Sandpipers take state swim title for third year

The Sandpipers of Nevada swim team clinched the state title for the third consecutive year at the Nevada State Swimming Championships Feb. 21-24 at the Desert Breeze Aquatic Facility, 8275 Spring Mountain Road.

The top team was determined by the combined scores. The Sandpipers racked up 6,230 points to defend their title. The Boulder City-Henderson Heatwave swim club took second place, scoring 5,789.50 points.

In addition to winning numerous first-place finishes, individuals and relay teams from the Sandpipers broke state records, and the team’s combined efforts brought in a large number of high-point finishers.

“Our swimmers worked really hard for this victory,” said Ron Aitken, head coach. “We are a strong group with dedicated swimmers, supported by families, who know how to push through even the most trying times.”

Those trying times included a one-month closure of its regular pool at Desert Breeze from December to January, during which the team had to find practice space at other pools.

Carter Grimes, 14; Brennan Gravley, 12, and Dylan Gravley, 10, each saw first-place sweeps in all their events. Dylan also clinched the state champion title of high-point winner for the third year in a row. Swimmers in all age groups and in every event achieved the individual title of state champion.

Carter was in seven individual events. His favorite was the 200 freestyle because he overcame a hindrance.

“After the first lap, my goggles came off and went down to my neck, but I still pushed it to the limit and won,” he said.

He is aiming for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Erica Sullivan, 12, was also in seven events and has been competing since she was 6. She placed first in two of her events, took second place in four and third in another. She, too, hopes to compete in the 2016 Olympics. Erica said a state championship was more serious than smaller meets but that she had learned to cope.

“You can’t let the pressure get to you or you break down and really don’t do as well,” she said. “I tell myself (being nervous) doesn’t get you anywhere.”

Other winners were: Catie Miller, 16; Logan Houck, 16; Reese Lamph, 14; Isabella Goldsmith, 15; Dylan Becker, 10; Michael Fisk, 14; Erin Emery, 15; Allie Emery, 12; Amil Kurtagic, 14; David Miller, 13; Olivia Barker, 18; Isiah Magsino, 16; Mitchell Perez, 10; Ilya Kharun, 8, and Kamika Francis, 8.

The nonprofit swim club has been churning out swimmers of all levels, from novice to Olympic potentials, since it was established in 1968. Last year, five swimmers qualified and competed in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials.

The Sandpipers are a member of the Southern California Swimming Association of USA Swimming and one of the few Silver Medal Swim Clubs in the country. They have about 300 members.

“This win is a testament of (our dedication), and we intend to keep the legacy alive for a long time,” Aitken said.

For more information, visit sandpipersofnevada.com.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 702-387-2949.