News : Elwick leads Stormin' Vikings at Williamsburg

By Rob Levis, Coach

Tuesday night the Vinton Shellsburg / CPU swim team traveled to Williamsburg to face the host Raiders and the Oskaloosa Indians, coming away with a split on the evening. The Stormin' Vikings took down Williamsburg 102-60 while falling in a close contest with Oskee 87-75. The Stormin' Vikes, on the back of strong performance in the middle of the meet clung to a 59-58 lead over Oskee at the second and final break. But Oskee, with a heavily back loaded lineup, was able to rally over the last three events to take the dual.

The Vikes were led by sophomore Cyrus Elwick who raced to a pair of victories in the 100 Free (55.54) and 200 Free (2:05.89). Senior Isaac Vrba captured 2ndin the 100 Breast (1:14.72) and freshman Isaac Allsup had a 2ndin the 100 Fly (1:05.85). All three A relay teams managed solid 2ndplace finishes. CPU Junior Tristan Miller scored a 3rdin the 50 Free and 4thin the 100 Breast. On the night the team recorded 13 new personal best times, with each swimmer securing at least one new record.

It was a great night for a lot of guys having the opportunity to swim new events. Newcomers Sophomore Anthony Hilton and Freshman Andrew Jessen each swam their first 200 yard Free, earning points in each dual with their performances. Jessen also turned in a solid effort in his first 100 Back. It was another busy night with 11 swimmers in the water. A number of swimmers pulled iron man duty - they finished one race only to line right back up without a break for the next swim. Sophomore CJ Schoch (500 Free and 200 Free Relay) and Junior Donny Sass (100 Back followed by 400 Free Relay) each gutted through their quick turnarounds to score valuable points. Senior Lewis Williams swam the 500 Free less than 10 minutes after completing the 100 Fly - managing a respectable 3rdplace finish in the process.

The team will continue to train over the holidays and will next be in action against Decorah on January 4that the Iowa Braille School pool.