Bailey’s record leads Boardman at invitational

Boardman junior Ryan Bailey set a new school record in the 100 butterfly with the time of 49:86 as the team competed in the Canton City Schools Christmas Invitational High School swim meet Dec. 17 at the C.T. Branin Natatorium.

More than 70 teams participated in the meet that features the top swimmers from across the state and is a precursor to the state swimming championships in February.

Bailey beat the previous mark of 50:04 that was set in 2003 by three-time state champion Tyler O’Halloran. Bailey also won the 100-yard breaststroke in a winning time of 59:41.

“Ryan had a great meet and is reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication to something he loves to do. He knows how to get fired up for big meets. He can focus on what he has to do to swim fast, yet he stays relaxed enough to flow easily through the water,” said Boardman coach Terry O’Halloran.

“Those skills come from spending a lot of hours practicing in the pool. He excels in the classroom and that also carries over to his success in the pool. Earning the votes of the coaches for Swimmer of the Meet is a well-deserved honor.”

Boardman had five swimmers qualify and compete in individual events for the finals. On the girls side, freshman Brooke Bailey placed ninth in the 100-yard breaststroke and 19th in the 100-yard butterfly. Junior Colleen Manning finished in 19th in the 500 freestyle and 14th in the 100 freestyle. Sophomore Jessica Hilk placed 19th in the 100-yard backstroke. Senior Alex Downie finished eighth in the 100 backstroke and 11th in the 100 butterfly.

Senior Alec Santamas placed 24th in the 100 butterfly.

Boardman also qualified two relays for the finals. Downie, Bailey, Santamas and junior Nick Barone placed sixth in the 200-yard medley relay. Senior Emily Bodamer, Brooke Bailey, Hilk and Manning finished eighth in the 200-yard freestyle relay.