Dover swimmers win sectionals as Lucas Lane begins defense of state title
(STEUBENVILLE) (WJER) (February 14, 2022) – Dover swimmer Lucas Lane is on track to defend his state championship in the 200-freestyle in a little less than two weeks.
The junior set pool and sectional meet records in two events in Steubenville Saturday on his way to winning the 200 and 500 freestyle races.
“Lucas is definitely on track to be just as if not faster than last year in the 200,” said Tornadoes Coach Matt Petricola.
“I think he realizes when you’re a state champion, there’s a target on your back. That weight becomes quite a bit heavier on you. He’s starting to feel that pressure a little bit and I think that’s working in his favor knowing that there’s guys trying to knock him off. I think that’s only fueled him this year.”
Dover was victorious on both the boys’ and girls’ side of the Division II sectional meet.
In addition to Lucas Lane, Dover sectional champions are Cameron Marshall, Elizabeth Lane, Holly Perkowski, Reagan Durbin and the men’s 400 freestyle relay team.
The Tornadoes will have at least one athlete in every swimming event at the district meet this week at the Ohio State University. Combined, Dover swimmers earned 51 spots in the district meet. It starts Thursday.
“It’s a big pool. It has a big meet feel and it’s fast,” Petricola said. “We’re excited to be back there but ultimately we want to be (at the state meet) in Canton. That’s what we’re aiming for.
“You talk to any high school in the state of Ohio. Where they want to be is in that pool at C.T. Branin (Natatorium) in Canton, Ohio. That is the loud pool. It’s a fast pool. It’s a very intimate pool. That is always the ultimate end goal is to be able to be there.”
New Philadelphia places fourth
The New Philadelphia swim team is sending a few swimmers to the Division II district meet after finishing in fourth place at the Steubenville sectional.
Brenton Billman had the Quakers best finish at sectionals placing second in the 100 freestyle.
He will be joined at districts by Drew Hostetler, Kenny Nguyen and Steven Simpson in individual events, and two relay teams.