Brady Zink of Viera and Bastian Soto of Satellite stood out in the 100-yard butterfly during the Cape Coast Conference Swim and Dive Championships at Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center on October 3, 2025. The event drew competitors from across Brevard County, with swimmers from schools like Melbourne, Edgewood, and Bayside also making waves. Sawyer Hackett of Melbourne led his heat in the same event, while Kendall Ratliff of Edgewood and Aerin Wyman of Cocoa Beach showed strong performances. These athletes are now being tracked as potential contenders for state championships in 2026.
Ethan Arnstein of Bayside, Mason Ehlers of Melbourne, and Tyler Hart of Melbourne all turned heads in the 100-yard butterfly. Grace VanderMeyden of Bayside also made a mark in the same event, finishing with a time that caught the attention of coaches. Cameron Hanson of Titusville and Wesley Zink of Viera competed closely in the 100-yard freestyle, with Hanson edging out Zink by a narrow margin. Ava Oates of Merritt Island, though not named in the photo captions, was noted for her strong showing in the 100-yard butterfly earlier in the meet.
The championships, held at Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center, are a key qualifier for state meets. Coaches have already begun evaluating swimmers for the 2026 season, with several athletes from the October event being highlighted for their speed and technique. Viera’s Brady Zink, who finished ahead of Soto in the butterfly, is expected to compete in multiple events next year. Melbourne’s Sawyer Hackett and Ethan Arnstein are also being considered for relays and individual events at the state level.
Local swim teams have until January 2026 to finalize their rosters for the state championships. The Cape Coast Conference meet serves as a critical benchmark, and swimmers who perform consistently are often invited to elite training camps. With the 2026 season approaching, Brevard County’s swimming community is watching closely for the next wave of talent to emerge from its high schools.