Polson Lake Monsters make a splash
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POLSON – Nearly 400 youth swimmers and swim fans converged at the Mission Valley Aquatic Center on March 7-8 for the B/C State Championships Swim Meet.
In all, there were 14 clubs represented from around Western Montana, including Polson’s Lake Monsters, who competed in more than 200 events during the two-day event. The Lake Monsters ended up winning this year’s B/C State Championship team title.
“I am so proud of these swimmers. Everyone came into this meet wanting to win,” said Shayna Swanson, head coach for the Lake Monsters. “The kids really came together to pull a victory out. We are super excited. It’s the first meet we have won since 2016.”
For the Lake Monsters, Gus Hertz finished first for the boys, in the 13-14-age-group, including the 1000-yard freestyle, 200-yard fly, 50-yard breaststroke and 100-yard breaststroke.
Swimming in the girls’ 15-and-over-age-group for the Lake Monsters, Aspen McKee placed first in the 50-yard freestyle and 200-yard breaststroke
Competing in his first-ever swim meet in the boys’ eight-and-under category, Lake Monster Sawyer Caldbeck placed first in the 25-yard freestyle and 50-yard backstroke. Lachlan Sloan topped the boys’ 11-12 podium three times for the Lake Monsters in the 1000-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle and 200-yard.
Also for the Lake Monsters, Hailey Hanson won the girls 13-14 1000-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle, while Macy Montgomery was tops in the girls’ eight-and-under category and Amelia Stene finished first in the girls 11-12 1000-yard freestyle.
Many of the Lake Monster swimmers posted their best personal swim times during the meet. “It amazes the amount of focus they have when they want something,” said Swanson. “We dropped over two hours of time combined.”
