Drogemuller, Gatrell, Stotler and Reed post CCS qualifying times
for the Haybalers on Friday
HOLLISTER
One week after the San Benito High swimming and diving team narrowly swept visiting Gilroy in Hollister, the Haybalers hosted North Salinas and enjoyed the same outcome, only much, much more comfortably.
Behind Central Coast Section qualifying times from Brandon Drogemuller, the ‘Baler boys easily defeated the Vikings 140-30, while Demi Gatrell, Celina Stotler and Shelli Reed led the Lady ‘Balers to an even more resounding win, 155-24.
San Benito (2-0) will now visit their biggest rivals over the last two seasons: Salinas. The ‘Balers and Cowboys will square off in the pool on Thursday and Friday at Hartnell College.
“It’s gonna be tough,” San Benito head coach Christine Schafer said. “They have a dive team. They have the numbers and they have fast kids.
“It’s gonna be tough.”
It was certainly tough for North Salinas on Friday. The Vikings do not compete with a diving team, and as a result, found themselves down by a handful of points before Friday’s swimming portion even started.
Nevertheless, the ‘Balers cruised to victory.
“Everybody looks okay,” Schafer said.
Drogemuller had a pair of CCS times on Friday, including a 1:49.81 in the 200 free. He also clocked a 22.98 in his 50-free leg of the 200 free relay.
Meanwhile, on the girls side, Gatrell’s 2:20.04 in the 200 IM qualified her to the year-end section meet, as did Stotler’s 200 IM time of 2:20.59.
Reed, who Schafer said was battling an illness on Friday, only competed in one event – the 100 fly. But despite the sickness, and despite competing in just a single event, Reed recorded a 1:01.44 in her only race, and qualified to the CCS meet, nonetheless.
San Benito will now focus their attention on Salinas. The diving portion will take place Thursday at Hartnell College at 3:30 p.m., while the swimming portion will commence Friday at Hartnell College at 3:30 p.m.
