YOUTH SPORTS: Sharks finish 8th at 2024 Inland Empire Short Course Junior Championship
The Sandpoint Sharks swim team poses for a photo at the 2024 Inland Empire Short Course Junior Championships held Feb. 16-18 at the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center. From left, Andrew Ford, Josh Jackson, Max Brown, Eli Norling, Alivia Storms, Claire Ballard, Charlie Johnson, Allyson Ballard, London Leavitt and head coach Emily Renzini.
(Courtesy Photo)
Sandpoint's Charlie Johnson shows off some of the medals she won at the 2024 Inland Empire Short Course Junior Championships.
CLARKSTON, Wash. — The Sandpoint Sharks swim team was busy breaking records and standing on the podium at the 2024 Inland Empire Short Course Junior Championships held Feb. 16-18 at the Asotin County Family Aquatic Center.
“I can’t say I’m surprised with how well the team did,” head coach Emily Renzini said. “The athletes have been putting long hours in at practice and their hard work has paid off.”
On Friday, Joshua Jackson started the Sharks off with a seventh-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle (6:34.58), dropping over 20 seconds off his time for a new personal best.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Sharks had more than a handful of top swims:
– Andrew Ford placed first in the 50 breaststroke with a time of 34.16 seconds. He also set a new meet record of 33.48 seconds in the preliminary round.
– Charlie Johnson took fourth in the 25 freestyle (19.21), second in the 50 back (46.73), first in the 100 freestyle (1:34.01), third in the 50 freestyle (41.66), third in the 25 yard back (22.04), and third in the 100 yard IM (1:52.57).
– Max Brown took second in the 200 IM (2:30.76) and first in the 50 freestyle (27.14).
– Ikaika Leavitt took first in the 200 freestyle (2:04.82).
– Eli Norling placed second in the 200 free (2:12.50).
– Charley Rain Olpin placed third in the 50 free (33.87).
– Claire Ballard finished third in the 50 free (29.96).
– Allyson Ballard took home third place in the 100 back (1:18.00).
Every shark that competed this weekend swam to a new personal best in at least one event.
Several other Sharks were able to bring home medals after competing in their first finals rounds ever.
In their first finals ever in their respective events, Liam Kirsch, at eight years old, placed eighth in the 25 freestyle with a time of 26.98 while Alivia Storms placed second in the 100 breast with a time of 1:27.48, a feat Renzini said was exciting to watch.
Andrew Ford and Charlie Johnson each received the meet’s High Point Award for their numerous top-scoring finishes. The team also took home the Spirit Award this year, just like last year. The Spirit Award represents sportsmanship and respect within the team.
“We won the team spirit award with 15 swimmers on deck,” Renzini said. “Swimmers who didn’t make finals came back to the pool to cheer on their teammates. Everyone knew the Sharks were in the house — it was awesome.”
Overall,the Sandpoint Sharks finished eighth out of 16 teams, just in front of the Vandal Aquatic Club and behind Ellensburg Area Swim Team.
“We made our mark this weekend,” Renzini said. “And we got even more swimmers qualified for the IES Short Course Championship meet next weekend in Moscow. We’re stronger than before — we are ready for champs.”
Several Sandpoint Sharks hit qualifying times this season and will compete in 2024 IES Short Course Championships set to be held Mar. 1-3 at the University of Idaho Swim Center in Moscow.
Sandpoint's Charlie Johnson shows off some of the medals she won at the 2024 Inland Empire Short Course Junior Championships.