Grosse Pointe South's Jackson Swims to State Title

Patrick Jackson of won the state championship in the 100-yard butterfly at the Division 2 swimming and diving finals on Saturday at Holland.

Jackson posted a winning time of 51.75 seconds. He also finished ninth in the 100 backstroke (54.27).

In the team competition, Grosse Pointe South finished eighth with 101 points, and placed ninth with 96 points. Dexter won the state championship with 320 points.

Several other swimmers from Grosse Pointe South and Grosse Pointe North placed in the top 16 at the Division 2 finals.

• Justin Rakowicz of Grosse Pointe North finished 10th in the 200 freestyle (1:44.53), and he finished fifth in the 500 free (4:43.39).
• Christian Mellos of Grosse Pointe North placed sixth in the 200 individual medley (1:57.81), and he was fourth in the 100 breaststroke (58.84).
• Luke Hessburg of Grosse Pointe South placed ninth in the 200 IM (1:57.04), and Hessburg finished third in the 100 breaststroke (58.52).
• James McNelis of Grosse Pointe North finished fourth in diving (438.30).
• Nicholas Yoo of Grosse Pointe South placed ninth in the 100 butterfly (53.07).

Relay teams from both schools also performed well.

• Yoo, Devin Francis, Jackson and Hessburg helped GPS take 11th place in the 400 freestyle relay (3:17.05).
• Rackowicz, Patrick Turnbull, Peter Shea and Mellos helped GPN finish 13th in the 400 free relay.
• Jackson, Hessburg, Francis and Yoo helped GPS finish sixth in the 200 medley relay (1:37.89).
• Matthew Leone, Mellos, Rackowicz and Shea helped GPN place seventh in the 200 medley relay (1:38.54).