By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Harmony has dominated the Orange Belt Conference boys swimming meet for six seasons and will be favored to win again when the OBC teams convene at the Makinson Aquatic Center Tuesday.

The Longhorns won nine of their first 11 meets and boast returning standouts like Sam Steele, John Roberts, Luke Roberts, Josh Saute, Peter Swafford and Michael Driscoll, all regional qualifiers last season.

Challenging the Longhorns is a young and talented group from Gateway, coached by Vonnie Kochensparger, which won its first six meets and is improving with talent like Walter Brooks, who recently broke the school’s breast stroke record (1:04.93), Nico Olarte, Noah Hendricks, Nathan Colonna, Tate Fox and Josh Longfield, among others.

The Osceola girls have won the past two conference titles under Coach Krystle Singleton. The Lady Kowboys’ chances are bolstered by a strong diving team, led by state-qualifier Jordan Parrish. Parrish and Josue Herrera both placed among the top 11 at the FSPA meet in Orlando last week.

“To qualify to dive at FSPA is extremely difficult and both made it through all the cuts and placed 11th. I’m very proud of them,” Singleton said. “I think this year, like every year, its going to be close. My girls are working hard to defend their title. I’m very excited to see what the kids can put together for next week. As far as the boys, watch out for Gateway. They are definitely sneaking under the radar with a very talented boys squad.”

Harmony’s girls, who won the conference five straight years before Osceola’s recent success, defeated Titusville (94-92) for the first time last week as Katy Davis broke the school record in the 200 free and Davis, Emily Walker, Lindsey Saute and Rachel Walker set records in the medley relay and 400 free relay.

The team also performed well at last week’s FSPA meet at Orlando.

“Aaron Gokee and Daniel Schlumbohm had their personal best swims in the 100 breast,” Coach Terry Brown said. “I feel our boys are the favorite and the girls will have a close meet.”