If the first couple of swim meets are any indication, the Cape Coral High Seahawks are embarking on another big season in the pool.

The Seahawks prevailed in a tri-match over Ida Baker and Cypress Lake last week, and turned in a strong third-place finish in the Shark Relays.

“We just tried to have as much fun as possible and let everyone swim,” Cape coach Dianne Kimble said of the relay event. “Being able to come in third with all the new swimmers swimming was just great.”

One of the standouts for the Seahawks, so far, has been junior Meghan Cotugno. The Daily Breeze Athlete of the Week is coming off a strong effort last season.

Individually, Cotugno qualified for regionals in the 50 and 100 freestyle events and was among the group that represented the Seahawks at the Class 3A State Finals in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

Cotugno, who was named a team captain, began this season by winning two events (50 free and 100 back) during the tri-match with Baker and Cypress Lake.

“I really hope we can be united this year,” Cotugno said. “I’m hoping for my best times in individual events. The team is looking really good right now.”

It’s Cotugno’s third year as a member of the Cape swim team. She has emerged as one of its strongest sprinters, as well as an anchor on relay events.

Along with the 50 and 100 freestyles, Cotugno is looking to develop her skills in other events.

“She’s found her breastroke and she has a great IM,” Kimble said. “Meghan is just one of those consistent swimmers that goes out and amazes you no matter what she does.”

The Seahawks relay teams broke school records in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays last season, on their way to state.

They lost key seniors Maida Turnadzic, Ashley Greulich and Nicole Smith, but Cotugno and fellow juniors Lauren Smith and Christina Todd provide a strong nucleus for this season.



Honorable mentions:



Todd Mallorey, Ida Baker golf: The senior shot 43 and took medalist honors in Baker’s win over Cypress Lake. He was one of three Bulldogs who shot 41 in a win over Cape High.



Chase Marinell, Bishop Verot golf: A senior from Cape Coral, Marinell fired a 34 in the Vikings’ loss to Barron Collier, following that up with a 37 in a victory over South Fort Myers.