With Sectionals just around the corner, the Saint Ignatius Swimming and Diving team kicked it into full gear this past weekend.

On Friday, the Catfish put together a string of first place finishes on their way to a dominating 148-31 senior night victory over Brunswick. 

The talented Hong brothers once again did not fail to disappoint. Junior standout Nick Hong led the ‘Cats with first place finishes in both the 100 free (51.00) and the 100 breaststroke (1:01.09). Freshman Tyler Hong brought home gold in the 200 freestyle (1:44.57) and the 100 fly (52.25). 

Senior Cian O’Haimhirgin took first in the 100 Backstroke (1:01.63) and the 50 Freestyle (22.57).

Sophomore Cameron Marcie and Freshman Zac Toothman added to the successful night with first place finishes in the 200 IM (2:16.42) and 500 free (5:13.36), respectively. 

Capping off the night was the success of the relay teams. The team of Daemyen Haywood, Zach Toothman, Nicholas Hong, and Cormac Nolan finished first in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:46.28. Building on this was the first place finish of Tyler Hong, Cian O’Haimhirgin, John Soeder, and Daemyen Haywood in the 200 freestyle relay (1:30.61).

Signaling a bright future for the program, the freshman team of Tyler Hong, Joseph Richmond, Michael Bednar, and Thomas Metz took first place in 400 Freestyle Relay with a time of 3:22.72. The time of 3:22.72 bests the past freshman record of 3:30.20 from the 1996-97 season.

On the diving side, diver Alex Claus again took first place with a score of 285.10 points.

On Saturday, the Catfish faced off against five other teams in the annual Blazer Invitational.

Fueled by a team effort, the Catfish finished in third place with a score a 492 points.

The Claus brothers once again took home first and second place in the diving. Alex Claus finished first with 489.50 points and Will followed close behind with 442.45 points.

With the regular season now behind them, the Catfish will return to the pool for Sectionals on Saturday, February 10th.