High school swimming and diving watch list

ATHLETES TO WATCH

Eric A strong Bechtel, sprint Sr., swimmer Westlake: who sectional could titles. push for SWC and Katt distance Benny, freestylist So., Avon: was The a near-miss with sixth place for state finishes berths in the 200 and 500 freestyles last year. Andy Brown, Sr., Elyria Catholic: A versatile swimmer, Brown has a strong shot at qualifying for state in the 200 IM. Katherine Burgess, Jr., Rocky River: Burgess will be a leader this year that has a strong chance at Canton both in relays and individually (100 breaststroke, 200 IM). Chloe Casterline, Sr., Avon Lake: Part of the strong Shoregals core, Casterline narrowly missed state berths last year at District in the 100 breaststroke (9th) and 100 IM (15th). Adam Cook, Sr., Amherst: It’s a crowded field in the 500 and 200 freestyles when it comes to the postseason, but Cook should make a strong push for a state berth. David Hammerschmidt, Sr.,

Avon: swimmer, A strong Hammerschmidt all-around should from his cut 15th plenty place of 100 time backstroke at district. Mara Kinsey, Sr., Bay: A talented diver that will look to improve on her state placement of 19th last year. Jake Kiska, Sr., Amherst: A trip to Canton as part of the 200 medley relay should be plenty of motivation to qualify individually in either the 50 or 100 freestyle. Elijah Linville, Sr., Rocky River: An automatic qualifier to state in the 100 breaststroke, Linville turned in a 10th place performance and should be better this year. Colin MacMillan, Sr., Bay: The now senior has made podium individually three times at state, but will look to advance to the top in the 100 butterfly after a third place finish last year. Sophia Malloy, So., Fairview: Now a sophomore, Malloy should be stronger and faster to follow up on a district performance in which she placed 18th in the 50 freestyle and 15th in the 100 butterfly while leading a talented Fairview squad. Maja Miedza, So., Bay: The defending Morning Journal Swimmer of the Year, Miedza made the podium twice last year in the 50 freestyle

(third, 23.86) and 100 freestyle (eighth, 53.88). Max Mlincek, Sr., Amherst: A narrow miss for individual state qualification in the 100 breaststroke, Mlincek still swam in Canton as part of the Comets’ 200 medley relay. Nathan Moore, Sr., Amherst: After finishing 17th in the 200 freestyle at state, Moore now knows what he needs to do to make it to the second day of Canton. Aiden Morris, So., Rocky

River: As a freshman, Morris got a taste of Canton in the 200 and 400 free relays. As a sophomore, he should be close to an individual berth in either the 200 or 100 freestyle. Isabelle Sanchez, Jr., Westlake: The Westlake sprint freestyle swimmer placed 14th at District in the 100 freestyle and should be better this year. Morgan Schuld, So., Rocky River: Schuld experienced Canton on the 200 medley relay last year. That should be motivation to improve on her 10th place 200 freestyle and 13th place 100 backstroke showing at District. Amanda Socha, So., Avon: Socha narrowly missed out on a state berth with a seventh place finish at District. A year older, she should have a more fine-tuned repertoire of dives.

Maggie Williams, So., Avon

Lake: You don’t come much closer to a double-state berth than a fourth place finish in the 500 freestyle and an eighth place finish in the 200 freestyle at District.

MEETS TO WATCH

Bay Rocket relays, Dec.

2, 6 p.m.: The annual relay meet is a great way to open up the season and see what new and returning talent the area has to offer. Viking Invitational, Dec. 9, 5:15 p.m.: A bit earlier than usual, but still a premier meet to let athletes know where they stand in terms of postseason aspirations. North Olmsted Eagle Open, Dec. 28, 4 p.m.: A midseason tune-up meet that helps kick off the run to the postseason. Elyria Catholic Pentathalon, Jan. 6, 1:30 p.m. :A unique meet format that forces swimmers out of their comfort zones to find success. GLC Championships, Jan. 25, 6 p.m.: Rocky River has won the first two years of this meet. Can the Pirates be dethroned? SWC Championships, Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m.: One of the toughest conference meets around that is loaded with talent.