News Summary

St. Scholastica Academy (SSA) triumphed at the 8th Annual Pelican High School Invitational Swim Meet, scoring 188.50 points to secure first place, 100 points ahead of second place. Star swimmer Emma Mae Smith led the charge, winning the 100-yard freestyle and contributing to the team’s strong performance, alongside outstanding achievements from other competitors. The event showcased remarkable talent and team spirit, with five new state qualifiers joining SSA’s ranks, indicating a bright future ahead for the team.

St. Scholastica Takes Home the Gold at the 8th Annual Pelican High School Invitational Swim Meet

In the bustling city of Pelican, excitement was in the air as the 8th Annual Pelican High School Invitational Swim Meet kicked off on October 9. This year, St. Scholastica Academy (SSA) made a big splash, finishing first and dominating the event with an impressive total of 188.50 points, securing the team title a whole 100 points ahead of second-place Fontainebleau.

Star Performances Shine Bright

Held at the PAC, the meet saw exceptional performances from talented young swimmers. Leading the charge for SSA was senior Emma Mae Smith, who showcased her skills by taking home the gold in the 100-yard freestyle and also competing in the 100 backstroke, contributing greatly to her team’s fantastic showing. Even though she didn’t hit her personal bests, her determination was clear.

Junior Amelia Smith, Emma’s teammate, also made waves in the pool, winning the 100-yard butterfly and setting new personal bests in both the 50 freestyle with a time of 26.14 seconds and the butterfly.

Other Stellar Performances

The meet wasn’t just about SSA, as other swimmers also put forward remarkable displays of athleticism. Fontainebleau’s Alex Chehebar, a dynamic competitor, claimed victory in the 200-yard IM, while his teammate Emma Chehebar excelled in both the 200 IM and the 500 freestyle, demonstrating her prowess in the water.

In the boys’ competition, St. Paul’s team found victory with a tally of 163 points. This strong performance was bolstered by Jake Bergeron, who not only won the 100 freestyle with a swift time of 48.51 seconds but also dominated the 500 freestyle at 4:52.91. He also played a pivotal role in winning two relay events, further showcasing the strength of his team.

Team Spirit and Records

The competition was about teamwork as much as individual glory. Swimmers from Lakeshore were present to cheer on their teammates, providing that all-important energy boost. Northlake Christian even carried the American flag during the national anthem, highlighting the spirit and camaraderie of the event.

Interestingly, Fontainebleau’s Connor Stagnitto made headlines too, winning the 100 breaststroke and taking second place in the 200 IM, illustrating the depth of talent present at this year’s meet.

New Achievements and Future Stars

Coach Chris Prator from SSA was thrilled after the event, noting that five new state qualifiers were added to the team: Anna Claire Capshaw, Lucy Inman, Caroline Johnson, Julia Smith, and Grace Tittelbach. With this infusion of fresh talent, the future looks bright for SSA swimming.

A Vibrant Showcase

This year’s Pelican High School Invitational was filled with competitive spirit and incredible swims, where multiple swimmers achieved personal bests across various events. Each competing school brought their A-game, showcasing how hard work and determination can lead to success in the pool.

The event highlighted the athletes’ commitment to embracing new challenges while making lasting memories along the way. Fans and participants alike left the event buzzing with excitement, already looking forward to next year’s competition, where they can cheer on their favorites in what promises to be another thrilling meet. Who knows what records will be smashed and personal milestones achieved in 2026!

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