The College of the Florida Keys' swim team showcased their talent, determination, and Tuga Pride at the NJCAA National Championships held at Indian River State College, March 6-9, 2024. CFK Athletic Director and Swim Coach Lori Bosco accompanied six swimmers to Fort Pierce to represent the College for the third time at a national championship since athletics was reintroduced to campus in 2020. The Tugas competed in a total of 17 individual races and two relay races. All athletes qualified to compete in their respective events based on times attained at previous meets in the current season. The Tugas’ performance was marked by outstanding achievements and personal bests across various events. The women's team secured an 11th place overall finish with a total of 20 points, while the men's team claimed 10th place overall with 45 points.

Performance Highlights by Day:

On Day-1, Lauren Walterson excelled in the 200-yard IM, placing 15^th overall. Kaemon Fagley and Eddie Kertis achieved personal bests in the 50-yard Freestyle and 50-yard Breaststroke, respectively. On Day-2, Walterson continued her success in the 400-yard IM, placing 15^th. Fagley impressed in the 50-yard Backstroke with a personal best time and 13^th place finish. The relay team of Kertis, Mason Egan, Bullard, and Fagley placed 9^th and set a school record in the 200-yard Free Relay. Day-3 saw Isabella Oliverio, Walterson, Fagley, Kertis, Bullard, and Egan deliver strong performances with personal bests and school records, including another 9^th place finish for the men in the 200-yard Medley Relay. On Day-4, Oliverio, Walterson, Bullard, and Fagley showcased their skills with personal bests and solid placements. Oliverio placed 12^th in the 200-yard Backstroke and 15^th in the 50-yard Butterfly, while Walterson placed 13^th in the 50-yard Butterfly.

School Records:

The athletes achieved four school records during the championship. Walterson set records in the 50-yard Butterfly and 200-yard Butterfly. Kertis, Egan, Bullard, and Fagley established records in the 200-yard Free Relay and 200-yard Medley Relay.

“I’m proud of our team and the strides each has made to make it to nationals,” said Bosco. “This experience is going to drive them to train even harder for next season.”

For more information about CFK’s swim team, visit the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/studentlife/cfk-swim-team/.