Lilla Bognar, Margaret Wazenek, Scott Buff Shine at NCSA Junior Nationals
During the third day of the NCSA Junior Nationals in Orlando, a pair of teenagers posted stellar efforts in the women’s 400 IM as 15-year-old Lilla Bognar from Team Greenville finished ahead of NOVA of Virginia’s Zoe Dixon. Bognar touched the wall in 4:05.50, completing a drop of more than 10 seconds over the course of the day, while Dixon finished second in 4:06.77. Both of those times would be seeded in the top-16 at the ongoing women’s NCAA Championships. Bognar became the ninth-fastest 15-16 girl in the event in U.S. history, and the group ahead of her is a decorated bunch that includes four Olympians plus American-record holder Ella Eastin.
A couple events later, Margaret Wanezek from Elmbrook Swim Club, won the 100 back in 51.13, while Levenia Sim took second in 51.45 and Carly Novelline claimed third in 51.61. Both Wanezek and Sim moved into the all-time top-10 for the 15-16 girls age group. And in the women’s 200 free, Nation’s Capital’s Camille Spink won a tight dual with Claire Tuggle in the 200 free by just three hundredths, 1:45.43 to 1:45.46.
On the men’s side, Scott Buff posted the top performance of the night as he won the 100 back in 45.89. Jualcarlos Castrillion beat out Ozan Kalafat in the men’s 200 free, 1:36.67 to 1:36.72, while Samuel Powe and James Ewing finished just behind in a tie at 1:36.75. In yet another incredible tight finish, Stephen Hitchcock beat out Toby Barnett in the men’s 400 IM, 3:47.29 to 3:47.35.
Elmbrook’s women won the 200 free relay in 1:29.43 with a team of Lucy Thomas, Wanezek, Campbell Stoll and Abigail Wanezek, while New Albany’s Spencer Aurnou-Rhees, Brady McInerney, Chase Swearingen and Hudson Williams won the men’s 200 free relay in 1:20.77.
Scotty Buff not Sam