St. Xavier Keeps “The Streak” Alive

 

Bombers win 25th straight Coaches Classic title

 

Nine-time defending Ohio Division I state swimming champion St. Xavier continues to build upon one of the area’s most impressive winning streaks of all-time.

 

The Bombers won their 25^th straight Southwest Ohio High School Swimming and Diving Classic over the weekend with another dominating performance, defeating runner-up Centerville 674-372.

 

The Bombers have never lost at the Classic, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year.  Making the Bombers’ streak even more impressive is the fact that the event is the largest invitational in the country with over 100 schools and 2,800 swimmers and divers competing and always features a highly competitive field.  The meet is also widely considered by coaches to be a tune-up for the upcoming state meet next month with its two-day format and top-flight field, and St. Xavier appears more than primed to win its 10^th straight state title.

 

St. Xavier was led by Indiana University recruit Jim Barbiere. Barbiere, an All-American candidate, won the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke events and placed second in the 200 backstroke.  He was also a member of three winning relay teams.

 

Ursuline kept its mini winning streak alive by capturing a fourth straight title with a 527-417 win over Centerville in the girls’ meet.  The Lions took first in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays and the 200 medley relay.

 

There were also repeat winners in both girls’ and boys’ diving.  Monroe senior Nicole Brehm tallied 385.80 points in the 1-meter competition.  Indian Hill junior Michael Grainger won with a score of 442.45.

 

- Ed Letsinger