Terrapins swimmer named state's best

By Times staff writers
Published April 20, 2005

Tampa Prep sophomore Chelsea Nauta, a state champion in both the 100- and 200-yard freestyle events, was named Florida female swimmer of the year.

She is the first sophomore to receive the honor and makes Tampa Prep the first school to produce a male and female swimmer of the year. Terrapins diver Chris Colwill was the top male two years ago.

Nauta was a repeat state champion. She also won the 100 free as a ninth-grader.

Both of her times at state last fall were the third-fastest of the season by a high school swimmer in the United States. Chelsea's older sister, Brittany, a senior, also was one of the state's top performers. She plans to compete for the University of Tennessee.

BASEBALL: Jesuit jumped to a first-inning lead Tuesday, but it wasn't enough as the visiting Tigers fell 7-2 to Sarasota.

The Sailors (22-0), who are ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 12 in the nation, impressed Jesuit coach John Crumbley.

"They are the best team we've seen this year, no doubt about it," he said. "We had them early, but we let them off the hook and you can't do that with a team like Sarasota."

Jesuit took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Daniel Martinez singled and eventually came home on a double by Brant McKown.

Then Sarasota's pitching held the Tigers until the seventh, when Matt Stefany singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on a throwing error.

Sam Dyson started for Jesuit, going five innings. Kyle Wiser came on in relief.

Jesuit has faced some pretty good teams this season.

The Tigers (17-3) beat Monsignor Pace, ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time, and next week will face Winter Haven, currently the state No. 1 in Class 4A.

- KEITH NIEBUHR, Times staff writer, JIM REESE, Times correspondent

[Last modified April 20, 2005, 02:56:36]