Polson swimmers to compete in state championships
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News, photos from Mission Valley Aquatics
POLSON — Six swimmers from the Lake Monster swim team are going to represent the Mission Valley in Missoula next weekend, July 21 to 24, at Montana Long Course State Championships. They will be swimming in an Olympic sized pool (50m) and showing why they are the best in the Mission Valley.
Leading the Lake Monsters is team captain Gus Hertz. Gus is not only hoping to add more state championships wins to his impressive swim career but be the third swimmer under Head Coach Shayna Swanson and Lake Monster history to qualify for an upper level out of state meet. First was Roman Sawyer (Age Group Regionals) and the second was Mason Sloan (Senior Zones). He is hoping to qualify for Senior Zones in four events - 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, and 100 Butterfly. He also qualified for state in the 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly, and 100 backstroke.
Up and coming swimmer Briggs DeLaney has qualified for state in five events, while being ranked in the top five for each. His events are 100 Freestyle, 50 butterfly, 100 backstroke, 50 Freestyle, and 50 backstroke.
Leading Lake Monster Ladies is Olivia Cottet who qualified in six events with three being the toughest events (200 individual medley, 50 butterfly and 100 butterfly). She is also qualified in the 50 backstroke, 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke.
Macy Montgomery qualified as well in four events despite moving up an age group with much faster qualifying times. Macy’s events are 50 backstroke, 200 individual medley, 100 backstroke, and 50 butterfly.
Annie Kleinmeyer and Hailey Cottet both qualified in the max amount of events for their age group and both are ranked in the top eight of each event. Their events are 100 freestyle, 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly, 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle, and 50 backstroke.
“I am very proud of all the hard work these swimmers and all my swimmers have put in. It really shows and they deserve the right to show how talented they have become,” said Coach Swanson.
After championship meets are done, the Lake Monsters are on break till September 6, the Tuesday after Labor Day. They will resume their after-school practice schedule of 4-6 p.m. at Mission Valley Aquatics on Ridgewater Dr. If you have a swimmer who is interested in becoming a Monster, please reach out to the pool for more information at 406-883-4567. Also, the Lake Monsters are always looking for supporters to help. Please reach out to the pool to see your options.
Thank you Mission Valley for your support.
Go Monsters!
