After graduating a loaded senior class, critics were quick to count out the Saint Ignatius swimming and diving team entering the 2017-18 season.

All doubts had finally been cast aside, however, as the lights dimmed at the Canton McKinley Natatorium late Saturday night. 

Finishing 12th in the state, the Catfish proved not only the strength of their young talent, but also the tremendous team leadership provided by the juniors and seniors.

Freshman Tyler Hong led the ‘Cats, finishing 4th in 100 backstroke finals with a time of 49.62 (setting a school record he previously set earlier this year) and 4th in the 200 IM finals with a time of 1:50.45 (also breaking a school record). Hong enjoyed an incredible, record-breaking freshman year. 

In the 500 freestyle, freshman Joseph Richmond placed 22nd in the preliminary round (4:48.23) and did not qualify for the final round. 

The 400 free relay (Tyler Hong, Daemyen Haywood, John Soeder, and Cian O’Haimhirgin) took 14th in the B finals with a time of 3:11.12. The 200 medley relay team, composed of the Hong brothers (Tyler and Nick), John Libertin, and Cian O’Haimhirign finished 20th in the preliminary rounds (1:36.71) and did not qualify for the final round.

South Carolina-bound Alex Claus capped his career off with a 4th place finish with a score of 510.30. Following close behind was Alex’s brother, William Claus, who took 7th with a score of 457.0.  

In the end, a wholehearted congratulations goes out to the entire Saint Ignatius swimming and diving team for a great season. Their innumerable hours of hard work in the pool have made it possible for the program to continue to be one of the premier swimming and diving programs in the state.