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 My Site News: STATE MEET D&C ARTICLE |
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Saturday, March 10
STATE MEET D&C ARTICLE
(Click on headline to link to the D&C online.)
High schools: Henahan breaks own record at state swim meet
Matt Weinstein
staff writer
(March 4, 2007) — BUFFALO — After breaking the state record in the 100-yard backstroke in the preliminary round Friday, Ricky Henahan had even bigger plans for his encore performance on Saturday.
The Irondequoit junior broke the record for the second consecutive day, finishing in 49.65 seconds, and was named Most Outstanding Swimmer at the NYSPHSAA and Federation meet at the Flickinger Aquatic Center at Erie Community College.
"I was actually surprised I got the record again," said Henahan, who also won the 100 backstroke last year. "I took out my first 50 (yards) a little slower than I usually would so I can have some more energy going home and I just went for it in the final 50."
Henahan eclipsed his record by almost three-tenths of a second, less than 24 hours after had clocked a 49.93, and finished more than two seconds ahead of second-place finisher Adam Powell of John Jay Cross River in Section I.
Henahan also finished fifth in the federation and fourth in the state in the 50 freestyle after placing second last year. Powell won the event (20.58), breaking the state record.
"It was a wild day of emotions," said Henahan, who will compete in the Speedo Champion Series event at Harvard University next week. "I thought I had a disappointing 50 yards to open it up, but then breaking the record is just an amazing feeling."
Fairport senior Jake Fisher won the state title in the 100 breaststroke, coming from behind in the final 50 yards to finish in :58.56.
"Through the first 50 yards I was just in tunnel vision and doing my own thing," said Fisher, who will attend Cornell in the fall. "I kind of knew how my competitor in Lane 4 was swimming, so I kept my third length smart and then it was just all heart in the final sprint."
Fisher, in his third and final state meet, finished sixth in the event last year. He was also part of the 200 medley relay team that was second (1:37.16).
"I wouldn't have planned it any better," Fisher said. "This sport has really opened up a lot of opportunities for me and it's just very rewarding."
Fairport coach Mike Kennedy, who has coached Fisher his entire high school career, was the assigned coach to hand out the awards for the 100 breaststroke.
"There's no describing how I felt having him, of all people, giving me the medal," Fisher said. "He knows more than anyone what I've done to get here and it was such a special moment."
Nate French, a junior at Pittsford Mendon, won the state title in the 500 freestyle (4:34.38) despite finishing second in the federation race.
There is only one final for each event but swimmers from the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) or the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) are ineligible for the public school awards. Tom O'Neill of Holy Trinity of the CHSAA placed first in the federation meet.
"I'm happy about the championship but it feels like a loss," French said. "I was truly happy with that time and that swim, though."
French was also a member of the winning 200 freestyle relay team (1:28.08) with Ken Pink, Andrew Kuter and Jim Prezzano.
Prezzano gave Pittsford the lead on the third leg and French stretched it on the last leg.
"I really wanted to pull it out for the team," French said. "It's not as much of a team sport, once you get to the state meet, and that made winning that relay so special."
Penfield junior Jonathan Jones placed second in the 200 freestyle and fifth in the 500 free.
Section V was second in the team results with 343 points, 3.5 points behind Section I.
MWEINSTE@DemocratandChronicle.com
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