Sectional Champions!

The Bulldog Swimming & Diving Team blasted the school record board on Saturday, shattering four school marks and winning nine of 12 events on their way to a dominating Sectional championship at Decatur Central HS. The Dogs easily outdistanced the runner-up and host Hawks 500-315 for their first Sectional title since 2006.

"Our boys have had some ups and downs this year, but today was an impressive display of teamwork," Head Coach Josh Saylor said. "It took us awhile to get to this point, but they came out of the gate strong and never slowed down. It's easy to lay it all on the line when you know your teammates have your back."

Juniors Joe Ancel and Kyle Baney both put their names on the school record board twice on Saturday. Ancel broke his own record in the 100 Breaststroke with a winning time of 58.77, while Baney came from behind to win the 200 Individual Medley in a school record time of 1:57.51. Ancel and Baney teamed with senior Bradley Green and junior Diego La Torre to win the 200 Medley Relay in a school record time of 1:37.98. Baney and Green both added individual Sectional titles to their resume on Saturday, with Baney winning the 100 Freestyle and Green winning the 100 Butterfly. 

Sophomore Vince Partlow was a quadruple winner and authored the fourth school record on Saturday, winning the 500 Freestyle in 4:42.48, beating his own record. Partlow also won the 200 Freestyle and was on two winning relays. The quartet of junior Cameron Howard, Ancel, La Torre and Partlow won the 200 Freestyle Relay while Baney, Green, Howard and Partlow won the 400 Freestyle Relay.

The Dogs ultimately won the meet through superior depth, and several swimmers contributed big points. Senior Jared Krug finished fourth in the 100 Backstroke, while senior Donnie Spencer finished fifth in the 200 Individual Medley. Junior Jimmy Breedlove finished third in the 500 Freestyle while classmate Chad Hale finished close behind in the 500 Freestyle in fourth place. Junior Adam Moll finished fourth in both the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Butterfly and freshman Frank Schoemer finished fourth in the 100 Breaststroke.

The Dogs will be in action again at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 28 at the IHSAA State Finals at the IUPUI Natatorium.