By Staff reports
SAN JOSE — Matteo Merodio, 17 and Charlie Adams, 10, put the Lake County Channel Cats swim team on the map at Pacific Swimming”s Long Course Junior Olympics last weekend.
More than 1,400 of the fastest Northern California age-group swimmers attended the four-day competition. Entry to the meet requires a Junior Olympic time level or better to swim in individual events.
The top eight finalists in events were awarded distinctive medals. Channel Cats took home medals in six events, with Adams placing as high as 14th overall in combined event scores among boys 10 and under.
Merodio swam in three events in boys 17-18 division, making the final in the 400-meter individual medley where he placed sixth.
Adams swam in six events in boys 10 and younger, making finals in five events. His placements included eighth in the 100-meter freestyle (1:13.99 FW), third in the 400-meter freestyle (5:31.64 FW) and eighth in the 50-meter backstroke (40.00 sec FW).
Adams achieved new Western Zone Competitive times in the 200-meter freestyle (2:37.94, earning seventh place) and the 100-meter backstroke (1:23.06, earning fifth place). He plans to compete later this month at Pacific Swimming”s Long Course Far Westerns, where he has qualified to swim in eight events.
The Channel Cats practice daily at the Westshore Pool in Lakeport. Those interested in recreational lessons or swimming opportunities with the team may contact team president Jen Hanson at 263-3131.
