FLAGS Recap!

FE Girls Rewrite the Record Books at 2025 FL Summer Age Group 

Pasco County, FL — July 16, 2025

History was made last weekend as five fierce young athletes — Payton Burton, Mila Adriani, Bixler Ashlyn Burton, and Hailey McArdle — shattered every major female 13-14 relay record in FE Swimming history at the 2025 FL Summer Age Group Championships. With dominant performances and blistering splits, these girls rewrote the record books — and didn’t just break records — they obliterated them.

Let’s dive into each of their record-setting performances:

13-14 Girls 200 Free Relay – 1:54.59 (New Record)

Previous Record: 1:57.59 (2015) Time Dropped: 3 full seconds State Rank: 18th

On July 11, the girls lit the pool on fire with a stunning 1:54.59 in the 200 Free Relay, crushing the previous record from 2015 by 3 full seconds. With smooth transitions and a lights-out anchor leg, the quartet placed themselves firmly in the Top 20 in the state of Florida — a massive accomplishment that cemented the tone for the weekend.

“It was a great relay! They had really good underwater, breakouts, and finishes…” Ruuska said, “Seeing all those 28s was insane!” 

13-14 Girls 200 Medley Relay – 2:12.89 (New Record)

Previous Record: 2:18.47 (2016) Time Dropped: 5.58 seconds

The very next day, July 10, Adriani, Burton, Bixler, and McArdle continued the onslaught, posting a scorching 2:12.89 in the 200 Medley Relay — a time nearly six seconds faster than the record held since 2016. Each leg was executed with perfect precision, from the explosive backstroke start to the powerful freestyle finish.

“It was a great relay! It really showed how diverse our girls were. They were explosive!”

13-14 Girls 400 Free Relay – 4:09.29 (New Record)

Previous Record: 4:21.54 (2015) Time Dropped: 12.25 seconds State Rank: 9th

July 12 brought the most jaw-dropping performance yet. The 400 Free Relay saw Burton, Adriani, Burton, and McArdle demolish the 10-year-old team record by an astonishing 12+ seconds. With crisp turns and top-end speed throughout, they vaulted into Top 10 in the state — a feat nearly unheard of at the club level.

“They crushed it like always. There’s just something magical about putting 4 FE girls together on a relay. They showed they can go head-to-head with anyone.” 

13-14 Girls 400 Medley Relay – 4:56.66 (New Record)

Previous Record: 5:02.30 (2016) Time Dropped: 5.64 seconds State Rank: 19th

Just one day after their 200 Medley triumph, the girls went longer and stronger, touching the wall in 4:56.66 in the 400 Medley Relay. Outpacing the 2016 record by over five and a half seconds, the girls secured a Top 20 state ranking — a testament to their technique, grit, and consistency.

“This was fun, it was for sure one of our toughest relays but the girls still fought hard. I was really pleased to see them not give up at the end of a long day and they shattered that record!” 

13-14 Girls 800 Free Relay – 9:08.47 (New Record)

Previous Record: 9:32.23 (2015) Time Dropped: 23.76 seconds State Rank: 11th

If any performance defined dominance, it was this. On July 10, the girls obliterated the previous 800 Free Relay record by nearly 24 seconds — a margin rarely seen at this level. Their 9:08.47 not only earned them a Top 11 state ranking, but left coaches, fans, and competitors stunned by the team’s endurance and chemistry.

“Cool seeing them throw down a crazy distance relay and then turn around and throw down really good medleys and crazy fast sprint relays,” Ruuska said. “We are trying to get them to realize that they can do it all.” 

Open 400 Free Relay & Open 800 Free Relay – Matching Times, Same Result

Though technically racing in the 13-14 age group, the relay of Burton, Adriani, Burton, and McArdle also competed in and now hold FE records in both Open divisions of the 400 and 800 Free Relays — duplicating their times and asserting their dominance across all female categories.

“The order worked out really well,” said head coach Guerby Ruuska. “We wanted to get out early and challenge whoever….and it really was an exciting race. I think the lead changed like three different times with three different teams…..but at the end of the day, the girls gave it everything they had….Hailey did more than her part… it’s hard to go head to head against a 2:10.” 

Legacy: A Golden Era of FE Girls Swimming

What this group has accomplished is nothing short of legendary. They didn’t just break records — they demolished barriers, set new standards, and redefined what’s possible for FE athletes. Several of the records they toppled had stood untouched since 2015 and 2016 — and were taken down with force and flair.

The impact will be long-lasting. Their relay names are now etched into the team history books, ranking among the best in Florida. But more than that, these girls showcased what happens when talent meets teamwork.

As FE Head Coach said:

“These girls didn’t just race — they raced for each other. What they’ve done is special. This is a relay squad people will talk about for years.”

From team pride to state recognition — this weekend belonged to Payton, Mila, Ashlyn, Hailey, and Lily. And if this is just the beginning, Florida better be ready.

The fireworks didn’t stop at the relays — not even close. While the FE girls dominated team events, several swimmers stepped up in their individual events and delivered record-breaking performances that will be remembered for years to come.

From young rising stars to established names, these swimmers showcased FE Swimming’s incredible depth and future.

Female Open 400 Free – Payton Burton – 4:44.11 (New Record)

Date: July 12, 2025 Already making headlines in relays, Payton Burton added yet another title to her name, crushing the FE Open Team Record in the 400 Free. Her 4:44.11 not only broke through barriers — it set a new standard for what it means to finish strong. Smooth, powerful, and relentless, Burton’s performance signaled that she’s not just one of the fastest in her age group — she’s one of the fastest in the program’s history.

“It was a really good race. She just had to go out there and be confident in herself and she finally did that.” 

Female 13-14 100 Fly – Payton Burton – 1:08.48 (New Record)

Date: July 13, 2025 Burton returned on Sunday with another explosive swim in the 100 Butterfly. Her 1:08.48 obliterated the previous team mark and showcased her versatility. The race was a masterclass in rhythm and front-end speed — putting her in elite territory and adding to her weekend legacy.

“Always fun to see a breakthrough! I thought we were going a 1:07! That’s how well she was moving.” 

Female 13-14 200 Free – Payton Burton – 2:14.14 (New Record)

Date: July 11, 2025 Friday brought yet another highlight for Burton, as she dominated the 200 Free with a 2:14.14. Her pace and closing speed left a trail of clear water behind her, not only earning her another team record but cementing her as the most decorated individual athlete of the meet.

“Pdog had a really good prelim swim, but struggled in finals, and she and I got together and went over a better fueling/nutrition plan for the next day, and I think it helped a lot. She had a hard lineup!” 

Female 13-14 400 Free – Payton Burton – 4:44.11 (New Record)

Date: July 12, 2025 Yes, you read that right — Burton’s 400 Free not only broke the Open record but also reset the 13-14 team record. Dual domination in a single race. This swim solidified her position as a true long-distance threat and one of the most well-rounded athletes in FE history.

“This was the moment P snapped back into the meet.” Ruuska reflected. “She just needed to remind herself who she was. She and I had a good chat outside before the race. I really just told her to believe in herself and when she steps up, to do it with confidence, and she did!”

Female 13-14 100 Back – Mila Adriani – 1:10.68 (New Record)

Date: July 13, 2025 Mila Adriani put on a backstroke clinic, smashing the team record in the 100 Back with a smooth and aggressive 1:10.68. Known for her poise and fast reaction strength, Adriani’s win was fiercely executed.

“This was a time I knew she could get if she cleaned everything up! Far from the perfect race, but dang it was very well executed. I really think she can go 1:08 if we can clean stuff up..”

Female 13-14 200 Back – Mila Adriani – 2:34.38 (New Record)

Date: July 10, 2025 Earlier in the meet, Adriani also rewrote the 200 Back record with a 2:34.38. Her consistent tempo and strategic back-half sealed the deal. She now holds both FE 13-14 backstroke records — an impressive sweep for a swimmer on the rise.

“It was exciting to watch, she races with heart, leaves nothing left,” Ruuska said. “She has more to show, I think… It was exciting to watch and be a part of.” 

Male 13-14 50 Back – Evan Moses – 31.24 (New Record)

Date: July 12, 2025 Evan Moses exploded off the start and never looked back in his record-breaking 31.24 50 Back. It was fast, sharp, and commanding — shaving valuable time and earning him a spot among FE’s elite sprinters.

“Ev had a good meet! Had small drops, but he has a zone meet in a few weeks, so I think it’s one of those things where you have to save a little to maximize later. He looked good, and I am excited to see what he does!” 

Male 13-14 100 Back – Evan Moses – 1:10.10 (New Record)

Date: July 13, 2025 Moses didn’t stop there. With a steady pace and fierce finish, he clocked a 1:10.10 in the 100 Back, sealing a second team record. His progress from last season is a reflection of hard work, precision, and mental toughness.

Evans 100 fly time of 1:03.0 also got him the 15-16 senior cut!

Male 13-14 50 Breast – Jeremy Morgan – 32.40 (New Record)

Date: July 10, 2025 Jeremy Morgan brought the heat in the 50 Breast, dropping a 32.40 to take down the FE team record. Explosive and powerful, Morgan’s swim was a breakout moment — and hints at even bigger things to come.

“Jerbear swam well. The 32.4 was his best. He’s been really good all season in the 50 breast and swimming right on his times in the 100 and 200. He thinks a lot about breast technically, like another girl on our club team, and sometimes, I actually think overthinking the stroke can often have a negative effect, but with the 50, you can just race! No overthinking, just fun with raw speed. What a good race.” 

Male 11-12 200 Back – Adam Saqa – 2:52.55 (New Record)

Date: July 10, 2025 In one of the most exciting swims for the younger group, Adam Saqa surged to a 2:52.55 in the 200 Back, claiming the team record for 11-12s. His back-half kick and confidence in the water were beyond his years — a clear signal that the next wave of talent is already here. 

Adam also broke the 11-12 boys FLAGS qualifying drought for the team! 

“Last 11-12 boy to qualify individually, I think, was Jeremy! So this was a big deal! We have always wanted to grow the talent on the boys' side of the club, specifically the 11-12 boys, so Adam opened new doors by doing so.” 

Claudea Alfajora had a great meet, dropping time in many events! Claudea actually qualified through this meet from her short course times, but actually got her first 11-12 LC cut in the 50 back at the meet! Posting a 36.64, making finals in that event. Claudea continued her FL

AGS backstroke dominance by also getting her first 11-12 100 FLAGS LC cut. The cut was a 1:21.09 mark and she swam a 1:21.00. “Claudea had a good meet! She just aged up to 11 before joining the start of summer, so I know great things are coming in spring FLAGS!” 

Lily Bixler played a crucial role in both the 200 and 400 Medley relay records, as well as swam well in her individual events. Bixler dropped in her 50 Fly and had a good showing in her 100 fly as well. “Bix was feeling kind of sick middle of the meet, but she still pushed through. She qualified for her first FLAGS in a long time, so it’s really just the start.” 

Anya Farooq had an impressive meet, just making the FLAGS cut a week prior, swimming the 100 fly from the first few heats and making it back to finals with a massive time drop of 1:10.10

“Man, Anya is fierce, she just doesn’t give up…..you can see the pain on her face after she finishes each race, and I know she’s made her training partners better. It was neat seeing her make finals after almost not making the meet.”

Hailey McArdle also had an impressive individual campaign as she was not only a big part of relays but also made it to finals in almost all of her events! The highest finish was breaking 29 seconds in the 50 Free. Hailey also got herself the senior champs cut in the 100 Free as well.

“Besides her sass, Hailey is a bundle of personality. I think Ash has one of the best longer-distance freestyles on the girls' side of the club, but Hailey has some of the most raw power in her free. I think she’s the most raw power sprinter on the girls' side of the club.”

FE’s 10 & Unders Make a Splash: 

While the record-breaking relays and elite-level swims stole the spotlight, the FE Warriors’ youngest athletes quietly made their own powerful statement — the future is already in motion.

Girls Relay Team Moves Up the Rankings

The dynamic squad of Elora Tripp, Maya Powell, Alexa Ramos, and Leila Moore delivered huge time drops in their individual events, then came together to put down two outstanding relay performances.

• Their 200 Medley Relay surged from 26th to 22nd in the rankings.

• Their 200 Free Relay climbed from 26th to 25th.

Consistency, energy, and grit carried these girls to new heights, and their chemistry continues to impress meet after meet.

Boys Relays Bring the Heat

Not to be outdone, the team of Colton Walsh, Jhett Iwanow, Wade Moore, and Sebastian Nock powered through both relay events with confidence and control.

• Their 200 Medley Relay jumped from 22nd to 19th.

• Their 200 Free Relay moved up from 24th to 22nd.

These four boys are quickly becoming a group to watch as they rise through the ranks and gain momentum with every swim.

Standout Individual Performances

Sebastian Nock and Colton Walsh each had standout meets of their own — going best times in every event they swam. Their consistency and improvement are a reflection of both their hard work and the club’s commitment to developing young athletes the right way.

The Future Is Now

Having this many 10 & Under individual qualifiers at a meet of this level is no small feat — it speaks to a massive youth movement underway at FE. These athletes may be small in size, but their talent and potential are enormous.

If this weekend proved anything, it's that the next generation of Warriors is already here — and they’re just getting started.

Maya came into this meet qualifying from the 100-yard breaststroke and managed to snag the 50 and 100 LC breast cut by almost 2 seconds! 

A New Standard for FE Swimming

These individual performances weren’t just fast — they were inspirational. From veterans to newcomers, each of these athletes pushed the limits of what’s possible. In a single championship weekend, 10 individual team records fell — and that’s not even counting the relays.

What this meet made clear is simple: FE Swimming is rising, and the future is now.