Midwest City swimmer Dennison makes most of abnormal situation
Justin Dennison’s biggest year of swimming was nearly spent alone.
There were no male teammates at Midwest City for his senior season. That meant a team championship was impossible.
But that didn’t mean all was lost.
Del City and Carl Albert swimmers became Dennison’s teammates thanks to all three schools practicing together, and they were his biggest fans as he won the Class 5A 100-yard breaststroke state championship in February.
“I was a part of their team, and they were a part of my team,” Dennison said.
Dennison was rewarded for pushing through an abnormal situation by participating in Monday’s Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State swim meet at Jenks Aquatic Center.
The West won both boys and girls divisions. The boys won 412-367, and the girls won 421-368.
Dennison swam the 200 freestyle and finished fourth. He capped his night swimming the 100 breaststroke, finishing first with a time of 1:02.18.
“He’s just that kind of kid that goes and goes and goes and goes and never quits,” Mid-Del swim coach Kirk Norman said.
Dennison will continue swimming at Ouachita Baptist University.
He said he plans to take lessons from his senior season to help him continue improving.
“It just gave me more of a drive to make a statement, because other teams have 20-30 kids to show something I have done, and I have to make that statement by myself,” Dennison said.
SARANTAKOS RETURNS FROM INJURY
Norman North star swimmer Madie Sarantakos didn’t get a chance to swim her senior season, which made the All-State meet that more important.
“This just a really good experience to swim in one last meet,” Sarantakos said. “I want to thank all of the coaches for that. They’ve known me since I was little, and they put in a vote for me.”
Sarantakos suffered a torn labrum in December and had surgery. She was cleared to swim just a few weeks ago.
She then won both of her events — the 50 freestyle (25.81) and the 100 butterfly (1:01.68).
“It hurt a little bit, but it’s just a little overwhelming,” Sarantakos said. “I could never experience anything like this again.”
Sarantakos, who was The Oklahoman’s All-City Swimmer of the Year in 2014 — will swim at Georgia Southern next year.
SHORT FINALLY GETS ALL-STATE MOMENT
Edmond North star Joe Short watched the All-State meet every year since his freshman year dreaming of his turn. He certainly had fun when he got his chance. Short, who was The Oklahoman’s All-City Swimmer of the Year, won both of his individual events — the 200 IM (1:58.24) and 100 butterfly (52.73) — and swam in two relays, preparing for the Junior Nationals in Indianapolis.
“I just kinda wanted to see where I was at,” Short said. “I wanted to see if I was able to go what I wanted.”