Sharks drop times at Inland Empire Junior Championships
(Photo courtesy of MARK BROSNAHAN) Sandpoint West Sharks swimmer Ryleigh Bamer stands tall after scoring the most points in her age group during the IES Junior Championships on Feb. 8-10.
Three Sandpoint West Sharks swimmers won races and a dozen set new personal bests at the Inland Empire Junior Championship swim meet held at the Kroc Center in Coeur d Alene on Feb. 8-10.
Of the 14 swimmers that raced at least once, three won the finals in their respective age groups.
Ryleigh Bamer, who won the high point award for most points scored in her age group, had a rather productive meet. The 11-year-old capped off her racing experience by winning the 200 freestyle (2:22.81) and the 100 backstroke (1:12.78).
Sara Hogue swam strong in her six events and by making the finals in every stroke in which she swam. Hogue returned to Sandpoint with two first-place finishes in the 100 backstroke (1:12.78) and the 200 freestyle (2:22.81).
Meanwhile on the boys’ side, Hayden Leavitt, Max Zuberbuhler and Lou Foust had big swims while competing in their respective finals as well.
Leavitt in particular showed impressive range: The 14-year-old set a new PR in the 50 free at 25.52 seconds en route to a first-place finish, then followed that up with a second-place finish in the 200 free (2:09.76).
The top eight swimmers from each event got points and the opportunity to swim at a finals swim off later each day. Ten Sharks made the finals in their respective events.