Youth Swimming
St. Gregory stays at top of Division I Neumann League

The undefeated St. Gregory the Great Cougar swim team swam their best effort this season to win a close 144-105 decision over a powerful DeSales team from Lockport.

The event was highlighted by several team and individual record breakers. The 11-and-older division made their mark with six records.

The 200 freestyle relay of Patrick Munroe, Leia Federiconi, Jeff Ahrens and Alec Pokornowski are the proud owners of the Neumann Catholic Swim League record in a blazing 1:48.13.

Munroe also shattered an 11-year old 200 IM record in 2:25.49 as well as breaking the 50 backstroke in 31.21. Ahrens broke the 50 breaststroke with an amazing 35.06. Pokornowski broke the 50 free record with an impressive 26.25. The medley relay of Munroe, Federiconi, Ahrens and Pokornowski slashed another second off their 200 medley relay record on their quest for a second league record, finishing in 2:03.19.

The 8-and-under division were dynamos, taking first place in every event. Abby Shanahan took first in the 100 IM and a strong second place showing in the 25 fly. Alexa Bradley had quite a day with firsts in the 25 free and 25 fly. Maeve Christ raced to first in the 50 free while Madeline Stamm couldn't be beaten in the 25 back and 25 breast.

Michael Tierney finished a fast second in the 25 free with Olivia Vasquez taking second in the 25 breast. The medley relay of Christ, Stamm, Bradley and Tierney finished a length ahead of the competition to take first while the 200 freestyle relay of Margeret Niederpruem, Caitlin Dwyer, Ryan Downing and Vasquez took second.

To help their victory, the 8-and-unders had third place points awarded to Dwyer, Vasquez, Shanahan, Niederpruem, Christ, Tierney, Julia Tudor, Emma Gervase, Emma Murphy and Kendal Rehak.

The 9/10 division had a tougher time with the strong DeSales team.

Billy Christ took the only two first place finishes in the 50 free and 50 back. Anna Rubino held strong with two second place finishes in the 100 IM and 100 freestyle. Rena Steinig had a powerful 50 fly that landed her second place. Third place points were many in this division with gutsy swims from Brigid Dwyer, Jillian Ahrens, Steinig, James Pokornowski, Danny Dirrigl and Olivia Macdonald.

The 11-and-older division turned on the jets and never looked back. Theresa Munroe took an impressive first in the 200 freestyle with Stephen Tramposch pouring it on to take third. Patrick Munroe, Leia Federiconi, Ahrens and Alec Pokornowski took the medley relay by storm with the relay of Caroline Niederpruem, Tommy Rubino, Theresa Munroe and Mike Arena close behind to take second. Niederpruem and Arena finished less than a second apart to take first and second in the 50 free.

Patrick Munroe added a second in the 100 IM with Alec Pokornowski finishing with a win in the 100 free. Leia Federiconi and Christine Seminara pushed each other to take a first and second in the 50 fly while Shannon Pelitera added a second in the 100 free. Eric Weiher fought hard for his first place in the 50 back with Ahrens and Margaret Christ taking first and second in the 50 breast.

The 11-and-older relays continue to dominate with Pat Munroe, Federiconi, Ahrens and Pokornowski digging deep for first place while Caroline Niederpruem, Theresa Munroe, Margaret Christ and Mike Arena held off DeSales to take second.

St. Greg's takes on St. Mary's of Swormville at noon Sunday at Sweet Home.