Botzum, Houchin Make Big Splash

RALEIGH, NC, February 18. JESSICA Botzum and Charlie Houchin of the YMCA of the Triangle Area Swim Team (YOTA) in Raleigh, NC both made a huge splash Valentine's Day weekend at their individual meets.

Botzum, 18, earned Rookie of the Meet honors at the US National Championships in Orlando, Florida as she placed 15th in the women's 200 meter breastroke, qualifying for Olympic Trials in the process.

Houchin, 16, won two individual state titles at the NCHSAA 4A State Swimming and Diving Championships in Chapel Hill, NC (see story on meet). Houchin won the boys' 200 yd. freestyle in 1:42.31 and the 500 yd. freestyle in 4:29.69. The latter time eclipsed the state high school record by nearly four seconds, and was a new North Carolina Swimming 15-16 boys state record as well.

"I was quite pleased with both Jessica's and Charlie's swim at the meets" said YOTA Head Coach Ron Turner. "Jessica handled her first Nationals like a veteran, and for Charlie to be swimming those times unrested and unshaved, I believe the best is yet to come for him."

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