For Top Swimmers, It’s North to Alaska
Many of Orange County’s top swimmers will compete in the U.S. Swimming Junior Spring Nationals West, which run today through Saturday in Anchorage.
Last July in the summer nationals, Mission Viejo High’s Scott Davison and Canyon’s Erin Volcan were among the top swimmers.
Volcan, who swims for the Irvine Novaquatics club team, finished second in the girls’ individual competition with 64 points.
She won the 200- and 400-yard freestyles, was second in the 100 free and third in the 200 individual medley.
The Novaquatics finished first in the girls’ and sixth in the boys’ competitions to win the combined championship.
Davison, who swims for the Mission Viejo Nadadores, was third among boys in the individual competition with 52 points.
He won the 1,500 free, was second in the 800 free and fourth in the 400 free.
The Nadadores were second in the boys’ and 62nd in the girls’ competitions, finishing eighth overall.
Davison won’t compete in the 1,500 free in this meet because he already has qualified for the Senior Nationals West, which will be held March 28-April 1 in Seattle.
Leticia Cunha and Carlo Piccio, who both swim for Mission Viejo High, are also expected to be two of the top Nadadores swimmers in the meet--Cunha in the girls’ 200 breaststroke and Piccio in the 400 IM.
Diego Urreta, an 18-year-old swimmer for the Nadadores, will attempt to qualify for the Mexican Olympic team in the backstroke events.
SUITS TO A TEE?
Novaquatic Coach Dave Salo is a bit concerned about the latest swim fashion . . . full body suits for competition.
“They are appearing at a lot at competitions now,” Salo said. “There is one company that can even take laser measurements on an athlete’s body and construct a suit to fit an individual.”
The problem?
“Who can afford that?” Salo said. “But if it makes you swim faster, then the people who can afford it will have an advantage.”
SKILL OF THE IRISH
The Kennedy girls’ swim team, under its first-year coach, Eric Corona, is off to its best start in more than a decade. The Fighting Irish are 5-0 in dual meets, and the junior varsity is 5-0.
“I told the girls they’re off to such a good start because they’re excited about getting a pool,” girls’ Athletic Director Janet Berardi said. Kennedy’s pool, which will measure 25 yards by 25 meters, is expected to be completed in July.
If you have an item or idea for the prep swimming report, you can fax us at (714) 966-5663 or e-mail chris.foster@latimes.com
