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Lecanto teams remain unbeaten

By RICHARD BURTON
Published September 15, 2005

The season is going well for Lecanto and first-year coach Kelli Abrams . Both Panther squads are 2-0 after wins over Nature Coast Tech and Dunnellon.

"The kids have been great," Abrams said. "I couldn't ask for a better group. And once they get going, there is no stopping them."

The Panthers look to continue their hot streak with a home meet against Central today. "We haven't had any record times, but they are coming," Abrams said.

Leading the way for the girls has been Taylor Cooke , Jillian Swartz and captain Tracy Grady . Boys captain Kyle Roberts and Chris Muzzi have been strong.

NICE BREAK: Citrus used an open week to prepare for an intense month prior to conference competition. Hurricanes coach LeeAnn Pepe was happy with the extra practice time.

"We were really able to do some intense training," Pepe said. "Plus, some of our kids got a chance to learn some different strokes."

Another open week later in the season will give the program a break before the postseason. "This may be the toughest dual season that we have had in quite a while," Pepe said.

GOOD PRACTICE: District competition is more than a month away, but Citrus got a chance to prepare for the meet in an event at Wesley Chapel. It was the only time the Hurricanes get to use blocks until district. The Citrus boys have a 2-0 record, and the girls are 1-1.

STILL LOOKING: The Class 2A, District-7 teams haven't found a pool for their district meet. Clermont and New Port Richey are sites that have been discussed for the events. "It's still up in the air," Pepe said.

MAKING PROGRESS: The Crystal River boys have a 2-4 mark and the girls are 3-2. Both squads posted wins over The Villages but lost to Ocala Trinity Catholic last week.

John Shirley produced an impressive performance in the 500 freestyle. His 5:45.84 was 46.09 seconds off his personal best. Glenn Oberlander had a PR in a tight 100 breaststroke race.

For the girls, Kelly Kuczen bettered her backstroke by almost two seconds and Danielle Sanford improved her 200 medley time by two seconds.

"They are right where I want them to be at this early stage," coach Tas Pepito said. "They are constantly improving, and we are beginning to mold as a team quite nicely."

FIGHTING BACK: Crystal River senior captain Sarah Bartley has been battling a nagging shoulder injury that she sustained over the summer. Pepito was pleased with her performance this past week and is looking for even bigger things the rest of the way.

"She has been working hard at practice and doing exercises and drills designated to help strengthen her shoulder," the coach said. "I hope to have her at 100 percent by CCAA and district championships. She has talent that can't be tapped until she is well."

[Last modified September 15, 2005, 01:05:21]