Cats take second in first-ever swim meet

The Columbia Falls swim team had a fine showing in its inaugural state Class A swim meet on Feb. 13-14 in Missoula.

The Wildcats were led by sophomore Colton Babcock, who took second in the 200-yard freestyle at 1:48.40 and third in the 500 freestyle at 4:57.14. Zayne Friar placed fourth in the 100 butterfly at 56.71, and Jacob Hohman took 12th in the 100 freestyle.

The boys 200 and 400 freestyle relays took seventh. The boys just missed the finals but won the consolation championship in both relays.

Individual places are not distinguished between Class A and AA schools. All classes compete together.

Among Class A schools, the boys took second behind Billings Central, and the girls took fourth. The boys were 10th among all classes.

Karyssa Nelson was the lone placer for the girls, taking 10th in the backstroke at 1:24.66.

“Most everyone had personal bests,” coach Mike Nelson said. “At this stage of the game, having your swimmers take off that much time is incredible.”

Nelson is hoping to build the program for next year.

“I see a lot of upcoming talent, so God willing, and funding, look out for us next year,” he said.