CARDINAL GIBBONS SWEEPS TO VICTORY IN NCHSAA SWIMMING

RALEIGH – Cardinal Gibbons swept to victory in both the men’s and women’s competition on Saturday in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 1-A/2-A swimming and diving championships at the Willis Casey Natatorium at North Carolina State University

Gibbons won its second straight men’s crown by tallying 346 points to 248 for second-place Carrboro. Lenoir Hibriten was third with 223.5, followed by Valdese Draughn at 159 and the Durham School of the Arts with 145.

Kyle Hites of Hibriten was selected as the MVP of the men’s meet. He recorded first-place finishes in the 200 IM and 100 breast, breaking the 1A/2A state record in the 100 breast.

In the women’s competition, Cardinal Gibbons had a 173-point margin over the field with 403 points to 230 for runner-up Carrboro, winning its fourth consecutive team title. West Davidson was third with 169, followed by Elkin (164) and Salisbury (120).

Kelly Ann Baird from West Davidson and Caroline Smith from South Davidson shared Most Valuable Performer honors in the women’s meet. Baird won both the 200 free and 500 free, breaking the 1A/2A state record in the 500 free. She also achieved automatic All-American times in both events.

Smith took first place in both the 200 IM and the 100 backstroke while breaking the 1A/2A state record in the 100 backstroke. She also achieved automatic All-American times in both events.

Wendy’s is the presenting sponsor of the NCHSAA sports program and the Raleigh Sports Consortium is the primary host city sponsor of this championship.