Swim team takes second at Cut Bank

The Columbia Falls swim team took second place in the season opener last weekend in Cut Bank, behind a strong showing from half of the team's 70 members who traveled to the meet.

Head coach Ryan Nevins said he was very pleased with the team's showing, especially considering that they only had a few hours of practice last week leading up to the first meet.

"Everyone swam very well, which was especially good considering we only had five hours of practice at the Summit last week to get ready for the meet," Nevins said.

He said returning swimmers Tim Yudysky, Nate Donner, Alan Newton and Michelle Cronquist had especially strong performances at Saturday's meet. Yudysky competed in the 100-meter breast and freestyle events, and the 400-meter free, as well.

Cronquist competed in the 50-meter freestyle and butterfly, and the 100-meter free. Donner competed in the 200 meter individual medley, the 50 and 100-meter freestyle events. Newton did well in the 100-meter breast and back stroke events.

"I was impressed with the whole team, but they really stood out," Nevins said.

Nevins was also pleased with many of the team's newcomers who were competing for the first time ever.

"Angie Venteicher, Whisper Sellers and Nathan Kuehl did a great job, too. I was really pleased, especially because this was their first meet and they didn't really have time to train last week," he said. "They did a great job."

Overall, Nevins was happy with another strong turnout of about 70 swimmers this year, about the same as last year's team. The swim team finished third in the state in its division last year.

"We've got another good group of swimmers returning this year, so we should do well. We are looking forward to another good season," said Nevins.

Individual placement results were unavailable due to a software glitch. This weekend's meet will be in Plains.