Bulldogs swim to strong district finish

The Sandpoint High School swim team showed true grit, versatility, and power in the pool at districts on Saturday, at the University of Idaho Swim Center in Moscow.

The Bulldogs’ combined team placed first at districts, with the girls team took first while the boys team placed third. Personal records were being set all throughout the meet and the Bulldogs swam their best yet, this season.

Notable performances were turned in by both the women’s and men’s relay teams. The SHS women’s medley relay of Sarah Hogue, Ryleigh Bamer, Mia Driggs and Emily Ballard led off the meet and destroyed the competition, earning first and qualifying for state. The women’s relay team in the 4x100 also took first with an overwhelming win. On the boys’ side, the 4x100 relay of McCoy Jensen, Harrison Gedde, Luke LeBlanc and Caleb Norling put on quite a performance to capture first and earn a trip to state. PRs were set all throughout the relay and Caleb Norling wrapped up his regular season high school career with a strong anchor swim to bring the boys team to a first-place finish.

Other strong showings from the SHS women included the 200IM, with Mia Driggs easily cruising to first as well as taking first in the 100 breaststroke. Mia swam a fast race and the freshman is on her way to her first state meet. Ryleigh Bamer cruised to first in the 50 freestyle and 100 fly. Emily Ballard got second in the 50 free and Maren Davidson grabbed third. Emily Ballard also turned in a very strong performance in the 100 freestyle and got first with Maren Davidson coming in second. Ava de Leeuw crushed the competition to get first in the 200 freestyle with Aiyana Prevost taking second, and Ava de Leeuw won the 500 freestyle followed by Ayana Prevost getting second. Both tough races and both ladies overwhelmingly bested the competition.

The Bulldog boys had some spectacular individual swims, as well. McCoy Jenson came in second on the 100 fly, posting a time of under a minute for the first time in his swimming career. Luc LeBlanc placed third in the 500 freestyle swimming a strong race. Lon LeBlanc, his brother, posted his fastest ever 100 freestyle time and placed second for that race. Harrision Gedde got fourth in the 50 freestyle, bringing more points to the boy’s team.

The sole Bulldog boy to get firsts at districts was Caleb Norling. A notable high school and club team standout, Norling continued his undefeated high school swim season by winning first in the 200 and 100 freestyle. Additionally, this marks the end of his senior high school season after winning firsts throughout this season in the 500 free, 200IM, 100 back, and 100 fly. Norling heads to state to swim against some very fast competition but looks forward to the competition.

The Bulldogs head to state, which will take place in Boise and begins this Friday.