'Good group, big group' of Bruins dive into sections
By Brian Hamilton
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12:01 a.m. PT May 8, 2008
In past years, Bear River's swim program has not sent a slew of swimmers into the Sac-Joaquin Section Championships each season.
And aside from former Bruin standout Kellyn Loehr, who just wrapped up a four-year career at the University of the Pacific, the depth of talent in the program has been somewhat of a shallow pool of stars.
But with the addition of a home pool at the south county school two years ago, along with some young talent rising through the ranks from the Lake of the Pines youth program, the Bruins have produced plenty of section qualifiers this time around.
"We've got a good group, a big group," said Bear River coach Tom Dayton. "I don't think (Bear River swimming has) ever been better as a group.
"As a team, just the sheer number of really good swimmers coming through, it's never been better."
Leading the charge is senior Chase Rogers, who just posted an All-American time in the 100 freestyle and is a "couple of hundredths" off another in the 50 free, Dayton said.
"He's right now in position to do something really disappointing or really remarkable," Dayton said of this weekend's competition at Tokay High School. "He could very easily be a real story this weekend.
"Chase has been the best swimmer to have come out of here in a long time."
Other Bruin boys in the mix this week include senior Bryan Agnew, who will compete in the 50 freestyle and the 100 backstroke. Ryan Bock, another senior, will swim the 100 butterfly, while seniors Robbie Stoddart and Kyler Leventin will swim relay events.
On the girls side, senior Stephanie Ursiny is a three-year section qualifier and will swim the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Junior Elana Faria also is a three-year qualifier and will also compete in the 50 free and 100 free. Allison Dayton, another junior and three-time qualifier, will swim the 100 fly and the 50 free.
"Their times in the 50 are virtually identical," said Tom Dayton. "As we sit right now, all three girls have an equal chance to advance into the consolations in the 50 free. For them to get into the top eight is going to be really tough."
Seniors Vanessa O'Neill, Hannah Morehouse and Megan Ballew round out the relay races roster.
Swimming at the frosh-soph level for Bear River in the girls competition are sophomores Amy Giroux, Shelby Jungers and Emma Kirby, along with freshman Cheyenne Rogers. On the boys side, sophomores Tommy Dayton and Tony Scopelli will be joined by freshmen David Giroux and Travis Huddleson.
To contact Sports Editor Brian Hamilton, e-mail bhamilton@theunion.com or call 477-4240.
