The Santa Barbara High pooldeck was jam-packed on Friday afternoon for the Channel League Relays, which brings together the league’s five schools for a season-opening relay-only meet.
Ventura ended up with the boys and girls overall team victories, although Dos Pueblos was missing many of its top swimmers and plans to challenge the Cougars for a league title. Everyone will know more after the Chargers host Ventura on Tuesday in the season’s first dual meet.
Chris Parrish was missing eight swimmers from his boys team.
“It’s better that we’re missing those guys. Those guys are just seasoned vets, they do this all the time,” Parrish said, liking the opportunity to get some younger swimmers some experience. “I think that getting these guys to swim varsity is actually a great way to start the season cause they know they can compete on the varsity level. It builds confidence.”
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The San Marcos girls team surely built some confidence by winning its first relay under head coach Brian Roth. The Royals claimed the 6×50 free thanks to Flo Chardon, Zoe Kirker, Brittny Hummel, Jade Fitzgerald, Ashley Wagner and Sara Thwing.
“It was awesome,” Roth said.
Dons head coach Mark Walsh was poolside, overseeing both Dons teams.
“Kelsey O’Brien was outstanding,” Walsh said, singling out his freshman because she swam the fastest split in each of the three races she was in.
Two Charger girls teams caught the eye of head coach Leslie Roth. Paige Pighetti, Laurel Kistler, Jamie Neushul and Kiley Neushul captured the 4×50 fly and Sami Hill, Alex Hill, sophomore Kate Evans and junior Tahnia Mark won the 200 medley.
Andre Rivera, John Errico, Ben Battles and Abhi Sarkar-Frandsen did well for the Royals boys, finishing second in the 4×50 breast.
“I wasn’t expecting that. That was really cool,” said Royals boys head coach Jeff Ashton.
Girls Team ResultsBoys Team Results
Boys Team Results
