Swim club athletes gain
valuable summer experiences
The Mid-Valley Summer League was established in 1997 to encourage newer swimmers to compete and give them opportunities for success while competing against swimmers of similar abilities.
Most swimmers who participate are beginning or novice level swimmers, however, the league has grown to include more swimmers who are primarily shooting for state or regional qualifying times.
“My hope is that we get back to focusing on the newer swimmers who don’t attend the bigger meets so we can maintain a positive experience for these newer swimmers,” Coach Rene Kirkland said. The summer league includes four teams from the valley, Albany Aquatics, Lebanon Aquatic Club, Corvallis Aquatic Club and Sweet Home Swim Club.
each year, each team hosts one meet. Sweet Home’s was July 26. Swimmers compete for points in three events. Trophies are awarded to all who participate in at least three meets and do not quite reach 50 points. These swimmers are usually new to the sport.
From 50 to 99 points is a short trophy. One hundred to 149 points is a tall trophy. A plaque is awarded for 150 to 199 points, and for more than 200 points, swimmers receive a gold star for each additional 50 points.
Swimmers acquire 12 points for first place; 10 points, second; nine points, third; eight points, fourth place; and seven points for every legal swim regardless of finishing place.
Many personal best times have been achieved throughout the summer. At the July 26 meet, 19 swimmers had 47 best times. The swimmers with higher point totals have all been swimming longer and participated multiple years.
Persons interested in the swim team may call 367-8324 or 409-0073 (local cell) for tryout information on the new Sweet Home Swim Club season starting Sept. 11.
The following is a list of point totals and trophies collected at the conclusion of this season:
Participation (up to 50 points) — Chad Linville and Allysa Holder.
50 points — Kieran Scaefer, Britney Harer, Zach Pearce, Tana Tyler and Christian Whitfield.
100 points — Andy Evenhus, Nicole Fagan, Jessica Fagan, Josh James, Zach Pearce, Tana Tyler and Christian Whitfield.
150 points — Jeffrey James, Nora Jean Lemar, Michael Simmons and Christian Whitfield.
200 points — Jessica Mengore, Za Ramsey and Michael Simmonds.
250 points — Logan Harer, Jon Lemar, Za Ramsey, Brinden Sanders and Michael Simmonds.
300 points — Logan Harer, Sarah Rosa and Brinden Sanders.
Sweet Home Meet, July 26:
First — Christian Whitfield, 25 fly; Brinden Sanders, 50 fly, 50 back; Zach Pearce, 25 free; and Jessica Fagan, 25 free.
Second — Josh James, 50 fly; Jon Lemar, 50 back; Michael Simmonds, 50 breast; Brinden Sanders, 50 free; and Logan Harer, 100 free.
Third — Nora Jean Lemar, 50 fly; Michael Simmonds, 50 fly, 50 free; Jessica Fagan, 25 breast; Byron Sadners, 25 breast; Josh James, 50 breast; Logan Harer, 100 breast; Jessica Fagan, 25 back; Sarah Rosa, 100 IM; and Nicole Fagan, 50 free.
Fourth — Andy Evenhus, 50 fly; Jeff James, 50 back; Jon Lemar, 50 free, 50 breast; Sarah Rosa, 50 breast; Nicole Fagan, 50 back; Chad Linville, 25 free; and Nora Jean Leamar, 50 free.
Fifth — Tana Tyler, 50 fly, 50 free; Jeff James, 50 free, 50 breast; and Zach Pearce, 25 back.
Sixth — Kieran Schaefer, 50 breast; Josh James, 50 back; and Andy Evenhus, 50 free.