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Eagles capture some momentum

By RICHARD BURTON
Published October 4, 2005

Three area schools got a good chance to warm up against one another prior to this Saturday night's Hernando County Athletic Conference meet at Saint Leo College.

Springstead was able to grab the momentum heading into the event, as it swept Central and Nature Coast.

"Everybody swam very well, including our second and third swimmers (in each event)," coach Justin Hengesbach said. "Everyone from top to bottom worked hard, and it was a real good meet."

The Eagles, who've defeated each team in the conference, are looking to keep things going.

"Every year it is a team goal to win the conference," Hengesbach said. "So far, we have had some pretty good luck against the teams."

Central, the defending conference champion, is expected to be Springstead's top competition.

"Basically, we swam against all of the teams we'll face at conference and are now just looking to improve our times," Bears coach Julie Withington said. "We'd like to get a little closer with Springstead."

The Eagles and Bears are close to each other in terms of skill. "They also have year-round swimmers, and they give us some good competition," Withington said. "We expect to have another good meet."

As the defending conference champion, Central has a target on it.

Dan Barry , John Brinker , Adam Wethington and Gallo Gerstein led Springstead's boys to wins over Nature Coast and Central.

Sarah Barry and Kim Murphy paced the girls, but Hengesbach cited the efforts of Angel Healy , Nicky Cook , Christine Brinker and Sam Bierwiler as being key in the victory.

CENTRAL: The Bears were able to get past Nature Coast last week, but fell to Springstead.

"They all did a great job," Withington said. "It has been really great watching our first-year swimmers get better and better skill-wise."

Rae-Lynn Sheffield , Elizabeth McGeehan and Janelle Kollin led the way for the Bears on the girls side. Barrett Sheffield paced the boys.

"My top swimmers did real well," Withington said. "It was a good meet for us."

HERNANDO: Facing Lecanto and Crystal River, Hernando was unable to get much going and fell to 0-5 on the season.

The highest finishes for the Leopards were two fourth places in the boys 200 medley relay ( Travis Penhale , Harold Farley , Brian Krause , Roger Williams ) and 400 free relay ( Wes Hughes , Williams, Krause and Penhale).

NATURE COAST TECH: After earning its first win of the season against Hernando, the Sharks fell to 1-5 with losses to Central and Springstead.

OFF THE BLOCKS: The conference meet will allow county teams a chance to race off dive blocks, an opportunity they seldom get during the regular season.

Central, which has only had the chance once during the regular season in a meet at Wesley Chapel, is looking forward to the chance.

"It puts you at a slight disadvantage," Withington said. "You have to teach your new swimmers, but we are glad we have the opportunity to do it before districts."

Springstead, meanwhile, has had two opportunities and is looking to get used to the blocks.

"It adds a different element," Hengesbach said. "It's not deep enough to dive at the (Spring Hill) YMCA. Having just two opportunities to go off blocks makes things difficult."

[Last modified October 4, 2005, 02:15:30]