Lionfish Jacob Lindner (second from bottom) at the start of the 9-10 boys’ individual All-Stars backstroke race.
The 2012 MCSL Swim Season came to its official close with rain-soaked Divisionals on July 21 and All-Star competitions on July 28 – 29. MCSL released tentative division assignments for next year on July 20, setting the stage for a local rivalry between the Kentlands and Lakelands teams, which will both be competing in Division E in 2013.
Kentlands moves down from Division D after finishing fifth in Divisionals. The Kingfish sent two groups to the All-Star relays and five swimmers to the All-Star individual competition. John Freeman, Olivia French, Hannah Harnois, John Henneman and Anthony Noah Spano all earned the nod to compete. Both French and Henneman had top three finishes with French placing first in the 11-12 freestyle and second in the 11-12 butterfly. Henneman took second honors in 13-14 backstroke.
Despite a stellar season with only one regular dual meet loss, Washingtonian Woods will be returning to Division O in 2013. The Waves sent an impressive eight relay teams to All-Stars with strong performances from all participants. Lillie Spivey represented Washingtonian Woods in the individual All-Stars event, finishing third in the 13-14 freestyle and ninth in 13-14 backstroke.
Diamond Farms ended the season in first place in Division M, despite placing second in Divisionals. The strong finish earned the Stingrays a jump into Division L for the 2013 season.
Head Coach Chris Franklin concluded, “I think it was a perfect way to end the season because every swimmer was crucial to us placing second. It is a reflection of how we operated all season — it was a total team effort, which is how we won our meets. It was an honor to have the opportunity for a second year in a row to coach such a dedicated and determined group of kids.”
Kentlands Kingfish John Henneman finished fifth in butterfly and second in backstroke in the 13-14 boys’ individual All-Stars events.
That determination paid off as the Stingrays sent two relay teams to All-Stars as well as Gisele Stake to compete in the individual All-Stars.
After their season in Division F, the Lakelands Lionfish have much to be proud of. Head Coach Brooke Hoffman said, “Another great Lionfish season! I am so proud of this team. We tied for third overall in the division, the kids had fast swims at a soggy Divisionals and more fast swims at all-star relays and individuals. Next year we get ready to swim in Division E.”
Three Lionfish teams were present at the All-Star relays, and the Lakelands sent three swimmers to individuals as well. Jacob Lindner tied for first place in the 9-10 freestyle, and Maddy Zarchin and Lindsey Brick also did the Lionfish proud in their heats.