Newman sweeps state swimming crowns in Division IV

Newman claimed team titles for both boys and girls in the LHSAA Division IV swimming championships Thursday in Sulphur.

The Greenies boys finished with 315 points, just ahead of second-place Pope John Paul with 293. It was a larger gap back to third-place Ascension Episcopal (157) and fourth-place St. Martin’s Episcopal (143).

The Newman girls’ margin of victory was more comfortable, 305-250 over Ascension Episcopal, with St. Martin’s third at 191 and McGehee fourth with 167 points.

The Newman boys dominated the 500 freestyle and the 100 backstroke, claiming the top three spots and four of the top six. Greenies junior Pierce Thionville won both events.

Pope John Paul’s Davis Legnon was the boys MVP after setting a state record in the 50 freestyle with a winning time of 21.07 seconds.

Newman junior Katherine Kramer led the girls effort, winning the 200 free, finishing second in the 500 free and leading off a pair of relays.

Ashley Gill of Ascension Catholic was the girls MVP after her record-setting performance of :55.60 in the 100 free.