On March 5th, a group of 22 swimmers headed to Senior Sectionals in Cary, NC to prove that they could compete with the biggest and best teams in the southeast...and did they ever compete!  This group of determined swimmers placed 6th out of 52 teams represented (ask Coach Lim to see the plaque they received!).  Individuals scoring points for the Marlins were Kelsey Gaid (5th in the100 back, 6th in the 200 free, 500 free, 200 back, and 7th in the 100 free); Mike Podbielski (4th in the 100 free, 200 free, and 5th in the 50 free); Sarah Williford (7th in the 500 free, 8th  in the 1000 free and 1650 free); Drew Onken (4th in the 400 IM, 15th in the 200 breast, and 16th in the 200 back); Kylie Stewart (10th  in the 200 back, 12th in the 100 free, and 15th in the 100 back); Kim Zachensky (8th in the 100 breast and 15th in the 200 breast); Liz Braun (8th in the 200 fly and 13th in the 500 free); Alli Crenshaw (11th in the 1000 free); and Courtney Peters (15th in the 200 fly).

The relays swam amazingly well, too!  On the boy’s side, the combination of Mike Podbielski, Drew Onken, Nick Markey, and Coach Philipp placed 4th in the 400 medley relay and 6th in the 400 free relay.  Drew, Nick, Coach Philipp, and Jordan Turner swam to a 12th place finish in the 800 free relay.  For the girls, Kelsey Gaid, Ansley Crenshaw, Liz Braun, and Kylie Stewart finished 3rd in the 800 free relay and 7th in the 400 free relay.  Kelsey, Kim Zachensky, Courtney Peters, and Kylie also finished 7th in the 400 medley relay.  Showing the depth of talent on the team, the 800 free “B” relay of Sarah Williford, Courtney Peters, Alli Crenshaw, and Stephanie Peters finished 12th among all teams!

Other noteworthy achievements this weekend were Kylie Stewart’s 200 free time of 1:49.64 and her 200 back time of 1:59.49 that now put her as the National Age Group record-holder for 11-12 girls in those two events.  Congratulations, Kylie!

Great job, Marlins!
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