Pierce County High School (PCHS) swimmers made waves in more ways than on at their final meets of 2022, setting numerous personal records (PR).
In their final meet of 2022 (Dec. 17), PCHS swimmers lit it up at Albany State.
“The event that had everyone on the edge of their seats was the men’s 500yd Freestyle, the longest race of the meet,” said Coach Jennifer Harris.
Aiden Vergara got out to a quick start, maintaining consistent splits and keeping himself just within striking distance of the lead swimmer.
With about 100yds to go, Aiden started to make his move, inching closer on every stroke and each turn.
“In the final seconds of the race, Vergara closed in. The crowd is now on their feet and an absolute roar fills the arena,” said Coach Harris, recounting the event.
In 13 one hundreths of a second—less than the blink of an eye— Aiden stole the lead and sealed the win.
He immediately reached over to congratulate his competitor on an outstanding race.
Every other swimmer in attendance ended 2022 with a personal best in one category or another.
The pre-holiday rundown according to Coach Harris is:
Devyn Ball set two new PR’s, first in the 100yd Free (1:22.18) and later in the 100yd Breaststroke (1:50.19).
Tristen Carlo swam his fastest 50yd Free of the season (27.96).
Rowan McCrea cut further time off of his fastest 100yd Breaststroke (1:31.42).
Kiara Nottingham posted a PR in the 50 yd Free (37.45) and 100yd Free (1:33.38).
Jacey Ryals achieved her fastest 50 Free of the season (31.63).
Jasmine Sergent dropped over two seconds off of her best 100yd Fly (1:19.09).
Walker Sergent put up his fastest 50yd Free (26.28).
Conner Shipes closed 2022 with two new bests, one in the 50yd Free (27.29) and the other in the 200yd Free (2:29.27).
Rory Williams shaved another second off of her 100yd Backstroke (1:51.98).
Aiden Vergara gave a fast 50yd Free along with winning the 500yd Free (5:38.14).
Two days prior (Dec. 15) at the Waycross YMCA, the women’s team finished fourth overall and the men finished third overall.
Numerous swimmers stepped outside their comfort zone and pushed their limits in new events.
Kiara Nottingham completed her first 200yd Freestyle (3:54) and 100yd Backstroke (2:24.57), Austin Sprinkle completed his first 100yd Backstroke (1:47.59) and Tristen Carlo “fought hard” to finish his first 100yd Butterfly (1:32.29), said Coach Harris.
Pierce men and women had strong finishes on their relays.
In the 200yd Medley the men’s team of Rowan McCrea, Aiden Vergara, Tristen Carlo and Conner Shipes took third (2:10.01).
The women’s team of Shianne Mullis, Jacey Ryals, Jasmine Sergent and Emma Dyal finished strong in second place (2:29.03).
On the 200yd Free relay both the men (1:51.64) and women (2:16.41) slugged it out for third place finishes.
The men’s relay included Tristen Carlo, Corbin Hunzeker, Conner Shipes and Aiden Vergara, while Emma Dyal, Devyn Ball, Shianne Mullis and Jacey Ryals held it down for the women.
Top individual finishes include Conner Shipes with a third place finish in the 200yd Free (2:32.05).
Jasmine Sergent came in second in the 200yd Free (2:39.21) and swiped a first place finish in the 50yd Free (30.11).
Aiden Vergara took first in the 200yd Individual Medley (2:25.36).
Tristen Carlo came in fifth in his first 100yd Fly.
In the men’s 100yd Free, Conner Shipes placed fifth with a new PR (1:03.28) and Corbin Hunzeker was right behind him in sixth (1:04.94).
Jacey Ryals set a new PR in the 500 Free (7:13.70), taking third. And Davis Dyal shaved seven seconds off of his 100yd Breaststroke (1:34.92), setting a new personal best and sealing a fifth place finish.
There are three meets left in the season - Jan. 11, Jan. 14, and Jan. 21.
