San Benito wins easily, beating Salinas in the boys events
111-61, while the girls won 114-71
SALINAS
Aside from the “freezing cold” temperatures at Hartnell College, the San Benito High swimming and diving team remained hot in the pool Friday when it easily defeated rival Salinas in both the boys and girls divisions.
The ‘Baler boys, behind the swimming prowess of Brandon Drogemuller, cruised to a 111-61 victory. The Lady ‘Balers, meanwhile, which were anchored by Shelli Reed, nearly equaled the boys’ 50-point differential, beating Salinas 114-71.
“Fog, cold,” San Benito head coach Christine Schafer said afterward, describing the conditions of the meet. “But they did really well.
“We’re just gonna have to keep working.”
Salinas and San Benito have split the last two Tri-County Athletic League titles, making Friday’s convincing win all the more comforting. But Schafer feels the Haybalers will need to be more well-rounded in all the events as the team nears the postseason.
“Our goal is to win both,” said Schafer, referring to both the boys and girls events at the TCAL Finals. While the girls have yet to be challenged this season, the boys are undefeated but narrowly edged a shorthanded Gilroy team, 93-90.
Come TCAL Finals, which are scheduled for May 9 at Everett Alvarez, Schafer expects the ‘Balers to be battling Gilroy in the stroke events and Salinas in the freestyle.
“Starting Monday,” Schafer said, “we’re gonna up our training a little more.”
Despite swimming against their biggest rival on Friday, San Benito was only able to punch through two more Central Coast Section qualifying times.
Brandon Drogemuller clocked a 4:57.56 in the 500 free and Shelli Reed recorded a 2:17.89 in the 200 IM, each time good enough for a place at the CCS Prelims.
With just four meets remaining, though, the Haybalers will look to push more swimmers through before it’s all said and done. San Benito will host Alisal on Thursday and Friday for diving and swimming, respectively.
Both meets will begin at 3:30 p.m., in Hollister.
