Scott making a splash for the Flames early this season
Accomplishments: Aidan Scott is not nervous anymore.
The Lodi High varsity boys swimmer, a sophomore, competed like a professional against Lincoln in a Tri-City Athletic League dual meet at the Flames’ pool on March 29. After splitting time on the varsity and frosh-soph levels last spring, Scott competed on the varsity level and won the 200 individual medley boys race at 2 minutes, 3.99 seconds and the 100 backstroke at 56.37 seconds.
The times in both events have already earned Scott a qualifying berth in the Sac-Joaquin Section’s Swimming Trials, which will be held at Tokay’s pool May 10-12. The qualifying time in the 200 IM is 2:10 and the backstroke is 1:04.
In addition, Scott, who competed at the section’s trials and finals on the frosh/soph level last spring, helped two Lodi relay teams to first place finishes. A member of the 400 freestyle relay team with Rylan Stevenson, Sam Griffith and Will Kim, the quartet won at 3:29.70. That time has also earned the Flames a berth in next month’s trails; the time was 3:42.
Scott joined Griffith and Stevenson, along with Benton Peterson, on the 200 medley relay team that won at 1:46. The section’s qualifying time was 1:53.
“We’ve got a really good team this year,” Scott said.
As a freshman last spring, Scott, a year-round swimmer, clearly recalls competing at the varsity level.
“Last year was really nerve-racking,
going in as a freshman, plus being on the varsity,” recalled Scott. “This year, I have the experience, so I’m a lot better.”
Scott, who completes as member of the Lodi Swim Club in the summer, fall and winter months, has been swimming for the last 10 years. “I train year-round,” Scott said. One of the challenges for Scott are the early morning practices — during the winter time.
“I enjoy having a tough work out,” Scott said. “A lot of times, we’ll have practices before school. And those are very tough because it’s (before daylight). It’s tough to get up in the morning, but you just have to push through it.”
That’s OK for the sophomore. This spring, Scott is hoping to earn a berth in the CIF Swimming and Diving Championships, which will take place at the Clovis West Aquatic Complex at Clovis West High on May 18-19. Last spring, Lodi girls swimmers Gianni Pitto and Madeline Woznick competed at the meet.
“That’s a real big meet,” said Scott of the state meet. “This year, I’m looking to improve my times and keep on getting better and better.”