Relay teams set pace vs. Rainier Beach

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, January 12, 2005

The Spartans have strong showings in the medley and the 200 freestyle.

The Bainbridge boys swim and dive team swamped Rainier Beach at the Ray Williamson Pool by a score of 125 to 7 on Friday.

The win vaulted the Spartans’ record to five wins and three losses.

“We continue to see great effort from our athletes,” said coach Kaycee Taylor, “specifically those involved in the medley and 200 freestyle relays.”

The team made up of juniors Jake Santelli and Clif McKenzie combined with senior Jon Swanson and freshman phenom Austin Hallett to achieve a state-meet qualifying time of 1:46.76 in the 200 medley relay.

The same swimmers teamed well in the 200 freestyle relay, finishing within a half-second of a state qualifying time in that event.

The Bainbridge boys swam last night against 4A Wilson High School, a team Taylor called “a challenge for us, considering their size.”

They next look ahead to a tough tuneup at home against Ingraham, 3 p.m. Jan. 14 at Ray Williamson Pool, with the big event of the week at the Kentridge Invitational at the King County Aquatic Center.

“We’ll have the chance to swim against some of the best teams in the state at the location for this year’s state championships,” Taylor said.