Capital Aquatics makes strides during winter

Following a strong spring and summer season, Capital Aquatics had two strong showings during the past two months.

Capital Aquatics finished off 2022 in stand-out fashion when it traveled to Indianapolis to take part in the annual Jingle Jamboree at the IU Natatorium from Dec. 9 to 11. Led by Eli Robbeloth and Cam Lasley, the boys of Capital Aquatics finished atop the 20-team field with 1,081 points, followed by Indiana Swim Club at 1,019 and Zionsville Swim Club with 1,003. The girls’ squad finished eighth at the three-day event with 601 points.

After a standout 2022, Lasley began 2023 by being selected to represent Team Indiana in the Mid-States All-Star meet in Indianapolis on Jan. 7 and 8. Competing against all-star teams from Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Lasley helped Team Indiana win the meet by finishing seventh in the 1,650-yard freestyle, ninth in both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyles, 13th in the 200-yard individual medley and 14th in the 100-yard butterfly.

As a team, Capital Aquatics picked up right where it left off in 2022, when it captured first place in the Donner Winter Invitational in Columbus on Jan. 13 and 14. High-point winners on the girls’ side included Penelope Belles, Brecke Wolfe and Madison and Emma Stilwell, while Lasley and Robbeloth led matters on the boys’ side.

At the meet, Malachi Mikel also turned heads when he qualified to take part in the Central Zone Championships, where he will compete in the 50-yard butterfly. Mikel represents the fourth swimmer from Capital Aquatics to qualify in a national-level event since the team was founded in 2019.