Badin High School Swim Team Shines at GCL League Tournament with a First-Place Victory
On January 26th, 2025, the Badin High School Swim Team put on an impressive display at the Greater Catholic League (GCL) Girls League Tournament, finishing in a well-deserved first place overall. The team showcased exceptional talent, determination, and teamwork, propelling them to the top of the competition.
Key Performances from the Meet
The GCL Girls League Tournament brought out the best in Badin’s athletes, with several swimmers achieving personal bests (PBs) and contributing critical points to their team’s success.
Kathleen Burke’s Stellar Showing
Kathleen Burke was one of the standout performers of the day, claiming a first-place finish in the 500 Y Free with a time of 5:45.37. She also showcased her versatility, securing a fourth-place finish in the 100 Y Breast with a time of 1:18.30.
Ashley Leiss Makes Waves
Ashley Leiss swam her way to a third-place finish in the 100 Y Free, posting a new personal best of 1:03.99, showing immense improvement throughout the season.
Caroline Hengehold’s Consistency
Caroline Hengehold had an impressive swim in the 200 Y IM, where she finished second with a time of 2:35.85.
Claire Ressler’s Determination
Claire Ressler also showed grit, claiming third place in the 500 Y Free with a personal best time of 7:16.41, helping her team maintain strong momentum.
The Boys’ Team Breaks Through
While the girls’ team led the charge, the boys contributed significantly to the overall win. The male swimmers, too, had stellar performances, with many posting impressive personal bests.
Auggy Newberry’s Double Triumph
Auggy Newberry was a key figure in the team’s success. He placed second in the 200 Y Free with a PB time of 1:49.35, and later, he grabbed the top spot in the 100 Y Fly with a time of 58.58, a new personal best and the fastest time of the day in that event.
Kellen Burke and His Consistency
Kellen Burke swam a personal best of 2:16.36 in the 200 Y IM, finishing third. His contributions in the 100 Y Breastwere equally vital, as he placed third with a PB of 1:12.81.
Connor Hartford’s Strong Distance Performance
Connor Hartford’s 500 Y Free performance was another highlight of the meet. He earned second place with a time of 5:46.96, just a fraction behind the first-place swimmer, but his contribution added key points to the team’s score.
Luke Schmitt’s Speed and Tenacity
Luke Schmitt posted a fourth-place finish in the 50 Y Free with a time of 25.87 and added another third-place finish in the 100 Y Free with a time of 58.58.
Connor Wood’s Versatility
Connor Wood added to Badin’s success by placing second in the 100 Y Fly with a time of 1:01.99 and third in the 100 Y Back at 1:04.95.
Personal Bests Across the Board
The meet saw a number of personal best times, underscoring the team’s hard work and the focus they’ve put into their training. Highlights of swimmers achieving PBs include:
- Auggy Newberry (200 Y Free: 1:49.35, PB +3.8%)
- Kort Riegert (100 Y Free: 1:01.47, PB +2.1%)
- Kellen Burke (200 Y IM: 2:16.36, PB +0.7%)
- Brady Bucheit (50 Y Free: 27.94, PB +3.2%)
The Final Tally
Badin High School’s combination of talented swimmers, consistent performances, and personal bests propelled them to first place at the 2025 GCL League Tournament. The team’s depth, from the girls’ strong finishes to the boys’ pivotal swims, made them a formidable force in the competition.
With such a well-rounded effort, Badin’s swim team not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also underscored the importance of teamwork in their league victory. As the season continues, the swimmers look poised for even more success in future meets and beyond.
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