Following a strong start to the 2017-2018 swim season, the Saint Ignatius Swimming and Diving Team kept the momentum rolling this past weekend at the annual two-day Viking Swimming and Diving Meet.

Facing off against some of the area’s finest talent, the Aqua Cats proved once again that they are not to be taken lightly. 

The meet was highlighted by the two strong first place finishes of freshman Tyler Hong, who showcased his versatility in taking gold in both the 100 fly (:50.51) and the 100 backstroke (:51.48). Senior Cian O’Haimhirgin also contributed with second place finishes in the 50 free (0:21.92) and in the 100 free (:47.63).

The relay teams demonstrated the depth of the Aqua Cats, with Hong, O’Haimhirgin, Nick Soeder, and Thomas Metz notching a 5th place finish in the 400 free relay (3:19.05), and Tyler Hong, Nick Hong, Joseph Richmond, and Haimhirgin taking 4th in the 200 medley relay.

On the diving side, divers Alex Claus (taking 1st with a score of 452.30) and William Klaus (taking 3rd with a score of 382.25) once again exhibited the strength of the seemingly untouchable diving team. Adding to their accolades were divers Kian Carmichael and Noah Keim, finishing 7th and 9th, respectively. 

In addition, individually, Tyler Hong notched a time of 1:51.43 in the 200 IM at the 2017 Speedo Junior Nationals East in Knoxville for 40th place. Via Swimming World Magazine: "Hong advances to 13th in the all-time rankings in the 13-14 age group ahead of notable names Ryan Murphy (1:51.67) and Maxime Rooney (1:51.71)."

The Aqua Cats are slotted to return to the pool on Saturday, as the team will make appearances at both the Ned Reeb Invitational and the Upper Arlington Meet in Columbus.