The Husky swim team had seven outstanding swimmers this year.
Oustanding underclassmen were Sarah Rosa, Justine Calhoon and Brinden Sanders. Oustanding upperclassmen were Dani Birky, Jessica Trautwein, Nichole Martin and Larry Coulter.
They were recognized at the swim team’s annual awards dessert held on March 1.
“We had a great time this year,” Coach Doug Peargin said. “It’s something you’ll always remember to not just be a trophy contender but first (in districts) in two teams.”
A swim team like this is like a big family, Peargin said. “You could feel that force at the district meet … with huge swims to start the day.”
The Huskies sent 30 swimmers to the district meet, 20 girls and 10 boys. They competed against 42 girls from Philomath and Junction City and Cascade teams that outnumbered the Husky boys.
The Huskies had 29 of 30 swimmers turn in lifetime best performances in at least one event, and most had lifetime bests in three.
Peargin wondered if the team would be hurt on depth, but the Huskies pulled through for a big win at a big meet.
Another coach told Peargin last year that the Huskies are the most feared in the water because “they swim every stroke like it was their last,” Peargin said. “With heart like that, you can’t lose.”
The team awards letters to swimmers who have perfect attendance, score 100 points in dual meets throughout the season or place in the top 12 in the district meet.
About half who received letters earned the 100 points, Peargin said. The other half placed at district to earn letters.
Earning first-year letters were freshmen Faith Helfrich and Norajeon Lemar; sophomore Alice Davis; junior Shaley Coker; and seniors Korina Thompson and Higor Martinez.
Earning second-year letters were sophomores Justine Calhoon, Jessica Mengore, Sarah Rosa, Jonathan Lemar and Brinden Sanders and senior Ashlee Flanagan.
Third-year letters went to juniors Staci Grove, Jessica Trautwein, Nichole Martin, Peter VanDerlip and Cole Stumbaugh.
Fourth-year letters went to Katie Jones, Dani Birky, James Davis, Anthony Ertsgaard and Larry Coulter.
Junior varsity swimmers included freshmen Darcy Jackson, Katie Kinney and David Worthen; sophomores Michelle Buhn and Shawn Adams; and juniors Krystle Grim and McKenzie Walker.