Swim4Nick Swim Clinic Set For August 21 At Plantation Aquatic Complex

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, August 10, 2022—The fifth annual Swim4Nick Swim Clinic is set for Sunday, August 21 at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The free clinic, that benefits the Nicholas Dworet Memorial Fund, Inc., is for novice and intermediate, middle and high school swimmers. It is a clinic and not a swim lesson. Participants should know all four strokes. The clinic is 9 a.m.-noon.

The clinic is meant to help local swimmers improve their swim strokes as well as bring swimmers from different high school and club swim teams together for a day of fun and remembering Nicholas Dworet and to help keep his legacy alive.

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 the fall of 2018 and hoped to swim in the 2020 Summer Tokyo Olympics.

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

High school, college and club coaches will be on hand to work with swimmers. Swimmers will be coached on all four swim strokes and will move from station to station to get tips from the coaches.

There will be giveaways and raffles. Swimmers will receive a welcome gift. After the clinic swimmers will enjoy a pizza lunch and raffle where every swimmer will receive a prize.

Since it was started, the clinic has hosted nearly 300 swimmers of all ages. The Nicholas Dworet Memorial Fund, Inc. has given away more than $18,000 in scholarships and aid to local swimmers.

South Florida Aquatic Club’s Ana Frable was among scholarship recipients this year. Other recipients were Alejandro Huerta, Tristan Bragg, Joshua Cajuste, Maggie Carlson and Giulianna Garcia.

Registration closes Friday, August 19. To register go to http://www.swim4nick.org or email nicholasdworetfund@gmail.com. No children under 8 years old will be allowed to participate. The Nicholas Dworet Fund, Inc. Swim4Nick is a 501C(3) charity.

OPEN WATER SWIMMING
The second annual Swim With Nick Ocean Race, presented by Salty Sports Society, is Oct. 1 at 7:30 a.m. at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Dania Beach. Distances are 500 yards, 1.2 and 2.4 miles. Presenting sponsor is Broward Health Coral Springs. To register go to http://www.swim4nick.org.

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

Auld, Campbell Shine; Horrego, Dinehart Sisters, Women’s Relay Top Finishers For Second Place SOFLO At Southern Zone South Sectional Championships

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, July 7, 2022—Two swimmers coming off the 19th FINA World Aquatics Championships had plenty left in the tank Thursday at the Southern Zone South Sectional Championships at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

A week after competing in the 25K open water event in Budapest Hungary, Anna Auld, 19, of St. Andrew’s Aquatics won the 800-meter freestyle in 8:51.08, just 0.11 off her entry time.

In Hungary, the University of Florida freshman was the top American finisher in the 25K, placing seventh in 5:25:25.60, just two minutes off the leader. She was also 20th in the 5K in 1:00:57.20.

In the best men’s race of the evening, Jamaican Kito Campbell, 19, of Azura Florida Aquatics out-touched South Florida Aquatic Club’s Julio Horrego, 23, by 1/100ths of a second to win the 50-meter breaststroke 28.65-28.66. They were the only two swimmers to dip below 29 seconds among the 31-swimmer field. In Hungary, Campbell competed in the 50 and 100 breaststrokes.

In the men’s 800 freestyle, Philip Moldovanu, 19, of the Wahoos of Wellington won in 8:26.75 ahead of Swim Fort Lauderdale’s Dylan Felt in 8:29.21. SOFLO’s Enrique Rodriguez, 17, dropped 3.12 seconds off his 800 time in 8:46.77 to finish 13th.

South Florida Aquatic Club had three swimmers among the top three finishers in their events. In addition to Horrego, Elena Dinehart, 17, was third in the 50-meter backstroke in 31.39. Olivia Dinehart, 17, was third in the 50-meter breaststroke in 33.87.

SOFLO’s women’s 800-meter freestyle relay was third in 8:44.81 with Olivia Dinehart, Natalie Gembicki, Mallory Schleicher and Elena Dinehart.

SOFLO women and men’s teams are both second among 50 teams. Azura leads the men’s team standings and Planet Swim Aquatics lead the women’s.

On Friday and Saturday, prelims are 8 a.m. and finals 6 p.m. On Sunday, prelims are 8 a.m., 1500-meter freestyle distance events 3:15 p.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

SOFLO has 29 swimmers (16 girls and 13 boys) qualified in 131 individual events (77 girls and 54 boys) and 10 relays.

Some of the top teams entered are Azura Florida Aquatics, St. Petersburg Swimming, Treasure Coast Swimming, Flood Aquatics, Sarasota Tsunami, Pine Crest Swimming, Eagle Aquatics and Gulliver Swim Club.

THURSDAY RESULTS
WOMEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Planet Swim Aquatics 125, 2. SOFLO 93, 3. Azura 77, 4. FAST 62, 5. Academy Aquatics 57, 6. Berkeley 48, 7. Golden Panther 38, 8. Pine Crest 36, 9. Hurricane Aquatics 35.5, 10. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 33.
MEN TEAM TOTALS: 1. Azura 145, 2. SOFLO 87.5, 3. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 81, 4. Academy Aquatic 73.5, 5. Plantation Swim Team 49, 6. Planet Swim 43, 7. Metro Aquatics 41, 8. FAST 36, 9. Gulf Coast 31, 10. Eagle Aquatics 21.

WOMEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Anna Auld, St. Andrew’s Swimming 8:51.08, 2. Riley Botting, PC 9:11.06, 3. Cadence Fort, GCST 9:11.44; SOFLO: 10. Izzy Wilson 9:25.16, 12. Mallory Schleicher 9:25.82.

50-meter butterfly: 1. Kelsie Campbell, GPA 28.73, 2. Mia Zahab, GPA 28.97, 3. Adrianna Cera, CANE 28.97; SOFLO: 25. Natalie Gembicki 30.19, 26. Molly Golding 30.24, 39. Sara Quintero 31.90.

50-meter backstroke: 1. Annie Wohlgemuth, PSA 31.04, 2. Alyssa Bozzuto, FAST 31.15, 3. Elena Dinehart, SOFLO 31.39; SOFLO: 21. Gabriella DeLuna 33.31, 29. Sara Quintero 34.29.

50-meter breaststroke: 1. Alyssa Bozzuto, FAST 33.77, 2. Nicole Frank Rodriguez, Azura 33.80, 3. Olivia Dinehart, SOFLO 33.87; SOFLO: 8. Ana Villamil 34.26, 11. Sophia Grubbs 34.55, 15. Molly Golding 35.01, 37. Mariann Catalasan 37.17, 48. Sally Golding 39.47.

800-meter freestyle relay: 1. Planet Swim Aquatics 8:41.49, 2. Azura 8:44.48, 3. SOFLO A 8:44.81 (Olivia Dinehart, Natalie Gembicki, Mallory Schleicher, Elena Dinehart).

MEN
800-meter freestyle: 1. Philip Moldovanu, WOW 8:26.75, 2. Dylan Felt, SFTL 8:29.21, 3. Cole Firile, SRQ 8:30.98; SOFLO: 13. Enrique Rodriguez 8:46.77, time drop 3.12

50-meter butterfly: 1. Mitchell Ledford, Treasure Coast 24.50, 2. Josiah Morales, PAQ 25.12, 3. Kaii Winkle, EA 25.18; SOFLO: 23. Alejandro Mateus 27.89.

50-meter backstroke: 1. Josh Zuchowski, FAST 27.09, 2. Lance Lesage, PC 27.63, 3. Steven Aimable, Azura 27.97; SOFLO: 6. Ricardo Roche 28.94, 8. Aldo Zepeda 29.04, 12. Alex Golding 29.80, 27. Nathaniel Garrick 32.42.

50-meter breaststroke: 1. Kito Campbell, Azura 28.65, 2. Julio Horrego, SOFLO 28.66, 3. Noah Sipowski, FAST 30.17; SOFLO: 11. Javier Colmenares 31.33, 13. Manuel Melendez 31.49.

800-meter freestyle relay: 1. Azura 7:46.43, 2. Academy Aquatic Club 7:49.81, 3. St. Andrew’s Aquatics 7:58.88, 5. SOFLO A 8:07.41 (Agustin Rodriguez, Ricardo Roche, Wisthon Rendon, Alex Golding).

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

SOFLO Swimmers Ready For Southern Zone South Sectional Championships That Begin Thursday

By Sharon Robb
PLANTATION, July 6, 2022—Let the summer championship season begin!

After all the hard workouts, South Florida Aquatic Club swimmers will get the chance to see the reward when they compete in the first championship meet of the summer.

SOFLO is one of fifty teams that will compete in the Southern Zone South Sectional Championships. The four-day meet begins Thursday at Plantation Aquatic Complex.

The meet opens with the men’s and women’s 800-meter freestyle at 4:15 p.m. and timed finals in the 50 butterfly, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke and 800 freestyle relay beginning at 6 p.m.

On Friday and Saturday, prelims are 8 a.m. and finals 6 p.m. On Sunday, prelims are 8 a.m., 1500-meter freestyle distance events 3:15 p.m. and finals at 5 p.m.

SOFLO has 29 swimmers (16 girls and 13 boys) qualified in 131 individual events (77 girls and 54 boys) and 10 relays.

Among SOFLO swimmers competing are Honduran Olympian Julio Horrego, Gaby Banks, Javier Colmenares, Elena and Olivia Dinehart, Ricardo Roche, Maddy Smutny, Izzy Wilson, Maddy Smutny and Mallory Schleicher.

SOFLO has top seeds in the women’s 400 medley relay (4:19.91) and women’s 800 freestyle relay (8:32.58) and individual swimmers Julio Horrego, 50-meter breaststroke (1:01.18); Olivia Dinehart, 100-meter breaststroke (1:12.54) and 200-meter breaststroke (2:34.85); and Maddy Smutny, 200-meter butterfly (2:14.37).

Some of the top teams entered are Azura Florida Aquatics, St. Petersburg Swimming, Treasure Coast Swimming, Flood Aquatics, Sarasota Tsunami, Pine Crest Swimming, Eagle Aquatics and Gulliver Swim Club.

It is one of the more competitive fields assembled. Heading the field are Julia Podkoscielny of Pine Crest, Erika Pelaez and Kaii Winkler of Eagle Aquatics, Josh Zuchowski of FAST, Nicole Frank Rodriguez and Gabriel Araya of Azura, Daniel Ramirez of Westminster Academy Swim Club, Philip Moldovanu of Wahoos of Wellington and Mitchell Ledford of Treasure Coast Swimming.

In the February sectionals, Sarasota Sharks won the combined team title (609.5) and women’s title (360.5) in Orlando. Azura Florida Aquatics won the men’s team title (310.5). SOFLO finished fifth in combined (215), sixth in the men’s (131) and eighth in the women’s (84).

SOFLO made club history in 2021 winning back-to-back Southern Zone South Sectional Championships. In February, SOFLO won the combined team title, was second among women and third among men. In July, SOFLO won the combined team title and boys team titles and girls were second.

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

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.