After Many Close Races the Cougars Triumph Over the Bengals

Centennial arrived in Blaine on December 21, 2023 ready to preform and with seventy personal best time swims at the meet’s conclusion, a performance is what the Cougars gave to the fans in the Northdale pool stands.

The Cougars solid team depth really showed in its match up with Blaine.  In all but one varsity event, every one of the Centennial’s athletes scored points.  The result of this feat was a final meet score of Centennial 120 and Blaine 75. 

After the meet, Head Coach Pete Crawford highlighted the expectational effort given by freshman Benno Schuhbaurer in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke and sophomore Isaac Nguyen in the 100 Backstroke and 100 Butterfly.  Both athletes swam so well that North Metro TV interviewed them after the meet.  Crawford was also quick to mention that he was impressed by senior captain Tyler Celotta’s athleticism. Celotta had not practiced any diving since last season, but despite this predictament he stepped up to the challege of being entered in the 1 meter diving event and took a first place with a score of 144.4. 

“The results of this meet puts the Cougars in a good spot before winter break”, Crawford stated.  He then explained that the many successful swims that Centennial had at the this meet will be built on during the next two weeks to help the Cougars prepare for its upcoming meets against Andover and Maple Grove.  "Both of these meets", Coach Pete says, "are going to be very exciting to watch".

First place finishes taken by Centennial were: 

200 Medley Relay – Isaac Nguyen, Benno Schubauer, Tyler Celotta, Talen Greenson-Stormoen

1 Meter Diving – Tyler Celotta

100 Butterfly – Isaac Nguyen

500 Freestyle – Caleb Cregan

100 Backstroke – Isaac Nguyen

100 Breaststroke – Benno Schuhbauer

400 Freestyle Relay – Joseph Murray, Caleb Cregan, Alex Larkin, Isaac Nguyen