Wood takes third in team competition
By KAREN SANGILLO
Bucks County Courier Times

PHILADELPHIA - Megen Donovan of Archbishop Wood had a banner day at the Philadelphia Catholic League swimming championships, held Sunday at La Salle University's Kirk Natatorium.

Donovan, a sophomore, clocked in at 5:25.53 to win the 500-yard freestyle.

"I worked so hard all season long, so I can see it pays off," said Donovan, who was also fourth in the 100 breaststroke (1:11.66). "I was kind of hoping to be a little faster, but I'm pleased that I placed well. It's my best time, so I have to be happy with that.

"I'm already looking ahead to next year. That's what I do. I'm already thinking about what I want to do."

Also for Wood, Jaclyn Smith took third in the 200 freestyle (2:03.87) and fourth in the 100 backstroke (1:05.11) and Christina Rios was third in the 50 freestyle (25.96) and fifth in the 100 backstroke (1:05.97).

Smith, Donovan, Nicole Lydon and Rios were second in the 200 medley relay (1:59.50), Smith, Donovan, Amy Finn and Rios were third in the 400 freestyle relay (3:58.27) and Megan Gannon, Sharon Racine, Monica Cymerman and Finn were fifth in the 200 freestyle relay (1:51.13).

The girls took third in team competition with 411 points.

"I'm really happy with third place, " Donovan said. "That's what we were shooting for."

For the boys, Tom Whelan took second in the 100 breaststroke (1:02.12).

"I would have liked to win, but I still have next year," said Whelan, a junior who took third in this event last year. "He's [Matt Harner of Father Judge, the winner in 1:01.48] a junior, too, so hopefully, this will be another good race next year.

"I look forward to those close, challenging races. It's better than blowing someone out or getting blown out. It gives you something to work for."

Billy Langlois was fourth in both the 100 butterfly (56.01) and 100 breaststroke (1:03.69).

Dave Keller, Whelan, Langlois and Brendon McGhee were fourth in the 200 medley relay (1:47.90) and Whelan, McGhee, Jim Hurley and Langlois were sixth in the 400 freestyle relay (3:34.72).

The boys finished sixth in team scoring (200 points).

LaSalle won the boys team competiton with 904 points.

Archbishop Ryan repeated as girls champs (982 points).

Hall of Fame broadcaster Chuck Thompson, whose deep voice and enthusiasm for the job entertained Baltimore sports fans for more than 50 years, died Sunday. He was 83.

Thompson died at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, hospital spokesman Michael Schwartzberg said. He declined to provide further details. Thompson's family said the broadcaster had a massive stroke on Saturday.

Thompson called Orioles games for the better part of five decades and served 30 years as play-by-play announcer of the Baltimore Colts.

Ernie Els eagled the final hole Sunday to win the Dubai Desert Classic for the third time with a one-stroke victory over Miguel Angel Jimenez, who led for most of the tournament.

Els, who shot a 4-under-par 68 and finished at 19-under 269, captured his first title of 2005.

Karen Sangillo can be reached at 215-949-4215 or ksangillo@phillyBurbs.com.  


March 7, 2005 8:12 AM

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