IES Short Course Champs Recap
One more down, one spot to go.
The Waves took another big step up at the Inland Empire Short Course Championships, finishing second for the first time in team history this past weekend. The feat was accomplished by team record performances in nearly every age group.
The Waves were led by our 15 & over boys, who demolished 10 team records and had 3 of the top 10 highest point scores in their age bracket. Conner Hickey broke four team records, swimming the 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 fly and 100 free in record breaking time. Rustin Babcock, fresh off representing Cheney High School at the Washington State Championships the previous weekend, touched out Conner in the 50 free, claiming the record that was broken by both swimmers. Rustin’s 21.98 earned him the title of IES Champion in the event. Nate Endebrock and Jacob White each broke a team record in the 200 free and 100 back, respectively. Andrew Sumnicht broke three of Coach Rory’s Open Men’s records in the 100 fly, 200 IM, and 400 IM. Andrew, Conner, and Nate finished 4th, 6th, & 10th in 15&over High Point scoring.
Emma Thompson, one of only two 8 year old girls at the meet, set team records in 4 events and scored 10 points in the 10&U division. 10 year old Tommy Madill continued his rewriting of the records with three more marks, and finished in 2nd place for High Point in the 10&U boys. 3rd place High Point winner Makenzie Norman set the 11-12 girls 50 fly record.
Six Waves swimmers achieved first-time Age Group Sectional Championships qualifying times. Ali Bumann made an AGS time in the 500 free. Tommy Madill added the 50 free to his numerous qualifying times. Makenzie Norman added the 500 free, 100 fly, and 100 IM to her previous four qualifying times. Delaney Phillips became a first time AGS qualifier in the 50 and 100 breast. Andrea Ruiz qualified in the 200 free, while Jacob White had a solid 16+ second drop in the 400 IM to earn the qualifying time.
Roughly 3 out of every 5 swims from our 14 & under swimmers were best times, and our 15 & older swimmers, many of whom are competing at either Senior Sectionals or Age Group Sectionals later in March, battled hard against some very tough opponents.
Overall, it was a fantastic weekend of racing and cheering. Many parents, coaches, and officials from other teams complemented us on our strong racing, excellent sportsmanship, and enthusiastic cheers. The coaches were proud of our swimmers efforts, and are excited to continue our journey towards winning the Short Course Team Championship in the future. Go Waves!
