Defending state champs stroke past Jefferson

By CASEY OLSON

Sports editor

The Decatur Gators proved that they are ready to defend their Class 4A state championship. Decatur downed a tough Thomas Jefferson swim team Tuesday at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, 99-80.

The Gators cruised to a 61-32 lead after the first six events and cruised the rest of the way.

Several state qualifying times were recorded during the dual meet from swimmers on both sides. Decatur’s Erich Matulic and Eric Johnson, as well as Jefferson’s Danny Smith and Matt Diotte each qualified in a pair of events.

Matulic qualified for state after winning the 500 freestyle in 4:43.80 and the 200 free in 1:46.83. Johnson qualified in the 200 individual medley (2:00.48) and the 100 breaststroke (1:00.59). Diotte won the 50 free in a time of 21.49 and the 100 backstroke (59.42) and Smith made state by finishing second in the 200 individual medley (2:02.10) and the 500 (5:00.57). Decatur’s Seamus Alger made state by finishing in third in the individual medley (2:03.31).

Other winners included Decatur’s Marty Klingebiel in diving with 112.9 points, Jefferson’s Paul Tomko in the 100 free (56.68), the Decatur team of Alger, Matulic, Johnson and Alan Silver in the 200 medley relay (1:45.94), Jefferson’s Diotte, V. Nguyen, David Bai and Smith won the 200 free relay in 1:35.93 and the Raider 400 free relay team of Smith, Bai, Tomko and Diotte won in 3:30.90.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.