Fulton captures two gold medals

Downingtown East sophomore Alexa Fulton, who was named the Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet at the PIAA Class 3A state championships at Cumberland Valley High School Saturday, captured two gold medals: the girls 50 and 100 freestyle.

Fulton finished first in the 100 free with a clocking of 49.69, ahead of second-place finisher Kaelan Daly of North Penn (50.98). Fulton also was first in the girls 50 free with a time of 22.72.

“Alexa was really fantastic today,” said Downingown East swimming coach Gigi Graesser.

“She led her races from start to finish.”

Fulton was seeded number one in both events (22.98 for 50 free, and 50.49 for 100 free), and had been named Swimmer of the Meet at the District 1 3A girls’ championships.

At States on Saturday, Chester County underclassmen captured the top two spots in the girls 50 free, as Unionville freshman Izzy Iwasyk finished second with a time of 23.48.

Kennett senior Sydney McCracken finished second in the girls 100 breast (1:02.62). McCracken and junior Liam Simmons each finished in the top 10 in two individual boys’ events.

West Chester Henderson junior Krista Marlin finished third in the girls 100 back and placed fifth in the girls 200 free.

In the girls’ team standings, Unionville finished fourth, thanks to some fine performances in the relays. Downingtown East was fifth, and West Chester Henderson eighth.

In the boys’ team standings, Conestoga finished seventh.

“With everything going on this year (with COVID-19), it was a blessing just to have a state meet,” said Conestoga boys’ swimming coach Mark Tirone.

Here’s a look at how the Chester County swim teams fared at Class 3A States:

Unionville

The Longhorns finished fourth

PETE BANNAN/MEDIANEWS GROUP Downingtown East’s Alexa Fulton, shown in action against Coatesville earlier this season, captured two gold medals at the PIAA 3A state swimming championships Saturday.