Many of the Waves improved personal best times, and many achieved ‘A’ championship qualifying times.

West Hartford’s Charlie Krajc, 11, won both his events Sunday against the Wethersfield Barracudas. Submitted photo

By Holly Neumann

Despite a strong showing that resulted in more than 100 personal-best times, the West Hartford Waves swim team fell to league challenger Wethersfield, 352-288, on Sunday at Cornerstone Aquatics Center.

The Waves were led by a trio of boys who secured two individual wins apiece. Julian Flores, 13, won his age group’s 200-yard individual medley in 2:43.03 and 100-yard butterfly in 1:13.99. Charlie Krajc, 11, won the 100 IM for 11- and 12-year-old boys in 1:23.40 and the 100 freestyle in 1:13.36. And Sam Peters, 9, won the 9-10 boys 50 free in 36.78 and 100 free in 1:24.01.

The boys were among nearly two dozen of their teammates who achieved Central Connecticut Winter Swim League “A” championship qualifying times. The league’s season-ending meet is set for Feb. 15 at East Hartford High School.

Four Waves swimmers qualified Sunday for A Champs in the 9-10 girls 50-yard backstroke. Cate Mancini, Angel Parks, Alyson Booth, and Jasmine Parks all swam faster than the league’s time standard in that event. Alyson and Jasmine were also among four girls to qualify in the 50-yard butterfly, along with Madeline O’Toole and Meghan Murray.

Waves swimmer Julian Flores, 13, dropped nearly six seconds in his 200 individual medley on Sunday against Wethersfield. Submitted photo

But not all the impressive swims received blue ribbons or a ticket to the big meet. Several of the Waves’ less-experienced swimmers also turned in big improvements, including Jasmine DiGenti, 14, who improved 20 seconds in her 100-yard breaststroke and Kate Parker, 9, who took 37 seconds off her 50 breast.

“We saw some great swims from some of our newest swimmers,” said Waves board president Missi Burke. “The kids are building their swimming skills and learning how to race.”

The Waves are now 2-3 on the season and have two dual meets remaining before championships. They swim next on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Springfield JCC.