CHS Swimmers 12th at Academy Meet

By Don Eskins

Twenty-two New Mexico prep swim teams made their way to compete in the Albuquerque Academy Invitational on Saturday, January 10. Among those teams were the Carlsbad Cavemen and Cavegirls.

Overall, CHS's swimmers placed 12th among the elite field of aquatic teams that had assembled there. 

At the meet, Caveman Sam Vega made the most noise for CHS. Vega qualified for state in both his 100 yard backstroke, with a time of 59.37, and his 100 yard fly, with a time of 58.38.

"Sam qualifying for state in the backstroke and butterfly is the result of effort and trust in the process," said CHS head swim coach Samantha Segura. "Watching his growth this season has been incredible, and this accomplishment is well deserved."

Other noteworthy performances include: 1. The boys' 200 yard Medley relay (Samuel Vega, Benjamin Jang, Constantine Gonzalez, and Kason Longbine) placed 9th overall with a time of 1:51.59. 2. The girls' 200 yard Medley relay (Taitum Lindsey, Julia Comer, Olivia Jang, and Sofia Escorial) placed 10th overall with a time of 2:09.32. 3. The girls 200 yard free relay (Olivia Jang, Tiny Martinez, Sofia Escorial, and Taitum Lindsey) placed 10th overall with a time of 1:55.56.

Next up for the CHS swimmers is the Artesia Invitational on Saturday, January 24.

CHS Top Academy Scorers:1. Samuel Vega scored 29 points overall, placing fourth in his 100 yd. fly and fifth in his 100 yd. back.2. Benjamin Jang scored 25 points overall, placing fifth in his 100 yd. fly and eighth in his 100 yd. back.3. Olivia Jang scored 25 points overall, placing sixth in her 100 yd. breaststroke and seventh in her 100 yd. fly4. Kason Longbine scored 13 points overall, placing seventh in his 500 yd. free and 16th in his 50 yd. free.