Tehachapi swimming takes down competition
Tehachapi swimming takes down competition
By: Tom Shea
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Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 756 times
0 responses 0 comments The Warriors’ boys and girls swim teams wrapped up head-to-head competition this past week by putting up strong results in the win column, with the Lady Warriors (6-0; 5-0 SSL) dominating their opponents for a first place finish in league and the Warriors (5-1; 4-1 SSL) just missing out on an undefeated season with a Friday meet defeat against Taft.
Both the Warriors and Lady Warriors have put up impressive numbers against their opposition, with the boys taking down victories against Antelope Valley (131-37), Wasco (91-74), Golden Valley (133-26), Shafter (86-82), and Bakersfield Christian (110-61). On the girl’s side, Tehachapi has defeated Antelope Valley (130-37), Wasco (130-26), Golden Valley (124-26), Shafter (130-37), Bakersfield Christian (118-43), and Taft (120-62).
Against Taft, the boys just missed winning the team meet with a final tally of 99-83 in favor of the Wildcats.
“The Taft meet was a big one for our guys’ team, it went down to the wire until the very end,” said head coach Herman Rijfkogel. “Taft was automatically awarded 13 points from the start because we could not compete in diving and that changed the dynamics of the meet somewhat.”
Despite the overall team loss, many Warriors turned in strong performances, with Michael Halaska taking home first place honors in the 200 Individual Medley (2:04.45) and the 100 Fly (56.55). Chance Dominguez also netted a first place finish, hitting the wall first in the 500 Free (5:52.86) while also taking a second place finish in the 100 Free (53.28). Also grabbing second place honors was Jordan Smole in the 200 Free (2:19.25), while also bringing home bronze in the 100 Breast (1:21.38). Other third place honors went to Randy Baiza in the 100 Backstroke (1:11.90), Vincent Dang in the 100 Free (54.28), and Steven Crujido in the 50 Free (26.14).
The women also had strong performances against the Wildcats, amassing first place finishers in every event but one.
“The girls really have been putting up dominating swims this year and their team scores show that, “ said Rijfkogel. “They won the SSL title last year and we have high expectations for them to do the same again this season.”
Tehachapi received the bulk of its 120 team points against Taft from first place finishers Tessa Brown in the 100 Fly (1:07.46) and 100 Breast (1:13.70), Christina Deporto in the 100 Free (1:00.48), and Chelsi Dominguez in the 500 Free (5:57.48).
Taking second place in their respective events were Barbie Halaska in the 200 Free (2:19.05), Rosalind Dang in the 200 Individual Medley (2:38.17) and 100 Backstroke (1:12.64), Chelsea Gadzia in the 100 Fly (1:09.62), Sara Brady in the 100 Free (1:01.78), and Jillian Taylor in the 500 Free (6:23.31).
Collecting third place finishes were Ashleigh Kieffe in the 100 Breast (1:24.03) and Angela Schultz in the 200 Free (2:35.09) and 50 Free (28.86).
“Last year at season’s end we collected about 75 to 80 medals, so far we have over 30 this year, which is well above where we were at last season,” said Rijfkogel. “After the league and section meet, I anticipate we can bring home as much as 80 to 90 medals if things go our way.”
Tehachapi’s next focus will be on the SSL championships this Thursday in Shafter. The diving is set to start at 10 a.m. while the swimming events are slated to begin at 2 p.m.
“Everyone has been swimming extremely well this year and have performed at the expectation level set,” Rijfkogel said. “(The coaches) are proud of what both teams have accomplished this year and we’re looking forward to more positive results.”
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