East LA, Calif. -  As the first day of the CCCAA State Swimming Championships come to a close, the defending state champions take the lead. Golden West overcame a disqualification of its 200-yard freestyle relay and leads the standings with 121 points. Orange Coast is in second place at 110.5. Mt. San Antonio is in third with 108. Ventura and Santa Rosa are tied for fifth with 87.

Men's 500-yard Freestyle - Champion: Davit Sikharulidze, Golden West, 4:30.14
The Rustlers pick up another victory as the freshman Sikharulidze captures the 500 title by 1.21 seconds over second-place finisher Andrew Hargis of Bakersfield (4:31.35). Jonathan Diaz of El Camino was third in 4:32.35. Diaz led going into the final 100, but Sikharulidze made fast work of the final 100, including a 26.11 final 50. 

Men's 200-yard Individual Medley - Champion: Gabriel Hernandez, Golden West, 1:49.82
The favorite coming into the event, Hernandez swam to form in winning the 200 IM by less than a second over second place Zach Selfridge (West Valley, 1:50.79). Hernandez led from start to finish. 

Release by Robert Lewis, CCCSIA, CCCAA Meet SID
Pool side contact number 818-679-1335