EL CAJON EL CAJON — Torrey Pines High School’s Logan Noguchi owned three CIF San Diego Section boys records entering the this year’s Division 1 prelims.
Then the senior rewrote one of his own.
Noguchi took a half second off his old mark, posting a time of 46.76 seconds in the 100-yard butterfly on Wednesday at Granite Hills High School.
The Princeton-bound swimmer also led qualifying in the 100 backstroke; his time of 48.55 was just off his mark of 48.36 from two years ago.
“I’m happy with where I’m at right now, especially since I only had three days of rest (also looking to the state meet),” said Noguchi, who also holds the 200 individual medley record (1:47.96) from two years ago. “In the finals here, I’m looking to go out with more speed.”
The finals are slated for 9 a.m. Saturday at the same site.
Another record fell Wednesday in the girls 200 free relay, as Torrey Pines — with a time of 1:35.36 — broke its own mark of 1:36.59 set last year.
On the team were three returning swimmers, including sophomore Aya Ferguson, who also enjoyed a breakthrough performance in her individual races. Ferguson, who battled a persistent sore throat last season. led the 200 girls freestyle qualifying by more than two seconds (1:50.72) while improving six seconds from her 11th-place showing a year ago.
Qualifying fourth was the defending champion, Bonita Vista senior Sarah Hardin (1:55.11) Also, in the 100 free, Ferguson led the way (51.17) ahead of San Marcos sophomore Gabby Esposito (52.93).
“It’s good to be healthy this year,” Ferguson said. “Also, I’ve been working really hard in practice and getting in a good mindset.”
Anchoring the 200 Falcons’ free relay team was senior Rachel Yang, who qualified first in the 50 free (23.50) in her bid for a repeat title.
Sophomore Katerina Wietfeldt and junior Sophie Kelley also contributed to the record. There was also a gritty effort by Del Norte junior Julian Rousseau — the two-time defending champion advanced while dealing with a ailing left shoulder blade sustained a week ago.
Rousseau qualified for the eighth and also championship final spot in the 200 freestyle (1:45.60), four seconds off Torrey Pines senior Elek Zettle (1:41.60) in the top spot.
He later finished second n the 500 free (4:38.96).
“I feel a lot better (after racing),” said Rousseau, who has already committed to Cal. “It still hurts, but I can move my shoulder. For the races, I depended more on my kicks and breathed instead from the left. I’m happy to advance.”
Canyon Crest senior Bekzhan Yessengeldy (1:48.62) appraoched Noguchi’s 200 IM mark set two years ago (1;47.96) in leading the field.
He also led qualifying in the 100 breaststroke (55.85). Going for twin titles for the third straight year, San Marcos junior Cassidy Allison led the way in the girls 100 butterfly (54.93) and the 200 IM (2:04.64) Esposito, besides contending in the 100 freestyle set the stage for a repeat 100 backstroke crown with the top qualifying effort (56.82).
Thien is a freelance writer.
