Morgan Hill schools square off and Live Oak gains upper hand
Morgan Hill – Live Oak opened its swimming season Friday by sweeping its way to wins over Sobrato in the battle between the two Morgan Hill schools at the Live Oak Aquatic Center.
The boys scored a 132-50 victory and the girls won 114-62.
While Live Oak coach Mack Haines was happy to start the season with a win, he was still pleased to see good competition from Sobrato.
“Sobrato is still a good team,” Haines said. “It’s nice to have that rivalry when you see them grow up from younger age groups and see them compete in high school meets. They have two or three outstanding swimmers.”
The Acorns were led by the brother and sister combination of Steven and Kate Rick, who combined for seven wins on the afternoon.
Steven led all swimmers on the 100-yard butterfly and backstroke and was part of the boys 200-yard medley relay that gave them a Central Coast Section qualifying time.
Kate won the girls 100-yard freestyle, the 200-yard IM and was part of the girls 200-yard medley and 400-yard freestyle relay teams, which were all won with CCS qualifying times.
“I’ve really been encouraged by some of my swimmers here today,” Haines said. “We had really strong swims from our boys and girls. It was nice to get a win on our first meet and before we face Leland next week.”
The Acorns also had first- place performances from junior Mike Wu, who won the boys 50 and 100-yard freestyle and was part of the 200-yard freestyle relay team along with junior Sam Cretcher, who also won the 200-yard freestyle.
Sobrato junior Katelyn Smith had a strong afternoon, leading the Bulldogs with wins in the 200 and the 500-yard freestyle, in which she had a CCS qualifying time.
Other notable performances from Sobrato were senior Amelia Greenland, who won the 100-yard breaststroke, and sophomore Taylor Windgassen, who took first in the 100-yard butterfly.
The Acorns will travel to Leland to take on the defending Blossom Valley Athletic League Mount Hamilton Division champion Chargers in a heavily contested rivalry meet at 3:30pm Wednesday
Haines, who is coaching his 21st season with Live Oak, said the rivalry with Leland has grown over the years.
“Leland is an aquatic powerhouse,” Haines said. “However we have established a program of aquatic excellence here at Live Oak as well. But watching both teams compete in our division is a win-win for everybody.”
Sobrato will continue its season by hosting Yerba Buena on Wednesday.
