SWIMMING: Becker boosts Crusaders to I-A Southern Region boys title

Faith Lutheran’s Bowen Becker won two events in dominating fashion on Friday to lead the Crusaders to the boys team title in the Division I-A Southern Region swimming and diving meet at UNLV’s Buchanan Natatorium.

Becker won the 50-yard freestyle by more than two seconds with a time of 20.97. It is the No. 3 mark in state history, according to the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association record book, and just off the state record of 20.81 set by Bishop Manogue’s Scott Evans in 1989.

Sierra Vista’s Bailey D’Alessio was second in 23.3.

Becker won the 100 freestyle by more than four seconds, taking the race in 47.33. Boulder City’s Braden Klouse was second with a time of 51.42.

Becker, a Minnesota signee, also swam a leg of the winning 200 free relay team (1:35.18) as the Crusaders finished with 366 points to end Boulder City’s streak of four consecutive boys titles.

The Eagles were second in the meet with 329 points, with Sierra Vista (304), Clark (226) and Sunrise Mountain rounding out the top five (153).

Dylan Gagnon was Faith Lutheran’s other event winner, placing first in diving with a score of 314.65.

Sam Sauerbrei won the 200 individual medley in 1:53.6 and the 100 breaststroke in 58.55 to lead Boulder City.

Spring Valley’s Jay Yang also won two events, placing first in the 100 butterfly (51.33) and 100 backstroke (52.54).

In the girls meet, Alex Hubel and Mandy Gebhart each won two individual events to lead Boulder City to the team title with 479½ points. Sierra Vista was second at 336, followed by Clark (239), Faith Lutheran (235) and Spring Valley (152).

The UCLA-bound Hubel was first in the 100 freestyle (50.66) and 200 freestyle (1:49.92), narrowly missing NIAA state records in both events.

Gebhart took the 500 freestyle (5:04.41) and 100 breaststroke (1:11.94).

Boulder City also swept the relays in capturing its third consecutive girls title.

Sierra Vista’s Isabella Green was the meet’s other double-winner, taking the 200 individual medley (2:05.62) and 100 backstroke (56.59).