Yeager, Friars back to defend CHSAA title

It's long been a three-horse race in CHSAA swimming, and the majority of times Fordham Prep was the lead pony. But last year St. Anthony's upended that tradition, capturing its first CHSAA title in program history, after also besting the dual-meet season.

Christian Yeager, who competed at nationals in Ohio prior to the season, leads the team after placing fourth at the 2009 Federation Championship in the 200-yard IM (1:54.33) and sixth in the 100-back (52.71).

"I really expect him to be at the top of his game this year, which he's pretty much just about there," coach Dan McBride said. "Team-wise I can put him at the front of any event I need to."

Sean Sullivan will be swimming distance and Chris Cannon and Aidan McShane could assume bigger roles as the program feels confident it can guard against a "hangover" season.

"I think after last year's championship, they got hungry to consistently swim at that next level," McBride said. "They want it and they're putting in the work."

Chaminade is looking to move out of an unfamiliar place - the backseat. Until the last two seasons, Chaminade hadn't finished lower than second place at the CHSAA finals for a decade.

"I expect improvement from last year," coach Angelo Pellicone said. "The way it usually works is that we try to develop the team so that they contribute as juniors and seniors. This year we're expecting contributions from all four classes."

Tommy Murphy (200-free, 100 butterfly) and Emmett Johnson (50 free, 100 free, 100 fly) lead the lanes.

Miles Ronbeck is one of the better divers in the league.

"Diving is only one event, but it counts just the same as if you had a strong swimmer in any event," Pellicone said. "So it's sometimes overlooked. But it could definitely be a huge advantage for us."