Sun Coast Swim Team Shines at 2023 FHSAA 2A7 District Swimming Championships

19 SCST Swimmers Advance to FHSAA 2A3 Regionals

The Sun Coast Swim Team achieved significant success at the 2023 FHSAA 2A7 District Dive and Swim Championships, making waves in the competition. The event took place at the Long Center Aquatics Center in Clearwater on October 21, 2023, and was hosted by Citrus High School. With no fewer than 20 talented swimmers representing the Sun Coast Swim Team across five high school teams, it was a day brimming with excitement, triumph, and remarkable achievements.

The FHSAA District 2A7 Champs featured an array of outstanding athletes who demonstrated their skills, including Connor Clendenney and Matt Dobsen from Citrus High School, Gabe Fogarty from Central High School, Madison Brault from Lecanto High School, Danny Pontrelli II and Kimberly Pinkowski from Nature Coast Technical High, and Brianna Messer, Emalyn Messer, Colton Wilson, Hunter Barker, Brooke Bennett, Ella Billups, Madison Brault, Chloe Dyal, Morgan Gibson, Cruz Helmstetter, Chris Kosenko, Josiah Oleary-Wyatt, Jerry Randall, Justin Rieck, Madison Rose, and Reina Touchton, all representing Crystal River High School. These young athletes showcased unwavering dedication and perseverance throughout the competition.

The CRHS Girls Team, with strong support from SCST, secured the District Runner-up Title

Displaying exceptional talent and unwavering determination, they ultimately clinched an impressive 2nd place overall. Their remarkable teamwork was evident in their outstanding relay performances throughout the competition. In the Girls 200 Medley Relay, the CRHS team, with Emalyn, Ella, Reina, Savannah, and Messer, achieved a swift time of 2:42.36, earning 24 crucial points for Crystal River High School. In the Girls 200 Free Relay, the CRHS team, featuring Madison, Brooke, Emalyn, and Morgan, demonstrated their excellence with a time of 1:55.83, contributing 32 points to the team's total. In the Girls 400 Free Relay, the CRHS team, composed of Madison, Brooke, Ella, and Morgan, clinched their victory with a remarkable time of 4:25.67, securing 34 crucial points for the team.

Morgan Gibson & Cruz Helmstetter of CRHS, and Danny Pontrelli of NCT: District Champs

Morgan Gibson emerged as the standout athlete of the day. Not only did she claim the District Champion title in both the 200 Free and 100 Breast, but she also set new school records in both events. Her time of 1:57.65 in the 200 Free secured the gold medal and represented an impressive 4.11-second improvement. Her record-breaking performance in the 100 Breast, with a time of 1:09.68, was particularly remarkable as it shattered a record that had stood for 26 years, previously held by CRHS’s Natalie Rockefeller in 1997.

Cruz Helmstetter displayed his pool prowess, winning the District Championship in both the 200 IM and 500 Free. Helmstetter's time of 2:12.66 in the 200 IM earned him 20 points for CRHS. He continued to impress with a time of 5:06.63 in the 500 Free, securing the gold once again and adding another 20 points to the team's tally.

Danny Pontrelli of Nature Coast Technical High showcased his exceptional talent and determination at the recent District Championships. Danny emerged as the District Champion in the 50Y Free, clocking in at an impressive 22.51 seconds and setting a new school record in the process. What's even more remarkable is that he had initially broken this record just last week at the GC8 Conference, highlighting his remarkable consistency and progress in the pool. In addition to his win in the 50Y Free, Danny also secured the title of District Runner-up Champion in the 100Y Free, solidifying his status as one of the region's top swimmers. His outstanding performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Justin Rieck and Madison Rose Shine

The exceptional talents of Justin Rieck and Madison Rose could not go unnoticed. Rieck, the runner-up champion in the 200 Free, achieved a remarkable time of 1:59.24, reducing his personal record by 5.3 seconds and contributing 17 points to the boys' team. Madison Rose also secured a runner-up position in the 100 Back with a time of 1:09.40, earning 17 points for the girls' team.

19 SCST Swimmers Advance to FHSAA 2A3 Regionals

In an exciting development, over 19 SCST swimmers are now set to advance to the FHSAA 2A3 Regionals, scheduled for the upcoming Saturday at the North Shore Aquatics Center in St. Petersburg.

Congratulations to all the athletes and their coaches on their outstanding achievements! We extend our immense gratitude to Coach Michelle Dickemann and Coach Beth Penn for their exceptional guidance throughout the year and unwavering support in nurturing these talented athletes. With their exceptional performances, record-breaking achievements, and unwavering team spirit, they have set a standard of excellence. As the swimmers and their coaches continue to work towards their goals, we eagerly anticipate more remarkable achievements in the years ahead.

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Since 1995 the Sun Coast Swim Team has established itself as the source of many of Citrus County’s very best competitive athletes. More important than accomplishments alone, Sun Coast Swim Team takes pride in offering a program for all ages and ability levels. Everyone has a special place on the Sun Coast Swim Team. Age group swimming builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of good physical and mental health by teaching time management, self-discipline and healthy fitness habits. Sun Coast Swim Team teaches the ideals of honesty, integrity, fair play and sportsmanship in addition to the techniques and values of hard work and dedication. Learn more at: www.SunCoastSwimTeam.com