News Summary

The Pine Crest Panthers showcased their talent at the 61st Woodson Invitational in Fort Lauderdale, winning both the boys’ and girls’ championships. Under the guidance of Coach Mariusz Podkoscielny, the senior class of 16 swimmers led the team to victory against competitors including Saint Thomas Aquinas and Winter Park. Individual performances shined as Juan Vallmitjana and Carolyn Levy Powell earned top honors. The meet highlighted the spirit of competition and camaraderie, making it a memorable event for high school swimming.

Fort Lauderdale Shines as Pine Crest Panthers Steal the Show at Woodson Invitational

What a spectacular day it was in sunny Fort Lauderdale as the Pine Crest Panthers made quite the splash at the 61st Woodson Invitational! Celebrated as the oldest high school swimming invitational in the state, this annual event showcased not only the incredible talent of the swimmers but also the camaraderie that makes high school swimming so special. Yes, folks, Pine Crest secured triumph in both the boys’ and girls’ championships, and they did it all with the great skills of a fantastic senior class!

A Stellar Senior Swimmer Class

This year’s swim meet was particularly memorable for the Panthers, as it featured an impressive group of 16 senior swimmers who truly rose to the occasion. Under the guidance of their beloved Head Coach, Coach Mariusz Podkoscielny, the team showed just how much hard work and determination can pay off, especially during this poignant farewell season for the largest senior class Coach Mariusz has ever seen in his 20 years at Pine Crest. His commitment to the swim program is evident, and the atmosphere of support and competitive spirit was alive and well during each race.

Exciting Team Standings

When it came to the team rankings, Pine Crest was undoubtedly the star of the show! In fact, the girls’ division saw Pine Crest take first place, followed closely by Saint Thomas Aquinas and Winter Park. The boys’ category saw Pine Crest conquer the competition, with Winter Park and Mater Lakes chasing closely but not quite catching up with the Panthers.

Outstanding Individual Performances

Andy Coan Outstanding Competitor Award for his stunning first-place finishes in both the 200 free and the 500 free. Meanwhile, Carolyn Levy Powell from Saint Thomas Aquinas earned her accolades by clinching the Ann Marshall Outstanding Competitor Award with impressive swimming times in the 100 fly and 100 back. What a display of talent!

The Meet Format and the Spirit of Competition

The format of the Woodson Invitational was as thrilling as ever, featuring both prelims and finals, which allowed swimmers to showcase their skills across multiple events. Many competitors had been racing together since their middle school days, showing that this meet is not just about winning but also about bonds formed over time. The entire environment echoed with excitement, as it provided a fabulous platform for young athletes to show off their abilities while also encouraging each other towards personal bests.

A Tradition Like No Other

Pine Crest’s reputation for drawing teams from across Florida is no surprise, and it played a big part in making this year’s meet an unforgettable experience. The camaraderie, support, and competitive spirit were palpable at the Pine Crest home pool, setting the perfect stage for the 2025 Woodson Invitational, which ensured that everyone was in high spirits.

As the final results rolled in and trophies were awarded, it was clear that the day belonged to the Pine Crest Panthers, who were more than happy to bring home the glory! With a bright future ahead and the legacy of their senior class, Pine Crest continues to shine not just in Fort Lauderdale but across the state. What a fantastic day for high school swimming!

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