The Sweet Home Swim Club placed second at the Fall Splash Invitational held at the Sweet Home Community Pool November 1-2. Twenty seven swimmers representing the swim club competing against three other swim clubs.
Two Sweet Home swimmers captured the high point honors for the meet. Swimmers earn points for finishing in one of the top thirteen places, with a maximum number of sixteen points in an event. Jeff Stratman was high point swimmer for the boys and Elli Rassbach was high point swimmer for the girls.
Coach Rene Kirkland was pleased with the club’s finish.
“This is our third year hosting the Fall Splash. We had to move the date to accommodate the construction at the high school, and with the changed date we didn’t get as many entries as we had hoped,” Coach Kirkland said. “It was a great meet and everyone was satisfied with how it ran. Personally, I want to say how proud I am of all the parents that stepped up and provided hospitality to our guest swimmers and coaches. Parent support is what keeps our club strong.”
Looking to the future Coach Kirkland said, “We are expecting some new swimmers from our tryouts on November 5 and have our next meet in Albany on November 22 and 23. Our next home swim is planned for January.
“Overall, I was really proud of the swimmers and parents. We’ve had some challenges the past six months with the pool closures. This weekend we had several swimmers earn state qualifying times. Oregon state championships are in February, and I’m certain many of our swimmers with be there.”
Competing for the Sweet Home Swim Club were the following swimmers. The number of personal best times is indicated in parentheses: Elric Benson, Dani Birky (6), Michelle Buhn (6) Emily Conrad, Kalynn Cowger, Andy Evenhaus (7), Katie Jones (6), NoraJean LeMar (3), Jonathan LeMar (6), Alyssa Marner, Bethany Marner, Jacob Marner, Cory Martin (3), Nichole Martin (4), Jessica Mengore, Zach Pearce, Elli Rassbach (2), Lucas Rassbach (1), Mara Renne (4), Kieran Schaefer (6), Michael Simmonds (5), Niccole Simmonds (1), Jeff Stratman (5), Katie Stratman (2), Alex Thompson (2), David Wathen, Samantha Webb (1).
Taking first at the Fall Splash was Albany Aquatics, followed by Sweet Home Swim Club in second, and Riverplace Athletic Club (from Portland) in third.
Anyone with questions or interested in trying out with the Swim Club, contact head coach Rene Kirkland at 409-0073.