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Gonzaga, National Cathedral repeat as DCSAA swim and dive champs

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February 14, 2024 at 5:25 p.m. EST
From left, Gonzaga's Caden Wilkinson, Palmer Bice and Kirk Morgan pose with Coach Brian Kilner after repeating as D.C. state champs. (Sam Jane for The Washington Post)
2 min

From the start of the D.C. State Athletic Association swimming and diving championships, it appeared the Gonzaga boys and National Cathedral girls were intent on putting a disappointing showing last weekend at the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships behind them.

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On Wednesday at Takoma Aquatic Center, they made amends by repeating as state champions. For National Cathedral, it was a third straight state title.

Gonzaga opened with a win in the 200-yard medley relay, clocking a time of 1 minute 37.04 seconds, and concluded the meet with a convincing victory in the 400 freestyle relay (3:02.85).

The time between those relays brought a number of top finishers wearing purple. Gonzaga had a top-three finisher in all eight heats, winning three.

Caden Wilkinson won the 200 freestyle (1:47.68), and Palmer Bice claimed the 50 freestyle (21.92). The juniors swam in those events last year, but neither reached the podium. With one year of competition remaining, they are already looking ahead.

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“Metros,” the two immediately responded when asked about their goals for next year. “We want it all.”

Georgetown Day’s Adriano Arioti almost single-handedly prevented a Gonzaga sweep. After a record-breaking performance at Metros, he completed his high school career with wins in the 100 freestyle (44.96) and 200 IM (1:52.10).

While Gonzaga finished runner-up at Metros, National Cathedral was 11th, 199 points behind Richard Montgomery.

National Cathedral’s slow start Wednesday was an ominous sign; it was upset by St. John’s in the 200 medley relay (1:56.77). But NCS posted wins in the next two events. Natalie Garre won the 200 IM in 2:10.40, and Ellie Denney clocked a 24.64 to take the 50 freestyle. Denney swept the freestyle events; she won the 100 in 53.03, narrowly topping Maret’s Hannah Clattenburg (53.76).

“This has been our meet that we wanted,” Denney said.

Coach Rich Bettencourt’s team faced a more balanced field than in years past, but Maret and St. John’s were unable to convert strong relay performances into an upset.

Sidwell Friends’ Desi Amprey won the girls’ diving championship with a score of 197.60. Caden Guy of St. John’s (235.20) claimed the boys’ title.