2nd PLACE OVERALL CONFERENCE FINISH!

Yesterday 70 Torpedo swimmers and countless family members braved the heat to take part in what was to be a 10 hour epic meet. Many races were extremely close. Mack M. won the 13-14 50 Free by .01 seconds, Sam F. came in second in the 100 Breast by .5 seconds, and the 15-18 Boys "Team Albryrosskey" came in second to Morganton by .01 seconds. Third place in that relay was "Team Lantard," who touched just.27 seconds after Morganton. That is just to name a few of the harrowing races.
After a rough start with a lot of disqualifications in multiple medley relays, the Torpedo picked up speed. After event 18, Valdese was behind the Granite Falls Sharks, Morganton Marlins, and McDowell Mariners. Following the individual medley races, Valdese had moved up to second, and the Torpedo would not be moved for the rest of the day. The McDowell Mariners edged within 15 points after event 52, but the tremendous butterfly, breaststroke and relay swims led the Torpedo to a 97 point final lead over McDowell.
The men's "Fools in the Pool" Relay, led by Benton Brinkley and Todd Blackwell finished second, and the combined Granite Falls-Valdese women's relay finished third.
With few exceptions, the Torpedo had representation in all of the high point categories, including a sweep of the 15-18 boys category (Zach K., Alec B., TIED: Grant G. and Liam L.), second and third in the 11-12 boys (Austin G. and Tyler G.), and first and third in the 13-14 boys (Tanner S. and Sam F.). Trey B. took third in the 9-10 boys. The 9-10 girls category brought Kenzie B. the first place trophy and Caroline L. took third in the 8 and under girls.
Coach Matt and I are extremely proud of all the hard work the parents, swimmers, and volunteers put forth to bring us up from our 4th place finish last year. It has been a great season, and we look forward to seeing you all at our end-of-season banquet on August 11.

WAY TO GO TORPEDO!