USA Swimming Sectionals, Columbia: Eight Events Begin Competition

COLUMBIA, Missouri, July 21. THE host club enjoyed a victory on the opening night of long course competition at the Columbia sectional championships.

The 800 freestyles kicked off the competition, and the University of Arkansas took the top four places in the women's event. Alison Templin finished first with an 8:53.92. In second place was Chelsea Franklinwith an 8:56.74. Third place went to Erica Totten with an 8:57.55. Notably, Ashley Largo completed the team sweep with a fourth-place time of 9:02.35.

In the men's 800, Tyler Fowler of Tsunami took the lead at the start and never looked back, winning by 14 seconds with an 8:19.69. Eastman Holloway of SwimTulsa was second with an 8:33.63, and rounding out the podium was Spenser Lauver of Columba Swim Club with an 8:35.34.

Shannon Vreeland of Kansas City Blazers won the women's 100 freestyle with a 56.58. Lauren Votava of Rockwood Swim Club was second with a 57.28 and Emily Dicus of Topeka Swim Association finished third with a 57.64.

William Kunkel of Swim Omaha was the winner of the men's 100 free with a 52.09. Jordan Hawley led after 50 meters but wound up second with a 52.93. Per-Niklas Brinck of Springfield Aquatics was third in 53.05.

Haley Spencer of Rockwood was the clear winner of the women's 200 breast, taking the event by six seconds in 2:33.33. Bryce Hinde of Kansas City Blazers was second in 2:39.75 and in third was Abby Hempen of the Rec Plex Sharks in 2:40.68.

Christopher Novak of Tsunami and Troy Esentan of Arkansas Dolphins gave the crowd a good race in the men's 200 breast. Novak got to the finish first with a 2:21.23. Esentan touched second with a 2:21.70. Well back in third was William Wood of Saluki Swim Club, who touched in 2:23.24.

Molly Albrecht of Ad Astra Area Aquatics won the women's 200 back with a 2:18.28. Samantha Wright of Rockwood was right behind her, touching second in 2:18.76. Rounding out the podium was France Szostak of Columbia Swim Club, who finished in 2:19.79.

The first night of swimming concluded with the men's 200 back. Hometown favorite John Higgins of Columbia Swim Club won in 2:03.81, well ahead of second-place finisher Seth Musser of Kansas City Blazers, who touched in 2.07.79. Jeff Enge of Arkansas Dolphins was third in 2:08.34.

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