Cape swimmers power past Indian River
The Cape swim teams moved to 2-0 on the season with a boys’ 115-50 win and a 93-77 girls’ victory Dec. 12, against a strong Indian River team.
Both teams were missing key swimmers in the meet, but the Vikings boys won nine of 11 races, while the girls won seven of 11 events.
“Both sides were missing some key swimmers,” said Cape coach Bill Geppert. “Hats off to Indian River; they have a young team and they always do such a great job coaching them. I was very pleased with our team effort today. The kids are working hard to showcase themselves when given the opportunity.”
Cape senior Sidney Caldwell won the 50 free and 100 butterfly. She was also part of the winning 200 free relay. Junior Hayden Hazzard won the 200 individual medley and 100 breast. She was also part of the winning 200 free relay.
“We knew that IR had strong competition in certain races,” said Caldwell. “The coaches got creative with the roster and were able to showcase the diversity of swimming talent across our team by placing people in events they aren’t normally in. It was also a great opportunity for the new kids to make their mark.”
Cape junior Brady Schell won the 200 individual medley and 100 back. He was also part of the winning 200 medley relay. Senior Brooks Leonhartt also claimed three wins in the meet, winning the 50 free, while joining teammates to win the 200 medley relay and 200 free relay. Junior Elijah Oliver won the 100 and 200 freestyle events, while earning another win as part of the 200 free relay.
“It was a great first home meet,” said Schell. “Weston [Bohl] really did well, and the depth of the team seems stronger each day.”
Bohl was part of the winning 200 medley relay and 200 free relay teams.
“The team knows that hard work in swimming translates into good times,” Geppert said. “They all rose to the occasion tonight when given the opportunity.”
Full results can be found at www.capevikingssports.com.
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.
