Pacifica Swimmers Maddox, Severe Perform Well at Division III Finals

Only two Orange County swimmers qualified for the finals at the Southern Section Division III meet Saturday at the Belmont Plaza pool in Long Beach.

Pacifica’s Jeff Maddox won the 500 freestyle, upsetting Mike Soria of Santa Fe Springs Sante Fe. Maddox’s time of 4:39.61, was three seconds faster than Soria.

Maddox also took second in the 200 individual medley, finishing in 1:57.59. David Chan of Ridgecrest Burroughs was first in 1:52.81.

Tara Severe of Pacifica, the other swimmer from the county to qualify, was fourth in the girls’ 200 freestyle (1:58.17) and sixth in the 100 free (55.49). Pacifica finished 21st in boys’ team standings and 33rd in girls’.

Ridgecrest Burroughs defended its title, earning 186 points to beat Jurupa Valley by one point. Palm Springs was third with 155 points.

David Chan of Burroughs set a record in the 100 backstroke. His time of 50.04 surpassed the mark of 50.87 set in 1990 by Agoura’s Jason Stelle. Chan, who was named male swimmer of the meet, also won the 200 individual medley (1:52.81).

Flintridge Sacred Heart won the girls’ title with 233 points. San Luis Obispo was second (163) and Etiwanda third (162).

Freshman Lyndee Hovsepian was named the girls’ swimmer of the meet, winning the 200 individual medley (2:06.41) and the 100 breaststroke (1:05.19).