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Cooper Dale (7) swimming Breast Stroke. Vince Apuron | Apuron Photography
Annie Nemons (4) the youngest Sea Lion pup swimming 25 Breast.
Vince Apuron | Apuron Photography
The San Manuel Sea Lions traveled to Coolidge to compete against the Coolidge Dolphins on Saturday. It was a clash between the last two undefeated teams in the Central Arizona Swimming League. The Sea Lions won the meet with 1142 points while the Dolphins finished with 727 points.
The meet start time was moved an hour earlier due to the forecast of extreme heat. Clearly the Sea Lions were ready when the meet began. Some key early relay wins set the tone for the meet. The 7-8 Boys Medley Relay team of Cooper Dale (7), Israel Gonzalez (8), and Johnny Smallhouse came from behind on the final leg to win. In the very next race, the 9-10 Girls Medley Relay team of Gabby Arnett (10), Mia Dale (10), and Desiree Galarza (10) won in commanding fashion. Head Coach Alex Gort knew that winning those 2 relays meant that the Sea Lions had what it takes to win the meet. Gort explained “We knew Coolidge would win some relays and the Sea Lions would win some relays, and it would be the team that could win the 7-8 Boys and 9-10 Girls Relays that would have the edge.” For the Sea Lions to win both relays left little doubt that the Sea Lions would extend their 8 year Central Arizona Swim League winning streak.
Many personal bests that included 9 team records were achieved during the meet. Swimmers breaking team records included: Riley Stewart (11), Evan Apuron (12), Darien Apuron (14), Gianna Sweeney (14), Will Newman (15), Colbey Stratton (16), Jacob Christian (16), and Taylor Woods (17).
Four swimmers entered the maximum number of events and won them all. Johnny Smallhouse (8), Tabitha Kellam (11), Evan Apuron , and Will Newman each won all 8 events they swam. Additionally, Kayla Lambiotte won all four of the 6 and under events.
The following swimmers had first place finishes on Saturday:
Kayla Lambiotte, 6, (Fly, Back, Breast, Free);
Cooper Dale, 7, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Israel Gonzalez, 8, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Johnny Smallhouse, 8, (IM, Fly, Back, 50 Free, Breast, 25 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Rocky Andrade, 9, (Fly, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Joey Castellanos, 9, (Back, Medley Relay);
Mason Stewart, 9, (IM, Breast, 50 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Ethan Kellam, 9, (100 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Emerik Zovko, 10, (Free Relay);
Mia Dale, 10, (IM, Back, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Desiree Galarza, 10, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Gabby Arnett, 10, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Riley Stewart, 11, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Hunter Hill, 11, (Free Relay);
Rianna Estrada, 11, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Hannah Smallhouse, 11, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Star Chavez, 12, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Tabitha Kellam, 11, (IM, Fly, Back, 100 Free, Breast, 50 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Evan Apuron, 12, (IM, Fly, Back, 100 Free, Breast, 50 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Jayden Smith, 13, (Free Relay);
Andres Valenzuela, 13, (Free Relay);
Darien Apuron, 14, (Back, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Jasmine Smith, 14, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Gianna Sweeney, 14, (IM, Fly, 100 Free, Breast, 50 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Raya Woods, 15, (Fly);
Will Newman, 15, (IM, Fly, Back, 100 Free, Breast, 50 Free, Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Colbey Stratton, 16, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Jacob Christian, 16, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Taylor Woods, 17, (Medley Relay, Free Relay);
Mia Dale was named Sea Lions Beast of the Week. Mia had a great week of practice and had a beastly performance at the meet. She swam and achieved personal best times in every event. With a win in the 100 Individual Medley, she proved she was the best all-around swimmer in her age group. Mia has quickly shown that she is one of the fastest 9-10 Girls in the League.
The Sea Lions will host a swim meet against Florence and Coolidge in San Manuel on Saturday, June 27.
There is still time to join the team – contact Alex or Wendy Gort @ 896-2190, stop by the San Manuel Pool between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday) or check sealionsswimteam.com for more information.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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