Sep 08, 2010
Friendswood nips Pearland in summer swim championship
July 19, 2010
FRIENDSWOOD — The Friendswood Area Swim Team (FAST) edged Pearland in the summer swim championship showdown 487-452. These neighboring teams have battled for the past three years for the swim title.
In 2008, Friendswood was the Clear Creek Swim League (CCSL) champion with 486 points over Pearland’s 394. However, in 2009 Pearland was the CCSL champion beating Friendswood 590.5 to 498.
"We were surprised to win this year," said FAST president Steve Rockey. "Pearland won the CCSL meet last year and they had an outstanding team this year. We enjoy swimming against them because their team is first-rate and their coaches and board members are extremely considerate and professional. I am extremely proud of our Friendswood swimmers and coaching staff."
"In individual events, Friendswood had 10 first place finishes, 10 second places, and four third place finishes. Friendswood also won four relays, took second in five relays, and third in three other relays.
Pearland did equally well in the medal department with nine first place, four second place, and 10 third place finishes in individual events. Pearland also won six relays, took second in two relays, and third in three relays.
Friendswood set seven new team records in individual events and also set team records in two relays.
“We saw some old FAST records under such former stars as Cole Cragin (UT) and Caroline McElhany (UT) fall to current swimmers so the future of our team is looking good," Rockey pointed out.
Friendswood swimmer Max Hardt won three gold medals, and Michael Fowler won two. Swimmers Melissa Watson, Cassandra Nagle, Heidi Hendricks, Kathryn Kosinski and Owen Upchurch also won gold medals. Swimmers Cassandra Nagle, Jack Lutz, Kylie Hansen, Meagan Westhoven, Melissa Watson, Michael Fowler, Olivia Theall, Owen Upchurch and Sarah Carambat won silver medals. Heidi Hendricks, Jack Lutz, Melissa Watson, and Olivia Theall won bronze medals.
The 8-year-old and under girls medley relay (Allison Leighton, Allie Hansen, Anna McHenry, and Olivia Theall) and the 8-year-old and under girls freestyle (Leighton, McHenry, Theall and Sarah Carambat) took first place.
The girls 11-12 year-old medley relay (Kathryn Kosinski, Kylie Hansen, Heidi Hendricks, and Skylar McHenry) placed first and the girl’s 13-14 year-old medley relay (Morgan Upchurch, Sarah Marr, Cassandra Nagle, and Sarah Corpening) won their event.
For Pearland, the Bjontegard family must have needed a U-Haul for their medal count. Brother and sister Arthur and Nikko each won three gold medals in individual events. Nikko ’s time in the girls 9-10 year-old Individual Medley set a new CCSL league record. Elizabeth Roudbari won two first places and Matthew Murray won a gold. Arthur Murray had two second place finishes and Matthew Murray and Kyle Sullivan each had one second. Swimmers Tyler Sprague had two bronze finishes and Cade Anderson, Walker Wilson, Matthew Murray, Adrien Valdez, Helen Wang, Andrew Murray, Haiyin Wang, and Rebecca Roudbari each had a single third place.
"This was a fantastic year for swimming in the CCSL," said Pearland president Catherine Southerland. "We always enjoy the competition in this league and this year was no exception. Thanks to all the coaches, boards and parents who make it possible."
"Not only did we stay undefeated in dual meets for another year, we won the league championship as well," said FAST Coach Megan Marshall. "What a terrific season for a super hard-working team! The 2010 FAST season was incredibly exciting from beginning to end! Records were broken, and personal best times achieved by many swimmers this year. Any swimmer, coach, or parent would tell you that swim team is a super fun way to spend your summer. The coaches are so proud of all of our swimmers and their accomplishments this season!”