Casey TigerSharks swimmers Stephanie Demestichas, Josh Beaver, Dylan Warren, Craig Watson and Brad York impressed at last week’s Victorian Open Championships. 26310By Marc McGowan
BRAD York has had to sit back and watch his younger Casey TigerSharks team-mates show off the fruits of their labour at the Victorian Age Championships over the last month.
The Berwick swimmer is only one year removed from age-group racing and finally received his turn to shine at last week’s Victorian Open Championships.
And shine he did.
York, 19, was the fastest Victorian in the 50m backstroke – finishing third overall – and recorded top-six finishes in the 100m backstroke and butterfly.
He swam next to Olympic bronze medallist Hayden Stoeckel in both of his backstroke events courtesy of his qualifying efforts.
TigerSharks head coach Ben Hiddlestone said the experience would prove invaluable for York.
“The 100 backstroke was probably one of Brad’s better swims, although he didn’t medal in it,” Hiddlestone said.
“He just showed he’s got that potential. He’s just got to develop the physical attributes – Stoeckel is 25 years old and probably has 20 kilos on him.
“I hope Brad takes a lot of motivation in terms of his future from that.”
Sixteen-year-old Craig Watson (200m backstroke and individual medley), 15-year-old pair Josh Beaver (100m and 200m backstroke) and Dylan Warren (1500m freestyle) and 14-year-old Stephanie Demestichas (400m and 800m freestyle) also reached finals for Casey.
The TigerSharks also just missed medals in the men’s 4 x 100m medley and 4 x 200m freestyle relays.
Casey came ninth out of the Victorian clubs at the meet and placed fifth over the entire Victorian Championships, including the 12-and-under, 13 to 18 and open age groups.
Meanwhile, TigerSharks prodigy Aleysha Tokai exceeded expectations for Australia ‘Green’ at last week’s Australian Youth Olympic Festival.
Tokai, 15, finished fourth in the women’s 200m and 400m freestyle and seventh in the 100m freestyle.
She just failed to qualify for the 100m butterfly final because the rules state that only two members from each team can compete in finals.
Tokai was eighth fastest overall in the heats for the 100m butterfly, but touched the wall third out of the Green team.
“Aleysha was fantastic. She was called up as a reserve and I think they were just expecting her to make up the numbers,” Hiddlestone said.
“I’m really happy for her. She’s done a ton of hard work over the last 12 months.”
Casey’s swimmers are back in heavy training ahead of the season’s two major meets – the Australian Swimming Championships in March and the Australian Age Championships in April.
