Contributed by Amy Williams
The Lake Monticello Swim Team, aka the Sharks, welcomed the Fry Spring’s Beach Club on Wednesday, June 15, for an unscored meet, the first of the 2023 Jefferson Swim League summer season.
The Sharks had a successful night in the pool, with the youngest and newest swimmers getting their first taste of a swim meet, and the more experienced swimmers putting their skills to the test.
The eight and under boys racked up wins throughout the evening, including a first, with a time of 1:43.06 in the 100-meter relay, for the team of Brayden Arencibia (7), Perry Provencher (8), Norbu Barnett (8), and Cayden Hall (8). Norbu would go on to have a stellar evening in his individual races, the 25-meter freestyle (17.19) and 25-meter breaststroke (23.90). Norbu’s freestyle finish was an outstanding 5.03 seconds ahead of the next swimmer. Michael Koerper (6) took first in each of his races, the 6 and under boys 25-meter freestyle (28.58) and backstroke (34.62).
The eight and under girls showed their prowess with a win in the 100-meter freestyle relay (1:44.09), for the team of Gabriella Barresi (7), Piper Eves (8), Ava Powell (7), and Stella Strickland (8), while six-year-old Grace Strickland grabbed wins in both the 6 and under 25-meter freestyle (35.40) and backstrokes (42.38). Grace’s finishes were an awe-inspiring 10.79 and 16.28 seconds, respectively, ahead of the second-place finishers in her races.
Not to be outdone by their younger teammates, the Shark teenagers made an impressive showing. James Johnson (14) secured wins in each of his races, including the 100-meter IM (1:18.56), 50- meter breaststroke (38.82) and 50-meter butterfly (35.37). James was also part of the winning 200-meter freestyle relay (2:11.13) team, along with Harber Amiss (14), Landon Kovarik (13), and Jack Pace (14). Jack snagged a win in the 50-meter freestyle (32.85).
Lila Kate Robinson (13), Madison Clark (13), Sydney Belew (14), and Kayleigh Herring (14) secured the win for the girls in their 200-meter freestyle relay (2:23.43), while Lila Kate grabbed first in the 50-meter freestyle (30.44).
Sophie Pace (15) logged a win in the 15-18 girls 50-meter freestyle (31.39).
These first-time finishes put each swimmer amongst the top 50 in the entire league, and in some cases, as high as top 5. 2023 is sure to be an exciting season for the Sharks.
