Well Oiled Machine Ready for Homestretch.
Photo By Ryanne Mollo
Chalk up another successful meet for the Thomas Jefferson High School Boys’ Swimming and Diving Team; they are now an undefeated 3-0 in league and coming off a 15th place finish at the Jefferson County Invitational last weekend.
With victories earlier in the season against league foes East, Kennedy, and North, the undefeated Spartans are swimming towards their first city title since 2005. This coveted feat seems feasible thanks to many different parts of the team coming together just like Head Coach Cindy Allen had hoped, "We are finally realizing our potential, and it’s exciting to watch." The most exciting part for the Spartans that has come together is their relay teams. With the 200 yards free-style team (Marc Houghton, Taylor Hartmon, Seth Perry, and Tate Sheiman) qualifying at the Jeffco Invitational on April 19th, all the Spartans relays have qualified for the state meet at the end of the season. "It feels good to know some of my teammates are going to be able to join me at state this season," said Houghton. Last season, he was the only Spartan swimmer to participate in the State Meet, finishing 4th in the 200 yard freestyle. "It’s good for the young guys to get the opportunity to experience such a big meet," added Houghton. Currently, he has qualified for every event except the 100 yard breaststroke and the 100 yard backstroke. Still, Houghton placed first in the 200-free and third in the 100-free on Saturday and is clearly setting the tone for the Spartans’ season.
Another senior performing at a high-octane level is diver Joe Langlee. Langlee finished 11th at the Jefferson County Invitational and has had continued success throughout the season. "Currently, he is working and perfecting on dives that will qualify him for State," stated Head Diving Coach Aimee Witulski. "The inward-one and a half is probably his most difficult dive, and is also one of his best." Still, Langlee is adding more difficult dives to his repertoire and working extremely hard to do so. "I’m trying to lead by example," exclaimed Langlee, "If the younger guys see me putting in the time and working hard, hopefully they will too."
The Jeffco meet also saw alot of varsity-capable swimmers take to the waters of JV, and dominate the competetion. Daniel Smith finished first in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 butterfly. Also, Jackson Ema took second in the 100 backstroke that was the closest race of the day, missing first by one-hundreth of a second. Ryan Diaz finished second in the 100 breast-stroke and the medley relay squad took first, completing a very successful day for the TJ swim team. Coach Allen was very proad of all the guys and believes that they gained a lot of confidence at the JV level which will better prepare them for swimming varsity.
The boys will be pumped up tonight as they take on league rival George Washington in the comfortable home waters of the TJ pool. "I’d give the boys an A+ on their hard work and focus preparing for this matchup," said Coach Allen. It is always one of the biggest matches of the year and with possibly the city title on the line, both teams won’t be holding anything back as they push the throttle to the floor and battle for success. Make sure you are there because this should be a match to remember; taking place in the TJ pool at 4:15pm.
