Three-peat for Bishop Kenny Boys Swimming
The Bishop Kenny High School boys swim team made history by winning their third consecutive FHSAA Class 2A state title at the 2023 Swimming & Diving State Championships held on Nov. 4 at the Florida Aquatic Swimming and Training Facility in Ocala, Florida. The Crusaders came out on top with a total of 236.5 points, marking a historic “three-peat” for the Crusaders, who also claimed the state championship titles in 2021 and 2022. It was also their fourth district title and third consecutive regional title.
Led by head coach Laurel Valley, the team secured first place in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays and set new school records in the 400-free relay and the 100 backstroke. Sophomore Carter Wright also took first place in the 100 backstroke.
“What an incredible season,” said Valley. “From the start of the season, everyone’s question was whether we would be able to win it for a third time. I tried to temper my expectations because we did lose some very talented swimmers, and I wasn’t sure how the team would handle it. Midway through the season, they had a great showing at the Catholic Invitational Meet, and I thought the possibility might be there. When we lost the relay to a disqualification in districts, I felt that possibility narrow. We were able to refocus the boys and make sure they were concentrating on individual events to regain the points that we would lose from the relay. The boys came out strong at the state meet and never looked back.”
In addition to the boys’ success, the school’s girls team also had a strong season, securing district and regional championships and a sixth-place finish at the state level. The 200-free relay team – consisting of Rachel Howard, Talley Gettemy, Pearson Wedell and Victoria Weldon – claimed first place at the state level. Howard also set a new school record in the 100 fly and placed second in the state.
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