Bokowys lead strong showing by Sharks

SANDPOINT — Led by another strong performance from Sandpoint sophomore Payton Bokowy, six Sandpoint Sharks more than held their own against some of the top youth swimmers from around the Northwest at the recent Washington Open Swim Meet, held at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way, Washington. 

Competing in events with more than 300 swimmers in the field, Bokowy notched a pair of impressive finishes with a fourth in the 100 free and a sixth in the 50 free. Bokowy, who has won Idaho state titles in both sprint events, showed her diversity by placing 11th in the 100 back, 27th in the 100 fly and 50th in the 200 IM.

“Payton is now under a minute in three 100 yard events — the 100 back, 100 fly and of course the 100 free,” said her high school and club swimming coach Mike Brosnahan. “In events with over 300 swimmers she made the finals all three days.”

Kate Bokowy, 13, was the only other Shark to place in the top 100, notching a 74th place finish despite being one of the younger competitors in the open invitational event, where athletes must have qualifying times just to go.

“She is only just 13 and qualified in the 50 free, swimming against her older sister and up to 320 other girls in one event,” said Brosnahan.

Miles Luce, 15, qualified to compete in seven events, with top finishes in the 200 breast (115th), 100 breast (138), 200 back (141) and 200 IM (169).

The Bamer brothers each qualified in four events. Seth, 17, finished 120th in the 100 breast, 156th in the 50 free and 182nd in the 100 fly, while Garrett, 15, beat his older brother to finish 130th in the 50 free, 134th in the 200 back and 164th in the 100 back.

Ben Reich, 18, placed 166th in the 100 breast and 211th in the 100 back to round out the Sharks, who comprise the core of what figures to be one of the strongest swim teams in recent memory at Sandpoint next fall.

“The kids swam well and had PRs in most events that they swam,” said Brosnahan. “Very good showing for the Sharks swim team.”