Dominating the Depths: Western Swimmers Claim All Titles at Local Championship

The Warriors commenced their season with an impressive performance at a quad meet against Collegiate, Hampton Roads Academy, and Veritas in Richmond on December 5. The squad displayed remarkable results across various events, highlighted by outstanding performances from Meghan Ayres, Gigi Hathaway, Sam Bledsoe, and Nic Meyer.

Outstanding performances included:

• Girls 200 IM: Meghan Ayres achieved 1st place with an impressive time of 2:14.64.
• Boys 100 Butterfly: Sam Bledsoe placed 2nd, finishing at 55.88.
• Girls 50 Freestyle: Gigi Hathaway secured 2nd with a time of 25.77, closely followed by Molly Streit in 3rd (26.34).
• Boys 50 Freestyle: Nic Meyer obtained 2nd place with a time of 24.46.
• Girls 500 Freestyle: Meghan Ayres triumphed in her second event of the meet, clocking in at 5:25.23.

On December 10, the Warriors participated in a tri-meet against Fluvanna and Charlottesville at the Crozet Park home pool, where they swept all swimming competitions. Several double event victors were:

• Charlie Alexander (100m and 200m freestyle)
• Sam Bledsoe (50m freestyle and 100m breaststroke)
• Ellie Deutmeyer (200m and 400m freestyle)
• Zach Fisher (200m freestyle and 100m butterfly)
• Lucy Nicholson (100m butterfly and 100m breaststroke)
• Richard Wang (100m backstroke and 200m IM).
• Individual event victors comprised
• Allison Ma in 200m IM
• Sophie Wang in 50m freestyle
• Tessa Showalter in 100m freestyle
• Henry Smith in 400m freestyle
• Lily Phillips in 100m backstroke

Contiliano competing in the 100 butterfly.
Photo: Ron Wade.

“The determination of our squad does not arise from our quickest or most skilled athletes, but rather from the dedication of the team collectively,” expressed Coach Adam Reinhart. “We will perpetually prioritize diligence, mindset, and devotion over velocity. We honor the achievements of our swimmers, regardless of the level at which they participate. There is nothing more inspiring, invigorating, and rewarding than a practice session, whether in water or on land, where the entire team is engaged and striving hard. The competitors infuse this atmosphere of camaraderie and enthusiasm into every event, which ultimately contributes to our accomplishments.”