Jesuit’s state runner-up finish at the Class 2A swimming finals was not only the highest in school history, it also was the first time a Hillsborough County boys swimming team placed at the state meet in that classification.
“I’ve been close before and turned away at the last second and to just finish it this time, it was unbelievable,” said Bill Shaffer, now in his 19th season as head coach at Jesuit.
The Tigers finished with 184 points behind state champion Plantation American Heritage, which totaled 265.
Jesuit came in second in the both the 200 medley and 400 free relays with Sam Sands, Tommy Shaffer, Byrne Litschgi and Austin Sellers. Sellers won the 100 breast and was the only individual state champion for the Tigers.
After winning the 50 free as a junior, Ridgewood’s Emir Muratovic returned to defend his title, yet three-hundredths of a second separate him from winning back-to-back championships. However, Muratovic managed to race his way to first in the 100 free.
Matt Holmes of Rockledge took home the gold in the 200 IM.
Like Holmes, Merritt Island junior Dani Keymont brought a title back to Mustangs after winning the 100 breast.
Miami Gulliver Prep is the girls state champion. Academy of Holy Names placed fourth place with 155 points.
Click the video link for the highlights.