Huntington Beach, Calif. - The Golden West Men's Swim Team took advantage of both clear weather and solid team depth to win the GWC Sprint Invitational on Saturday February 24. In spite of only winning three of seventeen events, the Rustlers tallied 298.5 points to edge El Camino College (263), conference foe Riverside CC (260) and San Diego stalwart Grossmont (238) along with five other teams.

 

Sophomore Tommy Kelly, the top freshman in the 400 yard individual medley at last year's State Championships, was the home team's top swimmer. He won the 100 yard back (56.75), was second in the 100 yard breast (1:05.28) and had the fastest 100 yard freestyle time leading off the 400 yard freestyle relay in a quick 47.83.

 

Nolan Chomin, who finished third in the 1650 yard free at the State meet in 2023, won the 500 yard freestyle with a 4:52.79 and was third in the 200 yard free at 1:52.50

 

Zach Bishop, a freshman from Florida, finished third in the 50 free with a 22.42 effort.

 

Relays were strong for the Rustlers as well with three podium finishes. The foursome of Chomin, EJ Carrington, Kyle Sary and Kelly claimed third in the 800 yard free relay. The team of Thomas Woodley, Bishop, Sary and Carrington picked up third in the 200 free relay. Finally, in

the last event of the day, the 400 free relay, Kelly, Bishop, Sary and Woodley popped a 3:16.62 to win by three seconds.

 

The team was buoyed by numerous top eight finishes in multiple events. Head Coach Tracy Maurer was pleased with the swims. "It's a grueling day with most of our guys competing in six or seven events in a relatively short amount of time. Add in the fact that we have been working really hard, this was a good showing."

 

Next swim action for the mens' team will be Friday, March 1 at Saddleback College for the first Orange Empire Conference Invite.