West Boca sophomore Ava Sedlacek won the girls 1-meter diving competition on Friday at the Class 4A state meet at Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center (FAST) in Ocala. She became the first swimmer or diver from her school to win a medal at state. (Ava Sedlacek/Courtesy)
After West Boca Raton sophomore Ava Sedlacek finished fourth in the FHSAA 1-meter diving Class 4A competition last year, she came back this season more determined, and it paid off.
Sedlacek scored 444.55 points, well ahead of runner-up Lauren McCoy, a senior at Lincoln High (379.30), and Spanish River junior Giselle Lobeto (376.15) at the FHSAA Class 4A Swimming and Diving Championship on Friday night at Florida Aquatics Swimming Training Center (FAST) in Ocala. It was the first medal earned by West Boca at the state meet.
“It was definitely a good feeling because I improved a lot,” Sedlacek said by phone. “I think that there was just more consistency. I only changed one dive from last year, but did them all better this year.
“Winning this year is really cool,” she added. “It is like getting a driver’s license. It is an accomplished feeling. Being the first diver (or swimmer) to win states is the best.”
Wellington sophomore Veronica Metz (1:47.99) was just out-touched by Riverside senior Taylor Schwenk (1:47.97) in the 200 free. Metz was also second in the 500 free (4:50.83).
“I felt amazing about all my races and being on the podium as a 15-year-old sophomore,” said Metz, whose brother Dillon won two gold medals for the boys team in the 200 and 400 free relays. “I went personal best for the 200 free and was right on my personal best time, from regionals, in the 500 free.”
“It was also a special night for me to land on the podium at my brother Dillon’s final states,” she added.
Sarasota Riverview won its fifth consecutive girls title with 395 points. Boca Raton was the highest local finisher, taking 10th (66 points), while West Broward (44) and Wellington (38) were 14th and 15th respectively.
West Broward sophomore Laila Harran was second in the 100 free (50.82), and fifth in the 200 free (1:49.76). West Broward senior teammate Carley Kaplan was sixth in the 100 free (51.44).
Harran wasn’t pleased with her prelim swims in either event, but rallied in the finals. She was seeded seventh in the 200 and finished fifth, and was seeded sixth in the 100 free after the prelims, and wound up second in the championship race.
“After my 200 free went well, I just wanted to have fun in the 100,” Harran explained. “I went in with a super good attitude and started pretty strong. My flips were tight and my tempo was pretty strong…It was a super, super close race, and when I flipped off the wall, I just gave it everything I had.”
Boca Raton senior captain Gabia Gelumbickas set a school record in the 100 backstroke (54.70) and finished third. The Eastern Michigan signee was also fifth in the 50 free (23.52).
Fort Lauderdale again finishes third in 3A
Fort Lauderdale senior Hayden Ferenc won the Class 3A diving championship with a score of 455.45, topping senior teammate Sophia Cavaretta, who was runner-up with 420.80. Fort Lauderdale senior Ginger Boardman was sixth with a score of 341.35.
“For this meet, I told myself that I just need to go out there and trust myself,” said Ferenc, who signed with FSU. “I made sure to stay calm the whole meet, but also hype myself up. I focused on one dive at a time. It has been a goal of mine since I started high school diving to win states, so winning my senior year felt really special. I am super proud of my teammates as well, and it’s always fun to have a little friendly competition.”
Said Cavaretta, a UConn signee: “It wasn’t my best meet, but I’m still proud that I got state runner up and protected my school record (520.50).”
Fort Lauderdale junior Da’Jah German finished third in the 50 free (23.98) and fifth in the 500 free (5:01.12) to help the L’s to a second straight third-place finish with 197 points, while St. Thomas Aquinas was sixth (141).
“I’m so happy,” German said by phone. “I’ve been in such a slump all season, so I’ve really been focusing on having even more fun at high school meets… Overall, I think everything was in its perfect place today.
The Fort Lauderdale 400 free relay was fourth (3:36.80), while St. Thomas Aquinas relay finished seventh (3:39.56).
“I am so excited for our team,” said Fort Lauderdale coach Adam Drucker by phone. “They are a group of exceptional athletes, students, and individuals, and they deserve their continued success.”
St. Thomas Aquinas senior Carolyn Levy-Powell took third with a school record in the 100 fly (55.46) and second in the 100 back (55.96) to pace the Raiders.
“I felt good about my swims,” said Levy-Powell, who is headed to FIU. “Earning second in the 100 back and third in the 100 fly was exciting, and I’m grateful for the support from my coaches and team. I am also very proud of our girls doing amazing on the relay.”
St. Thomas Aquinas freshman Addison Scott was fifth in the 100 breast (1:06.80). The St. Thomas Aquinas girls 200 free relay also set a school record, placing third (1:38.81), while Fort Lauderdale tied for fourth in the event with Fleming Island (1:38.85).
“Our girls rocked today,” said St. Thomas Aquinas coach Duffy Dillon. “We have amazing senior leadership. We had two new school records and had two finals from senior Lena Lajko and freshman Addison Scott. We well surpassed our point total from last year. I’m very proud.”