By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Seadogs notch third undefeated regular season
Seadogs 1
The Turlock Seadogs will be chasing their fifth straight MVSL Championship today at Pitman High. - photo by Journal file photo

For just the third time, the Turlock Seadogs summer recreational swimming program has completed an undefeated regular season after finishing the 2016 year with a perfect record heading into the Mid Valley Swim League Championships.

 

This after topping the Tracy Tritons Swim Club last Saturday with a score of 2258.5. Tracy scored 1135.5.

 

“It was very unexpected,” said Seadogs coach Michaela Solario. “We lost a lot of kids due to graduation, moving and just because and didn't know if we would have the depth we normally do to complete the undefeated task.”

 

The Seadogs were able to pull off a tremendous victory over Tracy and captured 81 first place results out of 102 events across all age groups from six and under to 18 years of age.

 

“I am so blessed to be a part of this team and being around these kids that work hard day in and day out,” said Solario. “Aside from being the regular season undefeated team, I think that we have the kids that have the biggest hearts and are just flat out amazing— I might be biased on that one though.”

 

For the girls side, Madison Ngo capture five first place finishes for the Seadogs, three individual races and two as part of the relay teams.

 

In the girls 11-12 age group, Ngo placed first in the 100 yard Individual medley, 50 back and 50 breast.

 

Ngo, along with Emma Romeo, Tiffany Figurell and Jo Jo Lok took first in the 200 free relay and the same team took first in the 200 medley relay.

 

“While in our mind we still have one meet to go and the most important one, we are very proud of how all of the kids have stepped up it,” said Solario. “It wasn't just one or two individual kids, it is so many. I can send a list of all them but that would be longer than the story itself.”

 

Aside from Ngo and a large number of standouts was Izzy Romeo, who once again captured five first place finishes of her own.

 

Romeo, along with Ashley Figurell, Stella Romeo and Kianna Hesse, took first in the 200 medley relay. Romeo, Figurell, Hesse and Mackenzie Peterson placed first in the 200 free relay race.

 

Romeo also took first in the 100 free, 50 fly, and 50 free in the 13-14 age group.

 

On the boys side, Matt Hesse was impressive once again after taking home five first place finishes.

 

Hesse, along with Josh Buck, Dom Walls and Zach Glidden, took first in the 200 medley relay and also the 200 free relay.

 

Hesse placed first individually in three different events, including the 100 IM, 100 back and 50 free in the 15-16 age group.

 

“All of the kids have their eyes set on this weekend and most are also hoping to qualify for Meet of

Champions,” said Solario.

 

In last year's MVSL finals, the Seadogs topped all with a score of 1708.5. Ripon Sea Lions followed in second with a score of 1693.5.

 

The Seadogs will be chasing their fifth straight MVSL Championship this Saturday at Pitman High, starting at 8 a.m.