia Bates, GSC 57.05; SOFLO: 9. Mary Smutny 58.26, 12. Kathleen Golding 59.25.

200-meter breaststroke:
1. Gracie Weyant, SYS 2:38.22, 2. Olivia Hernandez, GRSC 2:40.39, 3. Shayna Fetes, SAS 2:42.64; SOFLO: 7. Molly Golding 2:44.64, 20. Kathleen Golding 2:51.43.

200-meter backstroke:
1. Caitlin Brooks, GSC 2:13.77, 2. Charlotte Evans, LCLA 2:16.88, 3. Emma Weyant, SYS 2:17.66.

400-meter freestyle relay: 1. Laker Swim 3:20.18, 2. SOFLO 3:55.27 (Alia Atkinson, Mary Smutny, Kathleen Golding, Gaby Banks), 3. Sarasota YMCA 3:55.84, 17. SOFLO B 4:11.43.

800-meter freestyle: 1. Anna Auld, ECAC 8:55.35, 2. Christina Cianciolo, SYS 8:55.43, 3. Nikki Miller, Unattached 8:58.20; SOFLO: 7. Mallory Schleicher 9:13.37.

BOYS

200-meter butterfly:
1. Bryan Alvarez, BELEN 2:05.63, 2. Alexander Gusev, SYS 2:05.97, 3. Gabriel Araya, Unattached 2:06.08; SOFLO: 5. Rafael Rodriguez 2:07.25, 10. Philopatier Ibrahim 2:10.85, 17. Miguel Sierra 2:16.58, 19. John Paul Handal 2:18.29.

100-meter freestyle:
1. Gabriel Araya, Unattachd 51.80, 2. Kent Olsen-Stavrakas, STAR 51.93, 3. Sidrell Williams, Azura 51.97; SOFLO: 19. Robert Wilson 54.85.

200-meter breaststroke:
1. Ryaan Hatoum, BERK 2:23.21, 2. Juan Pablo Pineda, SOFLO 2:27.60, 11. Javier Roman 2:29.38.

200-meter backstroke:
1. Dan Cross, LCLA 2:05.74, 2. Griffin O’Leary, BSC 2:09.09, 3. Lance Lesage, SOFLO 2:09.84; SOFLO: 8. Rafael Rodriguez 2:15.26, 26. Juan Colmenares 2:22.95.

400-meter freestyle relay:
1. Azura 3:32.68, 2. Colorado Stars 3:35.67, 3. Spartan Aquatic Club 3:36.30, 4. SOFLO A 3:38.59 (Michael Arias, Robert Wilson, Rafael Rodriguez, Lance Lesage),
14. SOFLO B 3:48.61.

1500-meter freestyle:
1. Zachary Szmania, SYS 16:12.99, 2. Ryan Staunch, SWIM 16:13.51, 3. Neal Wolfram, RACE 16:32.10; SOFLO: 9. Dominic Bono 16:51.80, 14. Leonardo Mateus 17:08.15.

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

SOFLO’s Atkinson Double Winner; SOFLO Third Among Teams On Day Two Of Speedo Champion Series Southern Zone South Sectionals

By Sharon Robb

PLANTATION, March 8, 2019—South Florida Aquatic Club men’s and women’s teams are third after Day Two of the of the Speedo Championship Series Southern Zone South Sectional Championships Friday at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The women’s team is third with 393 points. Sarasota YMCA leads with 630 and East Coast Aquatic Club is second with 461 points.

The men’s team is also third with 355 points. Azura Florida Aquatics is first with 485 and Sarasota YMCA is second with 370.

Four-time Jamaican Olympian and world short course record holder Alia Atkinson, 30, won two events. Atkinson won her signature event 100-meter breaststroke in 1:08.79. She also won the 100-meter butterfly in 1:01.38 just ahead of Talia Bates of Gator Swim Club in 1:01.42. Atkinson has 64 points in high point.

Mary Smutny, 18, finished third in the 200-meter freestyle in 2:04.16. She was third fastest in morning prelims in 2:05.48. Smutny has 42 points in high point.

Rafael Rodriguez, 17, finished fourth in the 400-meter individual medley in 4:39.27. He was second fastest in morning prelims in 4:39.05. He has 65 points in high points.

Mallory Schleicher, 15, posted back-to-back best times in the 200-meter freestyle. Seeded 2:11.74, she went 2:10.64 in morning prelims and 2:07.69 in finals for a 4.05 time drop.

Schleicher also has back-to-back best times in the 400-meter individual medley. She went 5:06.74 in morning prelims and came back at night in 5:04.62. She was seeded in 5:07.59. Schleicher has 49 points in high points.

Robert Wilson, 16, swam back-to-back best times in the 200-meter freestyle. Seeded 2:01.18, he went 2:00.61 in prelims and 2:00.22 in finals for an 0.96 time drop. He has four points in high point.

Lance Lesage, 16, broke 2 minutes in the 200-meter freestyle and had back-to-back best times. Seeded 2:02.67, he lowered it first in morning prelims in 2:01.18 and broke 2 minutes in finals in 1:59.78 for a total time drop of 2.89. Lesage has 20 points in high point.

Juan Pablo Pineda, 16, had back-to-back best times in the 100-meter breaststroke. Seeded in 1:08.50, he lowered it in morning prelims in 1:08.50 and bettered in finals in 1:07.92 for an 0.77 time drop. He has 15 points in high point.

Javier Roman, 15, has back-to-back best times in the 400-meter individual medley. Seeded 4:56.25, he went 4:54.75 in morning prelims and bettered it in 4:52.33 for a 3.92 time drop. He has four points in high point.

SOFLO has 35 qualified swimmers compete in 155 individual events and 12 relay events race in the long course meet.

A large field is competing over four days in one of four designated USA Swimming zones. The others are Eastern, Central and Western Zone Sectionals. The meet attracts some of the top swimming talent from across the United States and internationally.

Among Florida Gold Coast teams entered are Azura Florida Aquatic, East Coast Aquatic Club, Boca Raton Swim Team, North Palm Beach, Martin County, Coral Springs Swim Club, Sunrise, TS Aquatics, and host Plantation Swim Team. Bolles, Sarasota and Pensacola are top Florida teams.

The four-day meet continues Saturday with prelims at 9 a.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

FRIDAY RESULTS

GIRLS TEAM TOTALS: 1. Sarasota YMCA 630, 2. East Coast Aquatic Club 461.5, 3. South Florida Aquatic Club 393, 4. Barrington Swim Club 334.5, 5. Azura Florida Aquatics 285.

BOYS TEAM TOTALS: 1. Azura Florida Aquatics 485, 2. Sarasota YMCA 370, 3. South Florida Aquatic Club 355, 4. Metro Aquatics 272, 5. Colorado Stars 269.

GIRLS

200-meter freestyle:
1. Emma Weyant, SYS 2:01.97, 2. Nikki Miller, Unattached 2:03.38, 3. Mary Smutny, SOFLO 2:04.16; SOFLO: 25. Mallory Schleicher 2:07.69, time drop.

100-meter breaststroke:
1. Alia Atkinson, SOFLO 1:08.79, 2. Shayna Fetes, SAS 1:13.99, 3. Micaela Sierra, CSSC 1:15.60; SOFLO: 12. Molly Golding 1:16.85.

50-meter backstroke:
1. Caitlin Brooks, GSC 28.92, 2. Celina Marquez, Azura 30.16, 3. Megan Murphy, ECAC 30.22.

100-meter butterfly:
1. Alia Atkinson, SOFLO 1:01.38, 2. Talia Bates, GSC 1:01.42, 3. Abigail Gibbons, BD 1:01.47; SOFLO: 12. Mary Smutny 1:05.12.

400-meter individual medley:
1. Sumner Chmielweski, SYS 4:55.06, 2. Michaela Mattes, SYS 4:56.36, 3. Michelle Morgan, PS 4:56.69; SOFLO: 5. Mallory Schleicher 5:04.62, time drop, 6. Kathleen Golding 5:06.96.

800-meter freestyle relay:
1. Sarasota YMCA A 8:27.30, 2. East Coast Aquatic Club 8:36.35, 3. Sarasota YMCA B 8:40.73, 5. SOFLO A 8:42.62 (Mary Smutny, Mallory Schleicher, Olivia Dinehart, Kathleen Golding), 14. SOFLO B 9:05.32 (Sarah Acevedo, Sara Quintero, Elena Dinehart, Molly Golding).

BOYS

200-meter freestyle:
1. Santiago Corredor, GSC 1:52.33, 2. Gabriel Araya, Unattached 1:53.62, 3. Julian Hill, GSC 1:53.79; SOFLO: 21. Robert Wilson 2:00.22, time drop, 25. Lance Lesage 1:59.78, time drop.

100-meter breaststroke:
1. Ryaan Hatoum, BERK 1:05.20, 2. Lukas Macek, Unattached 1:05.29, 3. Hector Rodriguez, BD 1:06.54; SOFLO: 12. Juan Pablo Pineda 1:07.92, time drop.

50-meter backstroke:
1. Steven Aimable, Unattached 27.16, 2. Payton Plumb, SUSA 27.50, 3. Matheo Mateos, Azura 27.58; SOFLO: 9. Lance Lesage 27.88, time drop.

100-meter butterfly:
1. Gabriel Araya, Unattached 55.63, 2. Kamarl Muhammad, Unattached 55.63, 3. Blake Wilton, STAR 55.82; SOFLO: 11. Rafael Rodriguez 57.71.

400-meter individual medley:
1. Alexander Gusev, SYS 4:30.94, 2. Joshua Zuchowski, FAST 4:39.01, 3. Matheo Mateos, Azura 4:39.13; SOFLO: 4. Rafael Rodriguez 4:39.27, 18. Leonardo Mateus 4:49.78, 20. Dominc Bono 4:50.46, 21. Javier Roman 4:52.33.

800-meter freestyle relay:
1. Azura 7:58.36 (Matheo Mateos, Franco Lupoli, Sidrell Williams, Juan Zapata), 2. Sarasota YMCA 7:59.40, 3. Metro Aquatics 8:01.45, 4. SOFLO A 8:02.50 (Rafael Rodriguez, Robert Wilson, Philopatier Ibrahim, Lance Lesage), 12. SOFLO B 8:19.80 (Nicolas Rossi, Michael Arias, Leonardo Mateus, Dominic Bono).

IF YOU GO

What: 2019 Speedo Championship Series Southern Zone South Sectional Championship

When: Saturday-Sunday

Schedule: Saturday-Sunday, prelims 9 a.m. and finals 5 p.m.

Where: Plantation Aquatic Complex, 9151 NW Second Street.

Of note: Admission is $5. For more information call 954-452-2526.

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