Decatur swimmers perform well at states

Several Seahawks earn awards, spots on podium for placing eighth or better

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(March 3, 2023) Several Stephen Decatur swimmers earned spots on the podium for finishing eighth or better in their individual events and relay races during last Saturday’s MPSSAA 3A-2A-1A state championship meet at the University of Maryland Eppley Recreation Center.

“They did phenomenal. We had the greatest time improvements of the season at this meet,” said Decatur Coach Kristina Watts. “Many of the times our swimmers got were best times ever for them. Our swimmers finished in higher places than they were seeded going into the meet.”

Eight boys and seven girls competed for Decatur. The girls’ team came in fifth place overall out of 26 schools represented that scored points, and the boys’ squad finished in eighth out of 25 schools.

“The best part about the meet was how our swimmers supported each other. This meet can create a lot of pressure, but our swimmers were in high spirits and having fun together and it showed in their results,” Watts said. “The boys’ competition was very tough. The girls’ competition was lighter than in the past. Even so, both our girls’ and boys’ teams placed higher overall in the state than last year.”

The top three finishers in each event received medals, while fourth- through eighth-place winners were presented ribbons. The top 16 in each event scored points for their team.

1:46.06, respectively.

Senior captain Natalie Canham finished in fifth place in the 100-yard butterfly (1:02.73) and 10th in the 200-yard IM (2:24.91).

Junior Trista Harner came in sixth in the 100-yard freestyle (56.71 seconds) and tied for sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (25.60 seconds).

‘This meet can create a lot of pressure, but our swimmers were in high spirits and having fun together and it showed in their results’

Coach Kristina Watts

Senior captain Gavin Stearn recorded the best finish for Decatur, placing second in the 100-yard freestyle event (48.52 seconds).

He came in eighth place in the 200-yard freestyle race (1:49.90).

Junior captain Daniel Karcheuski took fifth in the 100-yard butterfly (52.83 seconds) and sixth in the 200yard IM (2:03.67).

The boys also swam in the 200yard freestyle and 200-yard medley relay races with sophomore Gavin Conaway and junior Mason Castanares. They placed eighth in both events with times of 1:34.69 and

Senior captain Kayden Hamby placed ninth in the 100-yard butterfly (1:06.91) and 13th in the 50-yard freestyle (26.82 seconds).

Freshman Emily Henley finished in 11th place in both the 100-yard backstroke (1:08.04) and the 500yard freestyle (5:59.17).

Sophomore Kaolin Riser came in 15th in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:15.60).

Canham, Hamby, Harner and sophomore Vienna Williams took fourth in the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:45.40).

Riser, Canham, Hamby and Harner finished in sixth in the 200yard medley relay race (1:59.03).

Williams, Riser, Henley and senior captain Katelyn Pizlo placed 14th in the 400-yard freestyle relay race (4:14.50).

“Overall, I’m very proud of the work my swimmers put in this season and their results at states show it all,” Watts said.

Both the boys’ and girls’ teams had a successful season, recording 6-1-1 and 6-2 records, respectively.

The boys’ team, which went from only six participants last season to 14 on the roster this year – captured the Bayside Conference championship title, while the girls’ squad came in third.

Both teams finished in second place at the 3A-2A-1A East Region meet.

“I think we did great. We have an improvement in numbers, we have a better team this year than any of my other three years. It’s been good,” Stearn said of the season prior to the state meet.

Added Karcheuski, “I think this was probably our best season since I’ve been here.”

“We had way more boys than we did last year, it’s more people to compete with, more people to practice with, more people to celebrate with, so it’s fun,” he continued. “I’ll be back next year and I’m excited for that. I’m

Decatur wrestlers excel at 2A-1A E. Regional tourney

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(March 3, 2023) Fourteen Stephen Decatur wrestlers – 10 boys and four girls – will compete in the MPSSAA 2A-1A state championship meet this weekend at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.

They advanced to the championship for placing in the top four in their weight class during the 2A-1A East Region competition, held last Saturday at Queen Anne’s High School.

“They wrestled well. They kept doing what they’ve been doing all year,” said Decatur Coach Josh August. “It’s tough when you go up against guys you haven’t seen before. Some brackets were really stacked. They exceeded our expectations, and we had a few champs too. It was a good weekend.”

Five Seahawks won their weight class divisions.

Freshman Elijah Collick (42-2) came in first place at 106 pounds. Junior Reid Caimi (39-6) was victorious in the 126-pound division.

Senior captain Logan Intrieri (431) became champion in the 132pound weight class, and junior captain Gavin Solito (44-1) won the 152-pound division.

Junior Parker Intrieri (34-9) outperformed his competition at 170 pounds.

Junior Kole Kohut (30-9) came in second place in the 195-pound division.