Enquirer swimming previews

From the Enquirer:

Wyoming finished second in last season's Division II state meet behind Hunting Valley University School, the second consecutive year the Cowboys lost to the Preppers. Wyoming closed the gap from 108 points to 48, and Cowboys coach David Elliott is curious to see if his team can similarly improve this season.

"It would be great if we could win the state title, but I don't know if we're in position," Elliott said. "I don't think that far ahead. I think we're one or two swimmers away from being a state title team, but we'll go up there and compete when it's time."

The Cowboys still are impressive. Seniors A.J. Burt and Owen Dunbar and juniors Eric Lethander and Pat Dierker all were part of relay teams that returned from Canton last season with state championships.

"We lost three good seniors, but we've got some freshmen coming in," Elliott said. "We'll be strong again."

Full boys' swimming preview here.


Also from the Enquirer:

The reigning Enquirer Division II swimmer of the year also returns. Wyoming senior Celia Oberholzer is seeking her third consecutive state championship in the 100 backstroke. She set the state record in last year's preliminary event, finishing in 56.44 seconds.

"Celia would love to do the three-time championship thing," said coach David Elliott, last season's Enquirer's Division II coach of the year last year.

Oberholzer isn't Elliott's only accomplished returning swimmer. Seniors Mariah Akinbi and twins Sara and Claire Gilbert are back, along with juniors Rachel Theiler and Abby Gibbons. Akinbi, Gibbons and Theiler swam on the 200 medley relay team that finished fourth in the state.

Full girls' swimming preview here.