On Feb. 16, The men’s swimming and diving team placed first in its Sectional with 503 points. CHS hosted Eastern (Greentown), Hamilton Heights, Kokomo, Maconaquah, Noblesville, Northwestern, Tipton, Western and Westfield. The team had State qualifiers in every event except for the 200-yard freestyle relay. On Feb. 22 and Feb. 23, Carmel competed in the State championship preliminary and final session and placed third overall.

“I’m proud of how my team and I performed throughout the season,” senior swimmer Mark Ordway said. “We were undefeated up until the state meet but I think it’s safe to say that every single swimmer and diver on the team made improvements.” Ordway swam in the Sectional and State championship meets in the 100-yard breastroke, 50-yard freestyle and on relays.

Being down a relay and facing tough competition from first place finisher, Munster, and second place finisher, North Central, the team was in for a fierce competition. This year, diver Chris Quammen qualified for the Sectional and Regional competitions, which is unlike most other years.

“Having a diver qualify helps the swimmers and divers come together to have stronger support for the team,” Ordway said. Quammen placed third at the Sectional meet, 12th at regionals and did not advance to the state meet.

“There’s a strong sense of unity on the team,” Head Coach Chris Plumb said. “The boys may not have won state but they understand how the victories achieved in the entire season outweigh the third place ranking at State.”