The Jefferson Swim League 2026 summer season kicked off Wednesday, June 10, with the Lake Monticello Sharks hosting the City of Charlottesville Swordfish. Per tradition, the first meet of the season was an unscored match-up, giving swimmers and volunteers an opportunity to get acquainted with the operation of a swim meet.
The Sharks had a strong showing in the opening meet, with wins in both team relay and individual events. In team events, they won the mixed 6-and-under 100-meter freestyle relay; the boys and girls 8-and-under and 9-10 100-meter medley relays; and the boys 13-14 and 15-18 100-meter medley relays.
A number of Sharks won both of their individual events. First-place finishes in the 25-meter races went to Kemper Heath, 6, in freestyle, 30.89, and backstroke, 32.89; Henley Belew, 8, in breaststroke, 28.94, and butterfly, 24.07; and Kingston Arencibia, 6, in breaststroke, 27.69, and butterfly, 23.72.
In the 9-10 age group, Henry Ward, 10, won the 50-meter breaststroke, 54.65, and 100-meter freestyle, 1:27.15, while Ava Powell, 10, finished first in the 50-meter butterfly, 49.22, and 100-meter freestyle, 1:31.19.
Norbu Barnett, 11, won the 50-meter butterfly, 33.16, and 100-meter freestyle, 1:10.03, while Brick Sumner, 14, won the 50-meter breaststroke, 43.53, and 100-meter freestyle, 1:19.94.
Senior Sharks also won their 50-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly races, with Andrew Mikesh, 18, finishing in 28.00 and 31.72, and Sophie Pace, 18, finishing in 30.47 and 33.90, respectively.
Overall, it was a successful night for the Sharks, who, in addition to their wins, logged numerous time improvements and welcomed promising new swimmers to the team.
Each week, the Shark coaches recognize two Swimmers of the Week. This week, the honor went to Annalina Barresi, 8, for putting in her best effort at the meet, including a first-place finish in the girls 8-and-under 50-meter freestyle, 52.69. Coaches also recognized her sportsmanship in cheering on her teammates and befriending swimmers from the visiting City Swordfish.
Gabriel Hernandez was also honored for his dedication, focus, and toughness as he pushed through challenging practices despite an injury. Coaches recognized his effort, attitude, and commitment as outstanding attributes.
The Sharks will be back in the water Wednesday, June 17, at Farmington Country Club.
