Callen Aulizia BOARDMAN, BOYS SWIMMING

April 2, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

Winter Athletes of the Year

All of the top high school athletes in basketball, swimming/diving, wrestling, and bowling.

The next state swimming and diving tournament is 47 weeks away and Boardman’s Callen Aulizia can’t wait.

In his second straight state tournament, Aulizia finished third in the 50 freestyle. His time (20.61) tied the school record Tyler O’Halloran set in 2003 and was just.15 of a second behind North Canton Hoover’s Nathaniel Mullens.

Breckville’s David Madej was second (20.51). All three are juniors.

“It’s so cool because next year [the race] is going to be faster,” Aulizia said. “I’m already excited for it, I’m feeling adrenaline just talking about it. Possibly, we could be the fast [three] in the entire nation, which is really cool.”

Also at state, Aulizia finished seventh in the 100 freestyle. The Boardman 200 medley relay team (Aulizia, Kyle Kimerer, Noah Basista, Matthew DunLany) finished ninth. Their 400 freestyle relay team finished eighth.

Aulizia appreciates the support he received from his teammates and his coaches (Terry O’Halloran, Carlo Cordon and Chad DeAngelo). “You have your coaches and teammates pushing you, and it all lines up.”

Aulizia has plenty to keep him occupied until his final high school season. Up next — college visits. He has no idea where he will attend in Fall 2018, but he knows he’ll be swimming there.

His favorite subject is computer science and Boardman High’s Evelyn Stanton is one of his favorite teachers. He’s leaning toward majoring in engineering.

After a short break, Aulizia will resume swimming with the Penguins club team based at Youngstown State University. That will keep him busy until the high school season begins next fall.

—Tom Williams