Kristy Tallman
The Huskies swim team proved their mettle once again at the Division Championships held on February 9 and 10, at the Albany Community Pool, facing off against fierce competition from 11 other schools. With skill and teamwork, both the boys and girls teams emerged victorious, capturing the division championships in an electrifying display of talent.
“It’s a huge deal,” remarked Coach A Jay Bronson, reflecting on the girls’ astounding 12-year streak as district champions. “That’s not a reliance on one or two kids to win a few championships, that’s a team culture and coaching system accomplishment. I’m lucky enough to have been here for the past three of them.”
In a historic triumph, the boys team secured their first division championship since 2007, a monumental achievement celebrated by Coach Bronson. “That’s longer than most of these kids have been alive. It’s an incredible accomplishment. It was one of our goals from the beginning of the season and they nailed it,” he stated proudly.
As the Huskies set their sights on the state championships, Coach Bronson emphasized their diligent preparation and determination. “We will be shooting for a top 4 finish to walk away with a trophy,” he noted, highlighting the challenges faced, particularly the disqualification of the girls’ medley relay at districts.
Of the disqualification and the girls teams’ future, Bronson said, “So moving forward if you were to score the meet today as is, we would be 6th in girls and 4th in boys. Girls biggest issue is that our medley relay was DQed at districts, I would say unfairly but officiating is part of the sport and we won’t get hung up on it. So without that relay it’s a long shot to win.”
Despite setbacks, the team remains optimistic, buoyed by their resilience and unwavering mindset. “The strengths for these kids is their determination and mindset,” Coach Bronson affirmed.
Amidst jubilant celebrations, the mood among team members is one of sheer ecstasy. Looking ahead, Coach Bronson expressed gratitude and pride in their hard work, rallying the team for further success at the state level.
“The kids are ecstatic, over the moon, incredibly happy!” said Bronson, adding, “I can’t begin to say how proud of them I am. They worked incredibly hard all season and accomplished the goals we set, and they set for themselves. On to State!”
Team Rankings
Girl’s Team Rankings – Through Event 22
1. Sweet Home 236
2. Salem Academy 179
3. Junction City 156
4. Stayton 126
5. Marist Catholic 121
6. Cascade 110
7. Philomath 101
8. Sisters 100
9. Kennedy 31
10. Blanchet Catholic 27
11. Crosshill Christian 22
12. Pleasant Hill 17
Boy’s Team Rankings – Through Event 22
1. Sweet Home 292
2. Marist Catholic 195
3. Cascade 168
4. Philomath 148
5. Blanchet Catholic 97
6. Sisters 89
7. Stayton 80
8. Junction City 39
9. Salem Academy 22
10. Crosshill Christian 7
200 Yard Medley Relay: Girls: 9th place: Kylic Mclkvik, Ella Haggas, Beatrice Reeve, Timber Nobles. Boys: 1st place winners were Shayne Schuster, RJ Abbott, Blake Arthur, and Arman Marble.
200 Yard Freestyle: Girls: Peyton Markell, 2nd place. Boys: RJ Abbott, 1st place.
200 Yard IM: Girls: Ella Haggas, 5th place. Boys: Shayne Schuster, 2nd place.
50 Yard Freestyle: Girls: Payton Brookfield, 3rd place.Boys: Blake Arthur, 1st place. 100 Yard Butterfly: Girls: Payton Brookfield, 2nd place. Boys: Ben Tolman, 5th place.
100 Yard Freestyle: Girls: Kirsten Sautel, 1st place.Boys: Arthur Blake, 1st place.
500 Yard Freestyle: Girls: Rylee Markell, 3rd place.Boys: RJ Abbott, 3rd place.
200 Yard Freestyle Relay: Girls team: Daisy Lalonde, Payton Brookfield, Lexi Rundell, Kirsten Sautel, 2nd Place. Boys team: Shayne Schuster, Austyn Hogan, Blake Arthur, RJ Abbott, 2nd place.
100 Yard Backstroke: Girls: Peyton Markell, 1st place. Boys: Andrew Tolman, 3rd place.
100 Yard Breaststroke: Girls: Kirsten Sautel, 1st place. Boys: Shayne Schuster, 1st place.
400 Yard Freestyle Relay: Girls: Daisy Lalonde, Peyton Markell, Kirsten Sautel, Rylee Markell, 1st place. Boys: Andrew Tolman, Austyn Hogan, Henry Jones, Arman Marble, 2nd place.