Key West’s swimmers traveled to Wellington on Oct. 4 to swim against a team they knew was both deep and talented. The Conchs held their own against the Wolverines, bringing home five first-place finishes, multiple individual personal records and a new school record for senior AJ Smith.
The Conchs’ lone state-qualifying swimmer in 2022 proved his prowess last season was no fluke by breaking the school record in the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 21.37 seconds. Smith was the only dual event winner, taking first in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events, while Jeffery Hoyt took first place in the 200 IM, setting personal records in that event and the 500 free. Eli Morris placed first in the 100 backstroke, breaking his own personal best time in the event. Key West also saw personal bests from Hugo Blinckmann (200 free), Charlie Doerfel (100 fly), Jason Frankel (50 and 100 free), Santiago Gonzalez (200 free), Cash Hopper (50 free) and Jacob Perez (500 free).
The girls team picked up a win against Santulces High School at the meet but fell short of sweeping the tri-meet. Hadley Bardoni set a new personal record with her first place finish in the 200 IM. Teammate Aly Camargo won first place in the 50 free event. The team’s hard work in the pool was evident with a bevy of personal records as the Conchs move closer to districts. Swimming their best times of the season were Reeghan Davis (50 and 100 freestyle), Teaghan Hoyt (100 breaststroke), Savannah Murray (100 backstroke), Samantha O’Brien (200 IM and 500 freestyle), Mary Searcy (100 back) and Colby Turner (100 fly).
Key West hits the water two more times for regular season meets, Thursday, Oct. 12 at South Dade High and at home two days later. Their dropping times will be put to the test Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Gulliver for the FHSAA 2A championships. Coral Shores will participate in the 1A meet Thursday, Oct. 19 with their divers competing the following day.
