Photo: The State
For the first time in school history, Hammond boys captured the SCISA Class 4A swimming state championship, edging Porter-Gaud by four points with a total of 161. Key contributions came from Heath Schuch, Alex Magargle, and Yukai Hu in individual events, while the Skyhawks also secured the 200 individual medley relay title. On the girls’ side, Hammond’s Stella Schuch claimed victories in the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke, helping the team to a fourth-place finish, while standout swimmers from Ben Lippen, Cardinal Newman, and Porter-Gaud also earned podium finishes.
In SCHSL Class 5A and 5A Division II competitions, area swimmers continued to make their mark. Spring Valley’s William Alexander and Farrah Ballouli, Blythewood’s Andres Cubero, and River Bluff’s Anna Ray all secured top finishes in individual events, while JL Mann and Eastside captured team championships. Chapin’s Jackie Bonavilla and Ella O’Shaughnessy also earned multiple individual medals, showcasing the strength of Midlands swimming talent across both boys’ and girls’ divisions.
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