Virginia: Boys' Swimming Preview

Stonewall Jackson senior Zach Hayden, an all-American and the AAA state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley, fractured his left femur on Oct. 7. He had surgery during which a titanium rod was inserted in his leg. The state record holder in the 100 breast has been limited early in the season, but expects to be able to defend his titles at the state meet in February. . . .

Lake Braddock junior Andy Brake returns to defend his AAA Northern Region titles in the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly. Brake, an all-American in the 200 IM, and senior Drew Bollea, who finished third at states in the 200 freestyle, lead a strong Bruins team that finished second at the state and region meets last season. . . .

Stafford senior Nick Lloyd and Potomac Falls senior Matt McLean both recently committed to Auburn, the three-time defending national champion. They will team with former Robinson all-American Steve Scheren, who was named the All-Met boys' swimmer of the year last season and is now a freshman at Auburn. Lloyd, the Virginia AAA 100 backstroke champion, broke his elbow this fall, but has returned to the pool. He expects to recover fully in time to defend his state title. . . .

Junior Jacob Goodfellow returns to Osbourn this season hoping to defend his AAA Northwestern Region 200 freestyle title. Goodfellow, who placed sixth in the event at the state meet, teams with sophomore Philip LaRosa, the region 500 free champion.

-- Rich Campbell