By Ana Patejdl Staff Writer
Gilroy
– The last few months haven’t been easy for Gilroy swimmer
Santiago Maciel.
It all started three months ago when Maciel came down with
bronchitis.
By Ana Patejdl Staff Writer
Gilroy – The last few months haven’t been easy for Gilroy swimmer Santiago Maciel.
It all started three months ago when Maciel came down with bronchitis. The senior had to recover not once, but twice, after the bronchitis returned. After the the second round of bronchitis went away, Maciel got a throat infection, from which he’s still recovering.
So where was Maciel during Gilroy’s first meet of the season with Salinas on a chilly Thursday evening? In the pool, of course.
“I was a little shaky because I’ve been sick for the past three months,” he said. “(Being sick) has taken away from my endurance.”
But despite not being in top form, Maciel took first in two events, the 200 individual medley (2:08.20) and the 100 fly (1:00.10) in Gilroy’s 107-73 team victory over Salinas.
His 200 IM time was good enough to qualify him for the CCS meet, where last year he qualified for seven events.
Gilroy’s Lee Walton also had a strong meet. Walton took the 200 free (1:57.30) and the 500 free (5:18.20), with his 200 free time just missing the CCS cut.
“I was kind of hoping to get CCS in my first meet, but I wasn’t terribly disappointed.” said Walton, who believes he’ll be able to swim a qualifying time in a future meet. “I think I need to start lifting weights. I feel weaker than last year.”
Gilroy varsity coach Tom Clark was glad his team was finally able to compete in a meet.
“I think everybody was biting at the bit to get the first meet out of the way,” Clark said.
Walton agreed. “We’ve been practicing for one or two months,” he said, “so it’s like, yes! Finally!”
Sam Whittaker won the 50 free with a time of 24.05 and took second in the 100 free with a 53.70.
Gilroy swimmers took the first three spots in the 100 fly. Austin Gubrud (1:06.48) and Ryan Boe (1:09.21) finished second and third, respectfully, after Maciel. Gubrud, fresh off a trip two weeks ago to the State Wrestling Championships, also won the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:08.70, just ahead of teammate Mitch Barnett’s 1:13.58 time.
The ‘Stangs Scott Castrata (1:10.60) and Barnett (1:13.58, ) went one and two in the 100 breaststroke.
Gilroy swept the relay events, taking first in the 200 medley relay (1:57.20), the 200 free relay (1:35.90, qualified for CCS) and the 400 free relay (3:38.40).
