Clermont County will be well represented at the district swimming meet at Miami University on Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 as Milford and New Richmond High Schools will send 25 individuals to compete in 22 events.
Milford, competing in Division I, had a solid sectional meet that saw them advance to the district meet in seven boys events and eight girls events.
“We had a good meet (at sectionals),” Milford coach Sarah Kleinfelter said. “We were careful not to leave early on our relays because we would be disqualified, so our times were a little slower than we’d like, but with another week of practice, I think we can get those times down.”
The Milford boys advanced in three relays, the 200-yard medley relay, the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay.
“Again, the times were a little slower than we’re used to, but that’s because we were protecting against being disqualified,” Kleinfelter said.
The 200 medley relay finished second at the Mason sectional and was the fifth fastest time in the district.
“(The 200 medley relay) has a good of getting to state,” Kleinfelter said. “The time was a little slower than what it’s been, but the last time the boys swam at Miami (in the league meet) they had a great meet and I’m hoping they will again on Friday.”
The 200 medley team is made up of Alex Frank, Dave Matulis, Beau Robinson and Cade Williams.
Similar to the 200 medley, Kleinfelter hopes another week of practice will drop the time of the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays. Both relay teams feature the same swimmers – Cade Williams, Thomas Prus, Dave Matulis and Beau Robinson.
Individually, Cade Williams qualified for the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.62.
“That’s a pretty big deal,” Kleinfelter said. “We had the fastest sectional in the state for that event and Cade didn’t realize he qualified until we were on the bus back. Even then he didn’t believe us, but he’s really excited.”
Beau Robinson qualified for the 100-yard butterfly; Alex Frank qualified for the 100-yard backstroke; and Dave Matulis qualified for 100-yard breaststroke.
For the Milford girls, they qualified in the same relays as the boys – 200 medley, 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle.
The 200-yard medley team of Carolyn Storch, Julia Prus, Haley Kennedy and Kelsey Meranda finished sixth at the district meet and 11th in the district. The same group of girls makes up the 400-yard freestyle relay.
The 200-yard freestyle relay team features Grace Billano, Kayla Villano, Chelsea Sick and Julia Prus.
“It was the first time we put that relay together that way and we weren’t sure what to expect,” Kleinfelter said of her 200 free relay team. “But we pulled out some good times. Julia had her best split ever.”
Individually the Milford girls advanced three swimmers in five events.
Both Kelsey Meranda and Carolyn Storch qualified for the 50-yard freestyle, which Kleinfelter said was a pleasant surprise thanks to Storch’s best time in the event to date. Meranda also qualified for the 100-yard freestyle and Storch in the 100-yard backstroke.
Julia Prus was the last Eagle to qualify individually with a time of 1:11.77 in the 100-yard breaststroke. “
“She was a huge surprise,” Kleinfelter said. “She dropped over a second and a half on her time. It was so much fun to watch because she’s been doing everything she’s supposed to do, but her times weren’t great. She swam a great race.”
Milford is looking for a repeat performance when they head to Miami this weekend.
“We had a really great meet at Miami,” said Kleinfelter. “It’s a really fast pool and we had our league meet there, so hopefully that gives us an advantage because most of the schools we’re racing haven’t swam there since last year.
“Hopefully that familiarity gives us the momentum and we can take a good attitude up there and have another great swim.
New Richmond will also be taking part in the district meet as the Lions send 10 individuals to the Division II meet.
The boys qualified for two relays – 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay – and two individual events.
The 200 medley relay is made up of Colt Reese, Alex Ariapad, Grant Gilman and Tyler David whereas the 400 freestyle relay features Ariapad, David, Reese and Derek Gelter.
Ariapad will also compete in the 100-yard butterfly and David will compete in the 500-yard freestyle.
New Richmond’s girls will send one relay team – 200-yard freestyle relay – and two individuals.
Kara Burns qualified individually for the 500-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breaststroke.
“Kara went (to districts) last year for the 500 free and 100 breast,” New Richmond coach Judy Middeler said. “She keeps moving up and it culminates everything she’s worked for. “
Middeler said she’s not sure what to expect at districts, but she does know that she’s ecstatic to be going.
“I’m still numb from everything that’s happened the past few days,” she said. “Getting to districts is a great accomplishment. We’ve set our own personal goals, but miracles can happen.
“For none of our kids to swim year-round and still get to districts is really exciting.”
The boys’ meet for both Division I and II will take place on Friday, February 17 and the girls’ meet for DI and II will be on Saturday, February 18 at Miami University.
