Cape boys’ swimming places sixth at state championships
The Cape boys’ swim team finished its Henlopen Conference season undefeated and was confident in its chances at podium spots at the DIAA Swim Championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware. The Vikings placed sixth overall, while Henlopen Conference rival Sussex Academy took 10th.
Cape’s Brady Schell just missed the podium, grabbing fourth in the 50 free and fourth in the 100 butterfly. Jaxen Edwards took silver in the 100 free and fourth in the 100 breaststroke. Jack Bain placed eighth in the 500 free.
Cape’s 200 free relay team of Schell, Elijah Oliver, Brooks Leonhartt and Weston Bohl took sixth. The team of Oliver, Cole Huxtable, Leonhartt and Bain took eighth in the 400 free relay.
“I was pleased with how well the boys swam,” said Cape coach Bill Geppert. “More importantly, I was very proud of the way they dealt with the adversity of a 200 medley relay disqualification. They could have folded in the tent right at the beginning, but they responded with true grit and resilience to finish a very respectable sixth place. It was also great to see our rival Henlopen teams, especially [Sussex Academy and Caesar Rodney], also represent the conference well. Hats off to their coaching staffs for having them well prepared at the state meet. They did a super job.”
Sussex Academy’s team of Michael Whitaker, Jackson Proctor, Angel Figueroa and Christian Wright placed seventh in the medley relay. Wright placed eighth in the 50 free and eighth in the 100 free. The team of Wright, Whitaker, Figueroa and Kieran Probert placed sixth in the 400 free relay.
The Seahawks had the name of their head coach’s brother, Bill, on their caps. He is in his fifth year with ALS, and the boys knew their coach was struggling with this and was spread thin. The boys dedicated the season in his honor.
“Nobody at the state meet will become professional swimmers,” said Sussex Academy coach Tom Martiner. “Sports teaches more than athletic skills; it teaches kids how to become responsible and caring adults.”
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
