Dons Swim Dominates League Prelims, Sends Strong Contingent to Finals
The Cathedral Catholic swim programs continued their impressive spring campaign this week, delivering standout performances at the league preliminary meets. After undefeated dual-meet seasons, both the boys and girls teams demonstrated depth and talent, qualifying a large group of athletes for Friday’s league finals.
On the girls’ side, the Dons delivered a well-rounded performance highlighted by multiple top-eight finishes. The 200 Medley Relay team of Jannei, Amaya, Demi, and Vivienne set the tone early with a runner-up finish. Amaya Dresvic led the way individually, capturing first place in the 500 freestyle and also placing second in another distance event.
Sprint events proved a strength for the Dons, as Janie Markowicz (5th) and Patsy Hellmann (7th) both advanced to the A final in the 50 freestyle, while Francesca McNeil secured a B final spot. In the 100 butterfly, Oleisa Chua and Demi Attia both earned A final berths, with Aubree Magnaghi adding a consolation final swim.
The Dons also showcased their depth in the 100 freestyle and backstroke, with multiple swimmers advancing to the finals. Relay teams remained key, with the 200 freestyle relay finishing fourth and the 400 freestyle relay reaching the finals.
The boys followed up with an equally strong showing, highlighted by several event wins and top finishes. The 200 Medley Relay team of Trenton Van Dillen, Jack Davis, Colin McPhail, and Max Davies captured first place with an impressive 1:38.39, setting the tone for the evening.
Max Davies delivered one of the top individual performances of the meet, winning the 50 freestyle (20.97) and finishing second in the 100 freestyle. The Dons added another victory in the 200 freestyle relay, touching first in 1:28.45.
One of the night’s most exciting races came in the 400 freestyle relay. The team of Jack (So.), Colin (Sr.), Cortez (Fr.), and Eamon (Jr.)—the fastest swimmers from each grade—delivered a thrilling performance, finishing third overall. Anchoring the relay, Eamon Bruhn entered the water trailing Point Loma by nearly a body length but refused to back down. He steadily closed the gap, surging ahead down the stretch to win the heat by 0.16 seconds in a dramatic finish. The race highlighted the team’s grit and determination.
Strong depth across events propelled Cathedral, as multiple swimmers advanced to the finals in the 100 freestyle, 200 IM, and butterfly. The 400 freestyle relay team capped off the night with a third-place finish in a highly competitive race.
Across both meets, the Dons recorded numerous personal bests and showcased the consistency that has defined their season.
In total, Cathedral Catholic will send a deep and talented group of swimmers to Friday’s league finals:
Girls Qualifiers:
Janie Markowicz, Patsy Hellmann, Vivienne Perez-Vazquez, Aubree Magnaghi, Demi Attia, Lillian LaRaia, Francesca McNeil, Amaya Dresvic, Oleisa Chua, Alivia Johnson
Boys Qualifiers:
Colin McPhail, Hudson Tweed, Eamon Bruhn, Braylen Axline, Trenton Van Dillen, Jack Davis, Max Davies, Reid Emoto-Garay, Diego Dantas, Cortez Chavez, Ki Baron, Kai Reid, Peter Zapala
With momentum on their side and championship races ahead, the Dons now turn their focus to Friday’s finals with league titles within reach.


