LAURINBURG — The Richmond Senior High School boys’ swimming team returned to the pool at St. Andrews University for the first time in nearly two years to kick off its new season on Wednesday.
After last season’s COVID-shortened campaign sent swimmers to Smithfield to compete, the Raiders returned in full force to begin their Sandhills Athletic Conference campaign.
Fifth-year head coach Mike Way said it was “good to be back” in front of a live crowd, and that he was pleased with the efforts put forth by returning swimmers and newcomers.
The Raiders, led by senior Wil Mabe who set two new personal records, finished fourth overall with 56 points in three different events.
Richmond had multiple swimmers compete in the 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard relay, all using the freestyle stroke.
The top two swimmers from each team were able to secure points in each event, while other swimmers competed in exhibition races.
Pinecrest High School topped the standings with 275 points, followed by Union Pines High School (216 points).
Mabe, who started his third season with the team, notched new personal best times in the 50 and 100-yard freestyles. He finished both events sixth overall and collected 10 points each time.
His 50-yard time of 29.64 seconds took 0.40 seconds off his previous PR, and Mabe clocked in at 1:09.71 in the 100-yard freestyle (1.27 seconds faster).
Making his swimming debut and also collecting points in both events was senior Daniel Griggs, who took seventh in the 50-yard freestyle (29.86 seconds) for 7 points. He added 5 points in a 13th-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle (1:23.59).
Senior Daniel Griggs nears the wall during his 50-yard freestyle race. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
Also swimming in the 50-yard freestyle were newcomers sophomore Brent Humann (35.22 seconds, 19th), senior Connor Ellis (36.39 seconds, 20th) and senior Han Jalbasuren (42.68 seconds, 24th).
Humann and freshman Michael Barbee also swam the 100-yard freestyle, finishing with times of 1:25.69 and 1:40.23, respectively.
The Raiders picked up the majority of their points (22 points) in the 200-yard freestyle relay, which saw four swimmers each swim 50 yards for a 5th place finish.
Going the distance in 2:16.53, Mabe led off the race with a lap time of 30.51 seconds, followed by Barbee (44.67 seconds).
Humann swam the third leg in 31.33 seconds, and Richmond was anchored by Griggs’ time of 30.02 seconds.
The Raiders will return to action next Wednesday for another SAC meet at St. Andrews, starting at 6:15 p.m.
