GARLAND, TX – St. Thomas followed up a strong opening night with an impressive Day 2 performance at the SCAC Swimming & Diving Championships. From distance events to sprints and relays, the Celts delivered lifetime bests, multiple school records, and another runner-up relay finish in a well-rounded day of racing.
The day opened with the 500 free, where the women's group set the tone early. Valentine led the way with a ninth-place finish and a new team record in 5:35.88, executing a smart and controlled race from start to finish. Ava was right behind in 10th, while Alison added a 16th-place finish. All three stuck to their race plans and competed with confidence, putting together strong swims when it mattered.
On the men's side of the 500 free, Levi delivered a fourth-place finish in record-breaking fashion, touching in 4:42.03 to set a new school mark. Oscar followed closely in fifth, posting a lifetime best of 4:43.70. Both swimmers stayed patient throughout their races and closed strong, adding valuable points for the Celts.
Chase made his mark in the 200 IM, turning in a lifetime best and new team record of 1:59.14. He attacked the race from the start and never let up, putting together one of the most aggressive and complete swims of the day.
The 50 free once again brought energy to the pool. Kelsy battled her way into finals and finished 15th overall after a much stronger evening swim. The improvement from prelims to finals was evident, and her confidence showed in the way she raced.
The men's 50 free group had an outstanding showing across the board. Ben led with a fifth-place finish and a new team record of 21.10. Tanner placed ninth, TaylorLee 10th, and Austin 13th, with every swimmer recording a lifetime best. It was a statement event for the Celts' sprint squad and a big momentum boost heading into relays.
The night closed with the 400 medley relays. The women's A relay team of Kelsy, Ava, Valentine, and AJ clocked a 4:23.69 to set another team record and finish seventh overall. The group stayed aggressive throughout and competed from the first leg to the final touch.
The men's B relay of Jackson, Chase, Charles, and Austin delivered a strong and steady swim, each athlete handling their leg with composure and keeping the team in a solid position.
Capping the evening, the men's A relay team of Lucas, Tanner, Levi, and Ben surged to a second-place finish in 3:27.46, breaking yet another school record. The relay was electric from start to finish, with each swimmer stepping up and racing for one another to secure another podium performance.
Up Next
With two strong days in the books at the SCAC Championships, the Celts carry momentum into Day 3. St. Thomas continues to stack record-breaking performances and will look to keep pushing forward as the meet heads into its final stretch in Garland.
