Swimming: Carson Lone Eagle Swimmer At State Meet

THE LEDGER

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Alex Carson was hurting after a full day of swimming at regionals last week.

He competed in two solo events and two relays and was drained for finals, which started late in the evening. He doesn't have to worry about stretching himself thin today.

Carson, a freshman, is the lone swimmer from George Jenkins to advance to the Class 3A state swim meet.

He'll swim the 100 backstroke, in which he is seeded 21st.

The meet takes place in Orlando at the YMCA Aquatic Center. Prelims start at 9:30 a.m. and finals are at 5 p.m.

"At regionals, it was a very long day," said Carson.

"It's a lot easier for me to focus on this one event and not focus on anything else."

Carson swam a personal best 55.3 at prelims, then squeezed onto the top 24 list by going a 56.22 in finals.

He didn't find out he was in until late Friday.

"I'm just hoping to go out there and do my best," Carson said. "If I don't get into finals I'm fine with that. I'm honored to have made it as a freshman."

Jenkins will also have a diver in the meet with Zak Kerst.

The 2A meet takes place on Saturday and includes Winter Haven's David Lambert (50 and 100 free), I.V. Simons (100 breaststroke) and Jordan Kendall (500 free). Lakeland has swimmers Alexander Sparbel (100 fly and 100 back) and Zachary Hart (100 free). Winter Haven also has the top seeded diver in James Voisard.

In 1A, which takes place Friday, Oasis Christian has swimmer Rebeka Howard (200 IM and 100 breaststroke) entered. All Saints' Aaron Henricks (50 free) and David Wong (100 fly) will also swim.

Robby Costine of Frostproof is the lone diver.