Theaker and company open the proceedings with authority

Stingray's distance crew for the Caledonian hit the water tonight for the first race of the competition, the 800 Freestyle. Sam Bailey and Jonathan Key held together kneck and kneck over the entire race and finished 3rd and 4th overall, respectively. Sam dropped 10 seconds in a time of 10:21 while Jonathan knocked off 11 seconds, finishing at 10:23. Ella Plunkett came in close behind with a time of 10:38, smashing her previous best by 38 seconds. Brandon Williams also swam a respectable race, finishing in 10:40.

The spoils of the night, though, go to Ashley Theaker, who dominated the race from start to finish, placing first overall by more than 13 seconds. Theaker cranked out her first 200 just 1 second slower than her 200 PB, 2:19.9... her first 400 in 4:49.4, more than 6 seconds faster than her 400 PB, and held strong the rest of the way for a total time of 4:49.49. This time was a personal best in short course by a whopping 49 seconds.

Way to go Stingray Swimmers. Let's see some more big time action tomorrow! WOOHOO!