Courtney, Brunfeldt lead Aquahawk placers

Jill Courtney and Alex Brunfeldt of the Lawrence Aquahawks posted third-place finishes at the NCSA Junior National swim championships last week in Orlando, Fla.

Courtney earned a medal in the 200 freestyle (1:49.9) and qualified for the U.S. Open. Brunfeldt earned a bronze in the 1,650 freestyle (15:32.4). He also was fourth in the 500 freestyle (4:31.5) and sixth in the 1,000 free (9:20.30).

The Aquahawks’ Ashley Robinson finished sixth in the 1,000 freestyle. Teammate Tyler Schmidt had multiple top 16 finishes, while Anthony Portela had top-24 finishes in the 50 butterfly and 50 breaststroke.

The Aquahawks’ 800 freestyle relay team of Courtney, Robinson, Ashley Jackson and Katie Swank finished sixth. The 800 free relay of Chris Sellon, Portela, Brunfeldt and Schmidt placed 14th and shattered the club record by 15 seconds.

In team standings, the Aquahawks finished 23rd out of the 108 teams.