The Piedmont High School swim team delivered an impressive performance at the North Coast Section Championships, with standout individual swims, relay success, and a strong showing against much larger programs, according to head coach Elizabeth Dally.
Piedmont sent two girls to compete in individual events, five girls in relay events, and nine boys competing across both individual and relay races. Despite the relatively small roster, the Highlanders made a major impact at the meet. “PHS did a great job, especially considering we were up against teams that sent many more kids to NCS than we did,” Dally said.
The boys team finished seventh overall at the championship meet, an especially notable accomplishment considering only seven boys competed.
On the girls’ side, Cynthia Wu advanced to Saturday’s finals in the 100-yard backstroke, posting a time of 59.64 seconds.
The boys relays proved to be one of the highlights of the weekend. Piedmont’s 200-yard medley relay finished in 1:32.91, while the 400-yard freestyle relay clocked a 3:05.85. Both relay teams qualified for the CIF State Championships and advanced to the A finals on Saturday.
Five Piedmont swimmers will travel to Clovis this Friday to compete at the state meet against the fastest high school swimmers in California.
Several swimmers also turned in standout individual performances. Freshman Connor Carnazzo reached the A final in the 100 butterfly and recorded a personal-best time of 50.06 seconds.
“I am super proud of his accomplishments this season,” Dally said.
Senior Sam White ended her high school swimming career on a high note, posting a personal-best 5:22.20 in the 500 freestyle at her final high school meet.
“It was great to see her go a best time at her final high school meet,” Dally said.
Senior Dimitri Secor also delivered a memorable performance, swimming his fastest-ever split in the 400 freestyle relay with a 45.23 split.
“It’s amazing to see how these hardworking kids are able to accomplish so much,” Dally said.
Looking ahead to the CIF State Championships in Clovis, Dally said the team is preparing for intense competition and intense heat.
“The boys will face the fastest high school swimmers in California,” she said. “The meet is slated to be about 90 degrees, so staying very well hydrated and out of the sun will be a top priority.”
Dally said she is excited to see the team compete at the highest level after what has already been a memorable season.
“It’s been a great season,” she said.