MANTA RAYS PLACE 8TH AT JR NATIONALS
Mason Manta Rays Have Fun & Swim Fast at NCSA Junior Nationals in Orlando, Florida
March 18-22nd 15 Manta Rays from the National Group traveled down to Orlando, Florida to compete in the National Club Swimming Association Junior National Championships. This was the third time the Manta Rays have attended this meet, after taking a seven-year break from their first two appearances in 2006 & 2007.
The women’s team finished eighth overall out of 350 teams. Zoe Thatcher and Sydney Lofquist were the leaders for the Manta Rays in Orlando.
Thatcher finished 14th in the 200 freestyle, 9th in the 500 freestyle, 11th in the 1650 freestyle. In the 17th place 200 backstroke, Thatcher broke through the 2 minute mark in the 200 backstroke to finish in a new best time and team record. Zoe had another best time in the 200 IM, finishing in 21st. Her IMs were on fire, as she finished fourth in the 400IM, with a new best time, state & team 17-18 record, and 3-4 finish for the Rays.
Sydney Loftquist was the Junior National champion in the 500 freestyle, clocking in at 4:21.28, a new Manta Ray team record and Ohio LSC record as well. This is the first national title ever won by a Manta Ray. Sydney was also third in the 400 IM, a new team and state record. Her time of 4:10.90 ranks her 2nd in the nation for 16 year old girls in this event. She also finished 8th in the 200 butterfly, another best time and team record. And in the 200 IM, she was also 8th overall.
Hannah Whiteley made it back to finals in the 50 backstroke, finishing 11th overall. And in the 100 backstroke, she finished 15th overall.
Other best times were from Ashley Volpenhein in the 100 butterfly and Casey Frazier in the 400 IM.
The Manta Rays represented every relay down in Orlando as well. Here is how the relays stacked up:
GIRLS
A 200 Freestyle Relay, 25th
B 200 Freestyle Relay, 55th
A 400 Freestyle Relay, 16th
B 400 Freestyle Relay, 71st
A 800 Freestyle Relay, 10th
B 800 Freestyle Relay, 61st
A 200 Medley Relay, 43rd
B 200 Medley Relay, 71st
A 400 Medley Relay, 23rd
BOYS
200 Freestyle Relay, 60th
400 Freestyle Relay, 61st
800 Freestyle Relay, 45th
200 Medley Relay, 78th
400 Medley Relay, 88th
Mason Manta Rays NCSA Team
Zoe Thatcher
Sydney Lofquist
Ashley Volpenhein
Julia Volpenhein
Abbey Esler
Maureen Sullivan
Jordan Decker
Gabby Marinelli
Hannah Whiteley
Casey Frazier
Lizzie Troy
Joel Thatcher
Justin Hove
Sean McCracken
Panos Skoufalos
