Blackwell Excels in Mardi Gras Meet

Wilson County resident Luke Blackwell brought his total of Southeastern Swimming Short Course Qualifying cuts to seven by adding three at the Excel Aquatics Mardi Gras Swim Meet this past weekend.
He achieved new cuts in the 200-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke and 400-yard individual medley in the 13-14-year-old division. He joins fellow 13-14-year-olds Taylor Wallace and Bradley Gillilan with seven or more qualifying times.
"Luke continues to drop nice chunks of time in is progress and development with Excel," assisant coach John Barnes said. "He is not afraid of anyone he swims against, and has a strong desire to try to win. At next month's SES Championship meet we expect Luke to make his mark in the distance events even though he will be one of the youngest swimmers in his age group."
Joining Blackwell at the Mardi Gras meet were fellow Wilson County swimmers Samuel and Madison Blackwell, Kelsey Copeland, Taylor Wallace, Dallas Barlettano, Alex Nochowicz and Andrew and Austin Barnes.
Barlettano, a 9-year-old from Watertown, had nice time drops in the 100-yard IMy and 50-yard breaststroke. Madison Blackwell, 11, dropped 31 seconds in the 500-yard freestyle and swam for the first time in the 400-yard IM. Samuel Blackwell, 7, continued his streak of time drops in all his events.
For more information on year round competition swimming options in the Midstate, as well as summer League Swimming in the county, visit www.swimwilsoncounty.com.