Champions again: Bolles extends swimming streak at state meet

Bolles continued its storied tradition of aquatic excellence by clinching both the boys and girls team titles at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A finals on November 13 at Florida Aquatic Swimming and Training. Episcopal's Blakely Hammel also added to her illustrious record with her fifth individual state championship.

Bolles achieved this remarkable feat for the 39th consecutive boys team championship and the 36th consecutive girls title. Despite the presence of a younger lineup, Bolles was never in any doubt of their victory. The Bulldog boys amassed 535 points, outshining the runner-up King's Academy of West Palm Beach by a substantial margin.

The girls' team outperformed Montverde Academy by a similar extent, with 465 points compared to 219. The key contributors to Bolles' success included senior Thi Rai, who excelled in the 200-yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke; junior Noah Walker, who won the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke; and Tommy Lussier, who dominated the 50 free.

Bolles also swept all boys relays, achieving automatic All-American times in the 200 medley, 200 free, and 400 free relays. On the girls' side, Heidi Stoute and Gianna Vasto led the way with victories in the 100 and 200 free events, respectively, while Juliana Costantini claimed the 100 breaststroke title. The Bolles girls' relays also demolished the competition, winning the 200 medley, 200 free, and 400 free relays with considerable margins.

Episcopal's Blakely Hammel secured her own victory with a first-place finish in the girls 500 free, finishing third in the 50 free. Episcopal's Finn Zubero placed second in the boys 100 free, while the Eagles secured top-15 finishes in both boys and girls overall standings.