Swimming: Tiger boys’ titles propel them to 4th at state

MESA — Cole Faut is used to being in or close to the lead in races.

That’s the place Faut was, within the closing meters of successful the boys 100 freestyle state title Nov. 8 on the Division 1 swimming championships — within the lead.

The Millennium senior’s triumph, by nearly 1.5 seconds over runner-up freshman Nolan Guidry of Brophy College Prep, was one of many sturdy efforts that helped the Tiger boys place fourth in D-1 as a staff.

“I do have a sense of where I’m at in terms of the lead, especially compared to the lanes next to me,” Faut mentioned after getting his 100 freestyle first-place medal. “But really, I was focused on getting my best time.”

The senior-led Tiger boys staff’s 217 factors positioned them behind champion Brophy Prep, runner-up Mountain View and Arizona College Prep.

Faut, who not too long ago signed his letter of intent to swim on the University of Arizona, additionally positioned a detailed second within the 50 freestyle at state, helped the boys 400 freestyle relay win a state title and helped the medley relay place third.

“I was a little slower in the 50 (freestyle) finals than in the prelims, but I’ll take it,” he mentioned.

Faut’s medley relay teammates had been juniors Ewan Cain and Justus Heilshorn and senior Zac Clark. His 400 freestyle relay teammates had been Cain, Clark and junior Alex Arnold.

Clark positioned third within the 200 freestyle and was seventh within the 500 freestyle on the ultimate day of his Tiger swimming profession.

Cain positioned second within the 200 particular person medley closing and was third within the backstroke.
The Millennium ladies positioned twelfth in D-1 as a staff, although they had been among the many high West Valley squads. Pinnacle positioned ninth.

Their highlights included sophomore Norah Suaverdez putting twelfth within the 50 freestyle. Suaverdez and 200 freestyle teammates Katelynn Kastanes, a junior; senior Kori Junas and freshman Alania Padilla positioned ninth of their occasion.

Faut mentioned the Tigers peaked on the proper time by way of attending to state and performing effectively there. He mentioned senior management is a part of that effort.

“As a captain, I’ve experienced that,” Faut mentioned. “We had more girls qualifiers this year. And our top guys got a lot stronger.”

Jason W. Brooks might be reached at jbrooks@iniusa.org. Please submit feedback at yourvalley.web/letters or e mail them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are dedicated to publishing all kinds of reader opinions, so long as these meet our  Civility Guidelines.