MEEKER | The Moffat County Bulldogs traveled to Glenwood for their first — and much anticipated — meet of the year. The Glenwood Springs Demon Meet featured some big accomplishments for a team filled with new swimmers.
“I was excited for the A relay to swim together,” commented Head Coach Melany Neton, “there are two new swimmers, Ellina Jones and Jeni Kincher on the team this year, and it is rounded out by veterans Kelsey McDiffet and Alexa Neton.”
The A relay team is just shy of qualifying for state in the freestyle relay. The time to beat is 2 minutes and about 8 seconds and the team swam the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2 minutes 2.22 seconds, taking fourth place. They also swam the 200 medley with a time of 2 minutes 20.74 seconds for fifth place and are within 10 seconds of qualifying for state.
The Bulldog to place highest was Neton, who took bronze in the 200-freestyle race. Kincher placed 10th in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1 minute 9.48 seconds and 13th in the 100 freestyle with a time of 1 minute 34.23 seconds. Katie Lockwood, the other Meekerite on the team, is currently out with a shoulder injury.
McDiffet and Neton are nearing qualifying times for state and coach Neton is looking to work on “turns and starts this week to improve speed and we also need to keep focusing on endurance for all-around improvement.”
“At the JV level there were some big accomplishments for Sarah Johnson, Christian Reyes, Alexei Reyes and Eliana Mack for swimming in their first-ever high school meet,” commented Neton. Mack won the 50 backstroke at the JV level and the others gained some excellent experience.
The team will compete next Dec. 13-14 in Grand Junction.
By TIFFANY JEHOREK | Special to the Herald Times
