DIVISION I SWIMMING Harding's King qualifies for state despite being in auto accident

CLEVELAND -- Tyler King of Warren Harding High took first place in the 200 freestyle in 1 minute, 43.22 seconds, and Conner O'Halloran of Boardman placed 10th in the 50 freestyle in 21.94 in the Division I district swimming meet at Cleveland State University.
Both are automatic qualifiers for the state meet at C.T. Branin Natatorium on Feb. 25-26.
King was involved in an automobile accident when he was struck head-on Thursday morning on his way to school.
It was questionable whether he would compete Friday, suffering from a muscle strain in his neck and shoulder.
King is seeded first in the 100 backstroke today.
Rob Frankle of Canfield placed eighth in the 200 individual medley (1:59.81).
Mike Braman of the Cardinals was 10th in the 100 butterfly (53.73) and Cody Robson of Poland was 10th in the 200 individual medley (2:02.57) and he was 15th in the 100 butterfly (54.26). O'Halloran, Chad DeAngelo, Brian Worhatch and Mike Barringer of Boardman were 10th in the 200 medley relay (1:41.50).
David Branan, Frankle, Mike Branan and Eric Davis of Canfield placed 15th in 200 medley (1:42.34). Davis was 16th in the 200 freestyle (1:48.02).
On Thursday, two girls qualified for the state meet in diving -- Canfield senior Kelly Reese, who was second with 394.70 points, in Division I, and Poland sophomore Mary Vallinger, who was sixth in Div. II with 307.90 points.
Also competing for Poland were Ashley Taybus, a sophomore who was eighth with 302 points, and freshman Calie Makoski, who was 16th with 241.45 points.
Heather Gilmour of Howland was ninth in the 200 freestyle (1:58.90).
Kelly Kuntzman, Hayley Robinson, Adrienne Porter and Kate Mansfield of Boardman placed 16th in the 200 medley relay (1:59.68).