The Lecanto girls and Citrus boys end long droughts in winning the meet formerly known as the GCAC.
By DAWN REISS
Published October 10, 2004
CRYSTAL RIVER - For the first time, the Lecanto girls swimming program can say it is the best in Citrus and Hernando counties.
The title has changed but the meaning has not. After waiting 12 years, the Panthers, who are undefeated this season, won by seven points over Crystal River in the Citrus County Activities Association/Gulf Coast Athletic Conference meet Saturday at Bicentennial Pool.
"It's a long time coming," said Lecanto coach Tas Pepito said, whose team had 271 points. "I told them at the beginning of the season that it was time to start a new dynasty, because we have the talent. Now they've proven it."
Citrus County schools participated in their first GCAC swim meet in 1992. In September, county principals and athletic directors pulled out of the conference and created the CCAA, which gives out county awards to athletes and other students who compete in activities like drama, ROTC and band.
The top six in each event Saturday earned awards, either GCAC (now just Hernando County schools) or CCAA depending on the school.
"But it doesn't change a thing," said Taylor Cooke, who won the 200 and 500 freestyle and was Lecanto's anchor on the 400 free relay. "It's not like were not going to swim hard just because the name changed. It's about pride within two counties. Now this school is the best."
More amazing, four of Lecanto's top female swimmers competed in the Disney Classic cross country meet the day before in Orlando.
"I'm a little sore," said Jillian Swartz, who ran with Cooke, Amy Rundio and Marie Norton. "It just makes it a little more exciting."
The Citrus boys ended Crystal River's eight-year conference reign with 297 points to 248.
Ian Gaffney led Citrus with a meet-high three wins: the 200 individual medley, 500 free and as the third leg on the 200 medley relay. The Citrus boys, unbeaten this season, last won conference in 1995.
"There's no better feeling that winning conference," said Charlie Osterhout, who led the Hurricanes' winning 200 free relay.
Crystal River dominated diving, with two-first year divers - sophomore Desiree' Metzler and freshman Alex McGowan. Metzler set a personal best with 166 points over six dives, including a back somersault with 11/2 twists. McGowan performed a high front double, with a 2.2 degree of difficulty, and scored 131.75 points.
Central was the top Hernando County finisher, with a third-place finish in the girls competition and tie for fourth with Springstead in the boys.
Central's Elizabeth McGeehan and Rae-Lynn Sheffield each won four different events - the most at the meet.
"They're the most valuable swimmers on our team," Bears coach Julie Withington said. "I don't think we could have gotten third place without them."
PHU boys, Seminole girls win Rotary
CLEARWATER - By a measurement any coach would eagerly endorse, the Palm Harbor University boys and Seminole girls swim teams each had solid performances at the Rotary Club of Clearwater meet Saturday at the Long Center.
PHU scored 422 points to outdistance Seminole, which was second with 342. For the girls, Seminole had 469 points to 311 for second-place Bolles.
- C.J. RISAK, Times correspondent
Green Devils sweep St. Petersburg City Meet
ST. PETERSBURG - St. Petersburg won the boys and girls divisions at the North Shore Pool, edging Northeast in both. The competition consisted of all teams within city limits.
The Green Devil boys defeated runner-up Northeast 510-442. Nardozzi was part of the winning 200 medley relay with Robert Klement, Brent Sunnucks, and Andy Stoddard. He also teamed with Stoddard, Bryan Sunnucks, and Russell Williams to take the 200 freestyle relay.
Northeast's girls gave St. Petersburg a run, but the Green Devils topped the Vikings, 504-433.
