The outcome of the Southwest and Central Michigan Swim League boys’ meet between Otsego and South Haven on Tuesday, Jan. 17, was never in serious doubt.
The Bulldogs took first and second place in the meet-opening 200-yard medley relay to build a quick 12-2 lead. Otsego went on to win each of the next eight events as well, outscoring South Haven by at least five points in six of those en route to the 99-53 triumph.
Given the complexion of the meet, Bulldog coach Darryl Belton was able to switch up his lineup somewhat, allowing his younger athletes to gain some invaluable experience.
“We were able to swim our younger swimmers a lot tonight and they swam very well,” he said. “It was good to be able to rest some of the guys we tend to lean on every night and let the newer and younger swimmers carry the load.”
Belton was also pleased with the performances during in by his two sophomore divers, Clint Sutterfield and Carter Morris.
Sutterfield put together a winning score of 185.85, while Morris was close behind in the runner-up slot with a score of 181.95.
“It was a great night for both of our divers,” Belton said.
In addition to Sutterfield’s win in diving, Otsego claimed victory in six other individual events.
Josh Loll led the way as a double winner, taking both the 50 freestyle (25.84) and the 100 butterfly (1:06.28).
The other four individual wins went to Dylan France in the 200 freestyle (2:06.1), Adam Coe in the 200 IM (2:13.8), Traxel Jirgens in the 100 freestyle (52.38) and Robby Kalleward in the 500 freestyle (5:42.01).
The Bulldogs also won the 200 freestyle relay to go along with their victory in the 200 medley relay. The 200 medley team of Brennan Richardson, Kaden Gabos, Josh David and Trevor Sparks swam a 1:51.93, while the 200 free team of David, Owen Grile, France and Jadon Clugston turned in a time of 1:46.92.
Given the sizeable lead his team had amassed through nine events, Belton elected to swim the final three events—the 100 backstroke, the 100 breaststroke and the 400 free relay—as exhibitions.
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