Newark’s Maryn Hatfield, Watkins’ Olivia Crock win sectional swim

WORTHINGTON ― Being the No. 1 seed did not bother Maryn Hatfield on Friday. The Newark sophomore standout swimmer was racing against the clock.

Hatfield won a pair of Division I sectional titles at Thomas Worthington, but because only six teams were competing, the wins did not carry an automatic advancement to the district meet Feb. 18. Hatfield’s winning time in the 50 freestyle of 26.70 was just off her best, and she was only a half-second off her best in winning in the 100 free in 59.57

“It feels really good,” Hatfield said. “I feel confident that I am going to do well, but it’s also hard to drop time when you are racing against the clock almost. Knowing you are seeded first, you don’t do as well as you could.”

Hatfield will find out later in the weekend if she qualifies for the district meet. Fingers are crossed she gets the opportunity because she thrives under pressure.

“I like being in between,” Hatfield said. “I like being a big fish in a small pond but also a small fish in a big pond. I find it really interesting, and I really like to race because I am very competitive.”

Newark’s boys along with Watkins Memorial and Licking Heights compete Sunday in their sectional meet at Kenyon.

Watkins’ standout freshman combined for three titles Friday as Olivia Crock won the 200 free (1:58.97) and 500 free (5:19.95), notching a personal best in the latter. Ava Dutton added the third win in the 100 butterfly (58.20).

“I feel like I am right there. Hopefully, I do a little better in my 500 at districts to go to state,” Crock said. “Right now, it’s (projected) to be a 5:17, so I am trying to go 5:16. I am happy with my 5:19. It took me seven weeks to get that.”