RICE VS ST. THOMAS (TX)
- January 24, 2025
- Houston, Texas
- SCY (25 yards)
- Results
Courtesy: Rice Athletics
HOUSTON – The Rice Owls swim team closed out its home slate with time trials against St. Thomas on Friday afternoon, taking victories in seven events, including mixed (co-ed) events.
“It was good to get up and race today,” said head coach Seth Huston. “The weather cooperated and we needed to get back to competing after a three week training block. This should help in preparing us for next week with University Of Houston and the University Of Texas Jill Sterkle Classic.”
Rice’s first victory came in the Mixed 50 Yard Backstroke, where Ava Hamblett finished with the top time of 26.84. Mimi Filkin finished second with a time of 27.00 to round out podium-finishing Owls.
In the followed event, the Mixed 50 Yard Butterfly, Arielle Hayon took first place with a time of 24.67, with Catherine Eland taking the third place spot with a time of 25.62.
Rice took all three spots on the podium in the 500 Yard Freestyle, with Ella Dyson taking first with a time of 4:57.71. Amelia Kane took second with a time of 4:58.02, and Ava Casperson rounded out the top three with a time of 5:14.09.
The Owls’ next victory came in the Mixed 100 Yard Backstroke, where Hamblett notched her second top finish of the day with a time of 56.65. Filkin also notched her second podium finish with a third place time of 58.12.
Rice’s next victory came in the 1000 Yard Freestyle, where Dyson, Kane, and Casperson took first, second, and third, with times of 10:10.82, 10:20.86, and 11:06.40, respectively.
Rice’s penultimate victory came in the Mixed 200 Yard Backstroke, where Hamblett earned her third top finish with a time of 2:02.93, and Filkin earned her second second-place finish with a time of 206.37.
Rice’s final victory of the day came in the Mixed 200 Yard Freestyle, which saw Ava Portello earn her first top finish of the day with a time of 1:51.21. Kane earned her third podium finish with a third place time of 1:54.43.
Rice will return to action on Friday, January 31, with a dual meet at Houston.
Courtesy: UST Celts Athletics
HOUSTON,TX- The St. Thomas Swim team faced a challenge as they competed against Division I Rice University. Despite the tough competition, the Celts rose to the occasion, delivering remarkable performances with several season and lifetime bests.
Leading the way for the men, Oscar Mayorga impressed in the 100-yard butterfly, clocking a lifetime-best 55.08 to take first among the Celts. He also shone in the mixed 50-yard butterfly, finishing second overall with a swift 25.45. Charles Wallace continued his standout season, narrowly missing first place in the mixed 50-yard freestyle with a time of 22.91, while also posting a solid 50.00 in the 100-yard freestyle. Austin Brister proved dominant in breaststroke events, securing first place in the 100-yard breaststroke with a 1:03.08 and showing endurance in the 200-yard breaststroke with a 2:19.41.
On the women’s side, Valentina Garcia-Lara and Kelsy Elgar gave strong performances in their respective events. Garcia-Lara held her own in the mixed 50-yard freestyle with a time of 27.44, while Elgar battled through the mixed 50-yard backstroke, finishing in 31.86. Ava Verret added to the Celts’ depth, competing fiercely in the mixed 50-yard breaststroke.
In the relays, UST showcased teamwork and resilience. The men’s team of Brister, Wallace, Mayorga, and Luke Newman combined for stellar efforts across various events. Newman was a standout in freestyle, tying for fourth in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 52.92.
Though Rice University brought its Division I depth, the Celts demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level.
Up Next:
The Celts will regroup and prepare for their biggest test of the season at the SCAC Swimming Championships in Garland, Texas, from February 12-15. Follow all the action on ustcelts.com and the UST Swimming Instagram.
