Ventura's Henry Chung claims another state title in 100 backstroke
Henry Chung may not have been perfect Friday night, but he's still perfect all-time at the CCCAA state swimming and diving championships.
Despite over-swimming a wall, the Ventura College sophomore defended his title in the 100-yard backstroke on Day 2 of the three-day competition at East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park.
The perfectionist was disappointed not to break his own state record in the event, swimming a 49.11 seconds, rather than the 48.53 he recorded as a freshman.
"I didn't feel really good and I kind of missed a wall," Chung said. "At least I gained points for my school, that's the main goal."
Chung's second best was still good enough for a state championship.
"Those races are just what they are," Ventura coach Larry Baratte said. "He sure swam well, though."
Chung will attempt to finish his VC career 6-0 in individual events at the state meet Saturday, when he will swim the 200 backstroke.
"I've still got the 200 back," Chung said. "I'll try to do better (Saturday)."
The VC men sit in sixth place with 189 points, nearly 100 points behind leader Golden West (283).
Nick Vallejo was fifth (50.83) in the 100 butterfly. Nic Lum was 12th (1:44.18) in the 200 freestyle. Joe Yamamoto was 16th (1:00.70) in the 100 breaststroke.
The VC women are in third place with 258.5 points, trailing leader Diablo Valley (302) by less than 45 points.
"We're looking real good," Baratte said. "(Today) is really our best day. If we keep battling, third is likely and you never know."
Freshman Natasha Tang was the runner-up in the women's 200 freestyle, finishing in 1:52.09.
"The 200 freestyle is not an event she really trains for," Baratte said. "It's such a short race for her. She's learning how to swim that race, so she did a great job."
Swimming nearly a second faster than the time that won her the Western State Conference title, Christina Robledo was fifth (27.82) in the 50 backstroke.
The sophomore from Santa Clara High is the top seed in Saturday's 100 backstroke.
"The 100 is a much better race for her," Baratte said. "She says she's really looking forward to (today)."
Taylor Amstutz was sixth (31.69) and Brittany Salazar was 13th (32.28) in the 50 breaststroke. Abby Puczkowski was sixth (1:57.01) in the 200 freestyle.
Jessie Ball was seventh (2:14.42) in the 200 individual medley. Gaby Romero was seventh (27.00) in the 50 butterfly.
Ventura was fourth (1:34.42) in the men's 200 medley relay and fifth (1:49.86) in the women's 200 medley relay.
Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/apr/26/community-college-swimming-venturas-henry-chung/#ixzz2qVSpwGZI
- vcstar.com