By SCOTT PAKE

ECA Associate Head Coach

 

The Gators of East Carolina Aquatics traveled to Wilmington for the Commotion at the Ocean meet on Sept. 26-27 to kick off the 2015-2016-swim year.

The meet, hosted by the Waves of Wilmington in the University of North Carolina at Wilmington Natatorium, featured 17 teams from across the state. After only about a month of practice, the Gators performed at a high level with several event winners and team records.

Twelve-year-old Jack Nowacek of Beaufort broke four 11-12 boys’ ECA records. Nowacek bested his own records in the 50 free (24.65), 100 free (53.97) and 50 fly (26.89). He also broke Dalton Shaw’s 2008 100 fly record by a full second clocking 1:01.47. Nowacek won seven of his eight events while placing second in the 50 back behind teammate Will Barker. Barker of Swansboro also had a strong meet winning three events and finishing in the top three in four others.

Other event winners were Kevin Andrews of Washington, Brad Downs of Winterville, Emma Hastings of Greenville, Ava Lajoie of Winterville, Clara Pierce Smith of Greenville and Bethany Tart of Winterville.

ECA will return to action on Oct. 3 in a home intrasquad meet at East Carolina University’s Minges Natatorium. For more information, go to www.swimeca.org