Swim teams from both high schools in the Land of Logan got good performances from their swim teams at the Best of the West Invitational in Bolwing Green in early January.
The Logan County Cougars came in 6th of 13 boys teams
The 200 medley relay team, consisting of Thomas Lyne, Riley Wharton, Coleman White and Joey Higgins came in 2nd of 11 teams and the 400 free relay was 4th of 10.
Wharton, who was a state qualifier last year, came in 2nd of 23 swimmers on the 200 free and 3rd in the 100 breast, getting medals for both
Higgins came in 5th of 56 swimmers on the 50 free
White was 6th of 48 in the 100 free
Lyne was 7th of 22 in the 100 backstroke
Seth Cole came in 13th of 27 in the 100 breaststroke
The Lady Cougars finished 8th of 15 girls teams.
The 200 medley relay team of Gracie Wharton, Morgan Gafford, Selynna Metcalfe and Maria Wells came in 6th of 11.
The 400 freestyle relay team of Chloe Harper, Gafford, Wharton and Metcalfe placed 7th of 11, and the 200 free relay came in 8th of 11.
Metcalfe, a seventh grader at Auburn, came in 8th of 90 in the 50 free.
Freshman Gracie Wharton placed 12th of 26.
“We have two meets left before we go to Regionals in Owensboro on February 10-11. The state competition held in Louisville will be February 24-25 this year,” says Coach Rachelle Wharton.
“The team overall has made significant improvements on their personal best times and become more competitive as a whole. We have a group of swimmers who are producing times that will take them to state, and have broken several school records this year. I am so proud of this group in and out of competition! Our group has so much diverse talent, which increases our competitive edge.
The five seniors are team captains. They are Madelyn Wharton, Seth Cole, Thomas Lyne, Savannah Stratton and Coleman White.
Coach Toni Hall reports that the Russellville team “had a wonderful day and several had their personal best times.”
Benjamin Slack finished 3rd in the 100 yard Butterfly and 5th in the 200 yard Freestyle.
Cole Celsor finished 10th in the 50 yard Freestyle and 7th in the 100 yard Freestyle.
Dillon Porter finished 10th in the 100 yard Breaststroke.
Lupe Ramirze finished 28th in the 50 Freestyle and 21st in the 100 Freestyle. Jacob Wilkerson also competed in the 50 yard Freestyle and almost had a personal best time.
“The boys relay team was Ben, Cole, Lupe and Dillon,” Hall says. “They competed in the 200 Medley relay and finished 8th with their best time of the season (2:10.91) and in the 200 Freestyle relay they finished in 9th place.”
The girls who competed were Katelin Holloman and Katie Paul.
Holloman competed in the 100 yard and 50 yard Freestyle and finished 12th in the 100 yard.
Paul also competed in the same events. She had her personal best time in the 50 yard Freestyle.
“The swimmers worked very hard over Christmas break and it showed at this meet,” Hall said. “I'm so very proud of the team and can't wait to go to Regionals in February.”