Manassas Journal Messenger 2/12/01

DAC

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FREDERICKSBURG – Seton’s boys and girls swimming teams swept the Delaney

Athletic Conference meet on Saturday at Fredericksburg Academy.

Both Conquistador teams had comfortable margins in winning the titles

for the fourth straight year. Seton’s boys team outlasted Randolph Macon

Academy 301 points to RMA’s 214, while the Seton girls recorded 91 points

more than host Fredericksburg Academy (330-239).

Seton’s Katie Shipko was voted the Most Valuable Female Swimmer at the

meet. Shipko won the 100 and 200 free, breaking records in both events.

Shipko also swam anchor for Seton’s 200 medley and 200 free relays – both

of which also set records.

Katie’s mom, Terri, is Seton’s head coach. Terri was also honored at

the meet as the girls’ Coach of the Year, giving the event a family theme.

“It’s kind of special,” said Terri, who won the award for the

second straight year. “It’s a mother-daughter kind of thing. It’s definitely

a privilege.”

On the boys’ side, the Conquistadors’ Ryan Sweeney had nearly as much

success as Shipko had for the girls. Sweeney took first in the 200 IM and

100 free, breaking the 200 IM record with a time of 2:37.06. Sweeney also

had a hand in Seton’s first-place 200 medley team, which also set a new

record.

“I think he expected to do well,” said Terri Shipko of Sweeney.

“His times were where he wanted them.”

Conquistador freshman Casey Rafter also took home gold, edging Highland’s

Jake Mello in the 100 breast by a mere .15 seconds. “It really was

a photo-finish,” explained Shipko. “He really had to fight for

it. He had dropped three seconds off his time, so it was a really fun thing

to watch and a very exciting time for him.”

Seton’s 400 free relay also took first place.

The Conquistadors will now move on to the VISL state meet, which will

be held Friday and Saturday at the Hargrave Military Academy near Danville.

Shipko said she will be taking 16 kids to the state meet.