RESULTS
FORK UNION, VA -- The Fork Union Military Academy swimming program dominated at the Fork Union Invitational, sweeping the four-team competition, this past Friday at the Fork Union Aquatic Center.
The Blue Devils defeated Monticello High School (84-59), Hargrave Military Academy (89-58), Fluvanna County (79-74) and Fishburne Military School (109-18).
"Coming out of our invitational with a 4-0 record was an unexpected surprise," said head coach Jon Larson. "Each meet, I make sure we are challenging a couple of cadets into trying events that are out of their comfort zone. There are several events that many high school swimmers try to avoid, but we had a few step up and get us points where we needed them."
The Blue Devils recorded 11 top-three performances, including three first-place finishes. Junior
Jaxon Brooks-Powell led the way winning the 200 and 400-meter freestyles as well as leading the 200 freestyle relay team to a gold-medal finish. The Palmyra, Va., native recorded a time of 2:12.88 in the 200 freestyle, touched the wall at the 4:47.61 mark of the 400 freestyle, and swam the third leg of the 200 freestyle relay to help his squad to a 1:56.47 time. He also helped the 400 freestyle relay team to a time of 5:14.37, which placed second.
In addition to Brooks-Powell, junior
George Gurney had an impressive day. The Sandson, Va., native placed second in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:20.06, third in the 50 freestyle with a time of 28.26, was on the 200 freestyle relay, and helped the 400 freestyle relay team to a third-place finish. Junior
John Cottey III also contributed to the Blue Devil sweep, recording two individual second-place finishes and helped two relay teams place in the top two. The Austin, Texas, native recorded a time of 27.65 in the 50 freestyle and a time of 1:03.90 in the 100 freestyle, while helping the 200 freestyle relay to a gold medal and the 200 medley relay to a silve medal.
Fork Union will return to action Tuesday, December 13 when it travels to St. Albans School for a tri-meet starting at 4:30 p.m.
