Groves leads way for impressive local results at swim states

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

Birmingham Groves returned to the top and several other local schools and their athletes had impressive showings at the MHSAA boys swimming and diving state finals.

Falcons win Division 2 title

Groves, the three-time D-2 champions from 2004-06 and the runner-up last year, reclaimed the crown after winning the program’s sixth overall state title March 13 at Oakland University.

 “Our guys swam lights out,” Falcons coach Matt Watson said.

Groves, which also won Class A state titles in 1975 and 1969, utilized excellent individual efforts across its roster to score 331 points.

“Each guy came to do their part,” Watson said. “Our guys were focused on their jobs and individual goals. I’m proud that we did that, and the guys had great performances.”

Seniors Nick McGowan, Nicola Colliva, Tyler Howe and Nick Crosthwaite opened the finals portion of the competition for Groves with a first-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay. McGowan, Crosthwaite, senior Alex Smith and junior .Rob McGowan then closed out the meet with a first-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay.

Individually, McGowan took first in the 100 backstroke, while several other Falcons racked up all-state finishes.

For complete results from the state finals, visit www.mhsaa.com.

Watson credited his senior’s leadership with helping the squad realize its goal of a state title.

“This was a great way for our seniors to go out,” the coach said. “Next year they will be gone, and a new group will have to step up as our leaders. We have a large group of younger swimmers who felt what is was like to compete at a state level and win a championship. I think that makes them hungry to continue our team’s success next year. We will have a long way to go, but I believe in our guy’s belief in the importance of carrying on the great tradition of Groves swimming and diving.”

Rival Birmingham Seaholm wasn’t far behind Groves in the team standings, finishing in fourth place overall after scoring 201.5 points.

Division 1 recap
In the D-1 finals held at the Holland Community Aquatic Center, Birmingham Brother Rice led the way locally with a 10th-place finish after scoring 86 points. The Warriors’ Robbie Biskup led the squad with a first-place finish in the 100 backstroke.

Division 3 roundup
Bloomfield Hills Lahser led the way locally in the D-3 finals at Eastern Michigan University, scoring 145 points to finish seventh overall. Lahser picked up a first-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay from Cody Wolfrom, Thor Person, Alex Nault and Ryan Reynolds.

Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day took 10th at the competition after scoring 99 points. Jack Edwards led Country Day on the medal stand with a first-place finish in the 100 backstroke.

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood scored 48 points and finished in 15th place.

Bloomfield Hills Hills Andover finished tied for 21st after scoring 25 points.
For more photos from the D-2 finals at Oakland, visit our Web site at www.candgnews.com.

You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040.