Pirates Shine at Hawk Invite, Eye Conference Championship Push

The Modesto Junior College men's swim team delivered a strong performance this past weekend at the Hawk Invite hosted by Las Positas College, highlighted by multiple podium finishes, personal bests, and standout individual honors.

 

Freshman Ben Svoboda (Ripon HS) led the Pirates with an impressive showing in the sprint events. Svoboda captured first place in the 100 freestyle with the second-fastest time in the state this season. He also added a runner-up finish in the 100 butterfly and a third-place finish in the 100 backstroke. His dominant weekend earned him High Point honors in the Sprint Discipline, while posting six personal-best times.

 

Jacob Miller (Modesto HS) continued his strong season with a well-rounded performance in the distance and butterfly events. Miller placed third in the 400 IM, fourth in the 500 freestyle, and fifth in the 200 butterfly. His efforts secured him High Point honors in the Butterfly Discipline, along with two personal-best swims.

 

Spencer Cox (Hilmar HS) contributed key points for the Pirates with a trio of top-five finishes. Cox placed third in the 50 butterfly, fourth in the 50 backstroke, and fifth in the 100 butterfly. He recorded three personal-best times and one season-best performance over the weekend.

 

The Pirates also showed progress in relay competition, improving their times in three events as they continue to build momentum heading into the championship portion of the season.

 

Modesto returns to action in three weeks at the Big 8 Championships, hosted by American River College from April 16–18. The team is trending upward, currently projecting qualification in four relay events and between six to ten individual races for the State Championships at Orange Coast College.