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By Mary Turner
Special to the Miner
The San Manuel Sea Lions, undefeated for the last five years, won 17 out of 24 events at the Central Arizona Swim League relay meet at Anthem at Merrill Ranch near Florence on Sat. June 23, 2012.
Although no team scores were kept, the Sea Lions competed aggressively against the Coolidge Dolphins, who won six events, and the home team, the Parkside Piranhas, who won one.
“The Sea Lion swimmers had some great swims, and I like the addition of the new, fun relays,” said Sea Lion Head Coach Alex Gort. The swimmers enjoyed practicing with the noodles (foam tubes) this week for the Noodle Relays, and it was fun to see our noodle relays win in all age groups,”.
Each swimmer was allowed to compete in four relays, and Evan Apuron, Saul Noriega, Darien Apuron, Raquel Ortiz and Will Newman won all four.
Ortiz was named the Sea Lion Beast of the Week as the anchor leg (final) swimmer in both IM and freestyle relays who came from behind to clinch the win. Gort said she “has a great work ethic in practice and a bright future in swimming.”
Gianna Sweeney was on three winning relays. “I did better than I expected,” Gianna said.
Gort said both Gianna and Will both “show a love and dedication for the sport that is great to see as a coach.”
For more information, contact Jeanine Apuron at 520-385-9854.
The following swam on winning relays:
Ashlee Parker, 7 (Breaststroke, Noodle)
Genevieve Estrada, 8 (Medley, Butterfly)
Tabitha Kellam, 8 (Medley, Freestyle, Crescendo)
Evan Apuron, 8 (Medley, Butterfly, Crescendo, Noodle)
Saul Noriega, 8 (Butterfly, Breaststroke, Freestyle, Noodle)
Riley Stewart, 8 (Medley, Breaststroke, Noodle)
Brian Mulholland, 8 (Butterfly, Breaststroke, Freestyle)
Hunter Hill, 8 (Freestyle)
Kayla Parker, 10 (4X50 Freestyle, Noodle)
Royann Estrada, 10 (IM, Noodle)
Gianna Sweeney, 11 (Medley, Butterfly, Crescendo)
Darien Apuron, 11 (Medley, Butterfly, Backstroke, 4X50 Freestyle)
Gillian Cole, 11 (IM, Noodle)
Jessi Rice, 11 (Backstroke)
Nereyda Chavez, 11 (Backstroke)
Raquel Ortiz, 11 (IM, Medley, Butterfly, 4X50 Freestyle)
Michael Primero-Predgo, 11 (Medley, 4X50 Freestyle, Noodle)
Will Newman, 12 (IM, Butterfly, Backstroke, Crescendo)
Michael Sanchez, 14 (Butterfly, 4×100 Freestyle)
Alex Newman, 14 (4×100 Freestyle)
Colbey Stratton, 14 (Crescendo)
Nicole Primero-Predgo, 15 (Butterfly, 4X50 Freestyle)
Timothy Mulholland, 15 (4×100 Freestyle, 4X50 Freestyle, Noodle)
Amara Apuron, 16 (4X50 Freestyle)
John Bribiescas, 16 (Butterfly, Noodle)
Maya Gort, 18 (Butterfly, 4×100 Freestyle, Noodle)
PJ Mortensen, 18 (4X50 Freestyle, Noodle)
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