In the class 3A "Pinch-A-Penny" Swimming and Diving Championships, the Clearwater girls had a strong showing; finishing third in the 200 yard medley relay.
The four-person team claiming bronze medals were: sophomore Helena Heuberger, senior Haley O'Meara, freshman Grace Molinaro, and senior Erin Brennan. Heuberger also shined in individual races. She won the 100 yard backstroke and came in third for the 100 yard freestyle.
One of the most competitive and focused swimmers was Seabreeze senior Viktor Toth. He would win both the 50 and 100 yard freestyle races. In the 100 freestyle, Toth earned All-American status.
Sickles senior swimmers Nazareno and Ludovico Boscaino are twin brothers and competed against each other in the Boys 500 freestyle. While Ludovico had the faster time in the morning trials, it was Nazareno who took home first place in the finals. Ludovico finished with a bronze medal. Afterwards, Nazareno said he had claimed bragging rights throughout the holidays in the Boscaino household.
Diving brought some good finishes for local kids as well. Winter Haven senior Mason Osbourn won a silver medal in the 1 meter diving competition. On the girls side, Viera's Sarah Rousseau won the 1 meter diving competition. Osceola junior Amber Brickley came in 2nd, Eu Gallie freshman Ali Guiliani came in third, and Northeast sophomore Ruth Jerger came in 4th place.