San Benito boys, girls swim past visiting Gilroy; one meet left
before TCAL Finals
Hollister
San Benito’s boys and girls swim teams both cruised to easy victories over the Gilroy Mustangs Friday in Hollister.
Part of the Haybalers’ success was due to talent; the other depth. Regardless, coaches of both sides said there was extra motivation stemming from a rivalry that is evident whether it be on the field, on the court or in the pool.
“They, of course, don’t want to lose to anyone,” San Benito coach Christine Schafer said of her athletes, “but they especially don’t want to lose to Gilroy.”
The San Benito boys won by a score of 106-75 while the girls took the day by an even greater margin, 100-49.
Schafer noted that “it’s a very friendly rivalry,” which would explain some gamesmanship going on throughout the meet. Brandon Drogemuller, who won two individual events (200 free, 100 fly) and took part in two winning relay teams (200 free and 400 free), was seen trying to counter the fastest swimmer for the Mustangs on the boys’ side, Eddie Malick, by competing in events in which Malick took the block. When Malick stepped down, so did Drogemuller. When Malick stepped up, Drogemuller did the same.
While this limited the points Gilroy could earn as Drogemuller was the fastest individual of the day, Malick still won an individual event (100 back) and took part in the 200 medley relay, which Gilroy won by almost seven seconds. Daniel Shields was a part of that winning relay for the Mustangs, and added victories in the 50 and 100 free as an individual.
The Haybalers received points on the boys side from strong performances by Kyle Reuther (5:33.65) and Ryan Whiteside (5:38.26), who finished first and second in the 500 free, respectively.
The Lady ‘Balers were led by Demi Gatrell, who set a personal record in the 100 breaststroke (1:10.66), and Megan Geary (PR 200 IM, 2:22.99) and Jessica Drogemuller, who set a PR in the 500 free (5:36.81) but missed the Central Coast Section qualifying time by a second.
The leader on the girls’ side for Gilroy was Meghan Collet, who won the 100 fly and 100 backstroke.
Gilroy was impressive in singular events. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, their program was too small to keep up with the number of talented San Benito swimmers in the pool.
“Again, it’s just the depth,” Gilroy coach Tom Clark said. Clark’s point seems valid as the Mustangs lost points due to a lack of divers and second and third sets of swimmers for each event.
One of the best races of the day was in the 100 breaststroke. San Benito’s Steven Shattuck qualified for CCS with a time of 1:04.51, but was forced to settle for second as David Pribyl came across the line in 1:03.75. Another occurred in the 100 free as San Benito’s Clayton Slater took second (53.83) to Daniel Shields of Gilroy (53.79).
The Haybalers and Mustangs both have a final meet before taking part in the TCAL Swimming Championships on May 10. San Benito will be at North Salinas Friday at 3:30 p.m., while Gilroy will host Alisal at the same time.
