Swimmers make splash at JO championships

A local swim club had a good weekend at the Arizona Junior Olympic Championships in Scottsdale.

The Arizona Seals, which include Maricopa swimmers, took 16 swimmers, three of whom combined to win eight events.

In the girls’ 13-14 age bracket, Sidney Stolle won the 500 freestyle in 5:26.1, the 1000 freestyle in 10:52.9; the 100 backstroke in 1:04.4, the 200 breaststroke in 2:37.3 and the 200 back in 2:20.3. In the same age bracket, Kate Owens won the 100 breast in 1:14.3

In the guys’ 15-18 age bracket, Connor Schrader won the 50 free in 23.0 and the 200 free in 1:51.4.

Paige McGinnis was second in the 15-18 girls’ 50 free, 100 free and 100 back. She was third in the 200 back.

Schrader took third in the 200 individual medley, and Owens was third in the 200 breast.

Luis Sanchez-Quiroz was fourth in the 11-12 boys 50 free. Schader was fourth in the 100 free and 100 butterfly.

Fifth place went to Rachel Grubbs in the 13-14 girls’ 1650 free, McGinnis in the 100 fly and 200 IM, Elijah Tanon in the 13-14 guys 1000 free, Stolle in the 200 IM and Olivia Byers in the 15-18 girls’ 50 free.

Qualifying and heading to Skyline Aquatic Center for the Senior Open Champs this weekend are:
Schrader in the 50 free, 100 free, 100 back, 200 back, 200 breast and 200 IM
Nolan Ford in the 50 free, 100 free, 100 back and 200 back
Two relays: 200 free and 400 free with Schrader, Ford, Andy Varga and Rafe Scoresby

Qualifying and heading to Oro Valley for the Age Group State Champ meet March 5-9 are:
Stolle in the 50 free, 100 free, 200 Free, 500 free, 1000 free and 100 back
Owens in the 100 breast
Sanchez in the 50 free
Four relays: 200 free, 400 free, 200 medley and 400 medley with Julie Baltosser, Owens, Kenzie Fair, Stolle and Grubbs.

The Seals are coached by Laura Logan

Also competing were Lily Nelson, Isabella Owens and Madison Skubisz.