Most students found themselves deep in their books this past weekend, in preparation for upcoming semester exams. The Saint Ignatius Swimming and Diving team, however, could be found in the pool, soldiering on with their demanding schedule.
Up first was a Friday meet against a talented Upper Arlington team, who, like the Aquacats, notched a high finish at states last season.
While the senior-laden Aqua Cats of 2016-17 took second at the Division 1 State Championships, the Upper Arlington Bears were close behind with a 4th place state finish. With both teams attempting to build from the success of the 2016-17 season, the stage was set for an exciting showdown of some of the state’s best talent.
From an individual perspective, the meet was a success, as the Aqua Cats put together a string of individual 1st place finishes. Senior Cian O’Haimhirgin took first in the 100 freestyle (48.91), standout Freshman Tyler Hong won the 500 freestyle (4:45.73), Nicholas Hong came out on top in the 100 breaststroke (1:01.80), and Freshman Joseph Richmond burst onto the scene with a first in the 200 freestyle (1:52.53).
The relay teams also found success under the leadership and talent of Cian O’Haimhirign and Tyler Hong. The 200 Medley Relay (Tyler Hong, Nicholas Hong, Cian O’Haimhirgin, and John Soeder) took 1st with a time of 1:40.22, and the team of Cian O’Haimhirgin, John Soeder, Kain Carmichael, and Tyler Hong won the 200 Freestyle Relay with a time of 1:31.28.
To cap off a solid night in the pool, the 400 freestyle relay team (Cian O’Haimhirgin, Thomas Metz, Kain Carmichael, Tyler Hong) also topped the board with a time of 3:23.02.
Despite a strong showing, the ‘Cats ultimately fell in a close 82-88 score.
The weekend was not over, however, for the most talented swimmers the Aqua Cats had to offer. A group of swimmers, including Tyler Hong, Nick Hong, and Cian O’Haimhirgin, were sent to the Ned Reeb Invitational at The Ohio State University on Saturday to represent Saint Ignatius.
Tyler Hong led the group with a 2nd place finish in the 200 IM (1:51.85) and a 11th place finish in the 100 breaststroke (59.46). Junior brother Nicholas Hong finished close behind in the 100 breaststroke, taking 13th place (59.64). Cian O’Haimhirgin also contributed with an 11th place finish in the 50 freestyle (21.93).
The Aqua Cats are slated to return to the pool on Thursday, December 21, as they take on Hawken Upper School.