Score Atlanta
Parkview has been no stranger to thrilling swim meets, as 2014 began in similar fashion to the conclusion of 2013. Just prior to winter break, the Panthers battled Collins Hill on Dec. 20 at Norcross. The girls tied 157-157 while Parkview’s boys edged the Eagles 162-153. Panther seniors Megan Reeves and Megan Yang combined to win four individual events and also teamed up to win the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. The boys were led by freshman Bradley Downs, who prevailed in the 200 freestyle, the 100 butterfly and the 200 freestyle relay.
Improbably, the Parkview girls swam to another tie last Saturday against Lambert. Both teams accumulated 151 points. This time, though, the Panther boys had an easier time of things and rolled over the Longhorns 212-93. Morgan Fleming paced the Lady Panthers with triumphs in the 50 freestyle, the 100 freestyle, the 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. For Parkview’s boys, Gregory Paulukaitis won the 100 freestyle and the 200 freestyle.
Wesleyan prepared for in-state competitions later this month against Collins Hill and Greater Atlanta Christian with a Dec. 20 meet against Girls Preparatory School and McCallie (both based in Chattanooga, Tenn.). The Lady Wolves fell to GPS 161-142 and the boys were defeated by McCallie 202-106. Wesleyan got individual victories from Caroline White in the 50 freestyle, Taylor Panther in girls’ one-meter diving and Kayla Raabe in the 100 backstroke.
Chattahoochee triplets Jay, Kevin and Mick Litherland were in action last month at the Winter Junior National Championships in Greensboro, N.C. In the 500 freestyle final, Jay placed third, Kevin came in sixth and Mick was 20th. Kevin won the grueling 1650 freestyle in 14:58, eight seconds better than the runner-up finisher. Jay also powered his way to a ninth-place showing in the 200 backstroke and second-place performances in the 200 and 400 individual medleys, while Mick finished second in the 200 butterfly. Kevin was seventh in the 400 individual medley. All three of them teamed up to help win the 4x200 freestyle relay.
As the temperature drops this week, action in the pools will heat up with the reopening of schools after break. Woodward’s boys and girls will host Marist’s boys and girls on Thursday. Lovett is hosting Pope and Whitefield Academy while St. Pius is facing Dunwoody at Chamblee High School. On Friday, Westminster’s boys will welcome McCallie to town while the girls go up against Girls Preparatory School.
