CENTRAL NABS FIRST-EVER WIN IN SWIMMING

ST. LOUIS Saturday marked a historic date in the young tenure of Cape Central High's swimming program.

The Tigers traveled to St. Louis and defeated host Chaminade 97-89 for their first dual victory in school history. This is the first season that Central is fielding a swimming program.

"We were so excited," said Central coach Dayna Miles. "It was just a fun day, to win our first meet."

Central finished first in 10 of the 12 events and the Tigers went one-two in four of the events.

"Everybody really did a good job," said Miles. "So many of the swimmers dropped their times from the last meet.

"We thought it would be close going in and we were just really happy to finish on top."

The Tigers finished with a state-qualifying time in three of the events: by Clayton Hahs in the 100 breaststroke, by Josh Jackson in the 200 individual medley and by the 200 medley relay team of Jackson, Ryan Woods, Eric Vogt and Bob Marietta.

Hahs also won the 200 freestyle and Josh Jackson was another double individual winner as he captured the 100 butterfly.

Brandon Hahs was also a double winner as he claimed the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle.

Marietta dropped five seconds off his previous time in winning the 500 freestyle.

Central won two other relay events, the 200 freestyle (John Cochran, Brandon Hahs, Clayton Hahs, Vogt) and the 400 freestyle (Clayton Hahs, Marietta, Brandon Hahs, Jackson).

Several other swimmers were also impressive.

Vogt was second in both the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly, Marietta was second in the 200 freestyle and Woods placed second in the 100 breaststroke and third in the 200 individual medley, dropping eight seconds off his previous time.

Greg Blattner shaved a whopping 23 seconds off his previous time as he finished fourth in the 100 backstroke. Also fourth was Regan Swan, in diving competition.

Matt Anders was fifth in both the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Cochran dropped four seconds from his time in placing fifth in the 100 butterfly and he was also fifth in the 100 breaststroke.

Keith Lossing finished fifth in the 500 freestyle.

"It was a very good meet for us," Miles said. "Some kids are close to state cut times and we hope to get there in our home meet this weekend."

The Tigers are scheduled to have their first home meet ever this Saturday when Vianney of St. Louis comes to Central's pool for a 1 p.m. dual.

Central had been slated to host University City a few weeks ago but the Indians canceled the meet.

"Vianney has assured us they won't cancel," said Miles with a laugh. "It should be an exciting day of swimming. We're all looking forward to finally having our first home meet."