IN SPORTS: LODI SWIMS PAST WEST
Gianni Pitto is beyond determined to take the next step.
The Lodi High girls swimmer, now a junior, was one of about a half-dozen Flames who competed at the second annual CIF Swimming and Diving State Championships last spring. Qualifying in the 200 individual medley through the Sac-Joaquin Section’s trials and finals the week prior, Pitto recorded a time of 2 minutes, 6.58 seconds for 18th place at the state meet. The top eight earned medals.
The automatic qualifying time for this year’s state meet in the 200 individual medley is 2:03.89. Pitto is less than three seconds from that mark. In the 100 breaststroke, Pitto’s time at the section finals last spring was 1:03.65 for fourth place.
“I definitely want to get down my IM time,” Pitto said. “I definitely want to get into state and place in the top five.”
Added Lodi coach John Griffin: “A great meet to base on where you are in California and nation-wide. You’re swimming against the best of the best.”
Since taking part at last spring’s state meet, Pitto has worked out as a member of the Lodi Swim Club. Last summer, she competed in 200 and breaststroke at the Junior Nationals in Austin, Texas.
For the last nine months, Pitto has gone through the early morning and evening workouts — no matter the weather conditions or time of year. She feels the amount of time put into practices will pay off in upcoming weeks.
“It took a lot of work,” Pitto said. “Lot of extra things, like eating healthy. You just can’t show up and go through the motions.”
Griffin added, “Now we’re looking for her to get ready for sections, and the state meet as well.”
In Friday’s Tri-City Athletic League home meet against West, Pitto won the 500 freestyle at 5:19.32, plus the 50 freestyle at 26.30. She was one of four Flame girls who won their events, which led to a 101-60 win over the Wolf
Pack.
“It’s more relaxed,” said Pitto of the 500.
Joining Pitto in winning their events for the Lodi girls were Mellissa Celli in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke; Madeline Woznick in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly and Madison Lui in diving.
“I love the girls,” said Pitto of this year’s squad. “It’s like another family.”
Another Flame looking to make another splash at the state meet this spring is Nicholas Wikert, also a junior. He transition from the 200 IM, 500 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. In Friday’s meet, he swam to top finishes in the 200 free at 1:55.28 and 100 free at 51.82 that helped Lodi post a 104-50 win over West.
“Muscles have matured, getting stronger,” said Griffin of Wikert, who will also compete in the 50 freestyle.
Other winners for the Lodi boys were Aiden Scott in the 200 IM, Riley Moffitt in the 50 free, Sam Griffith at 100 butterfly, Bronsan Elrod at the 500 free and Joey Thomas in the 100 backstroke.