Romano a two-time golden child for the Vikings

By BOB PUTNAM
Published November 3, 2006

FORT LAUDERDALE - Throughout the state meet, all eyes were on Megan Romano for one perfectly understandable reason:

The Northeast sophomore never seemed to leave the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex pool.

Attacking a competitive program that made observers tired just thinking about it, Romano qualified in two individual events and two relays.

On Thursday, Romano was a 6-foot blur of arms, legs and foam wrapped in a bodysuit. When it was over, she lived up to expectations.

Romano won her individual events in a walk. She swam the 200 freestyle in 1 minute, 47.54 seconds, a time that will automatically earn her All-American status.

She finished the 100 free with another automatic All-American time of 49.94 seconds.

"I was happy to win some individual titles this year," said Romano, who was unable to compete in individual events at last year's state meet because she missed regions.

The relays were more of a fight.

In the 200 medley, Romano swam her 50-yard split in 26.47 seconds. Teammates Elyse Snyder, Katie Brown and Lindsey Daniel took it from there to help the Vikings place second.

In the 400 free relay, Romano got things going with an opening split of 50.90. Katie Brown, Nikki Crankshaw and Melanie Stickney, however, were not able to hold the lead as the Vikings finished second.

Northeast was third overall with 148 points.

Seminole's Kaitlin Frehling was second in the 50 free 24.42 and third in the 100 free (53.24). She also teamed with Meaghan Thomas, Alexandra Hamilton and Crystal Saeger to place fourth in the 200 free relay (1:42.10).

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com or ( 727) 445-4169.

Class 3A Today

When: Diving starts at 2 p.m. and swimming finals are at 5:30 p.m. each day.

Where: Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center

Admission: $7 per session.

[Last modified November 3, 2006, 06:27:48]