YOUTH SPORTS: Sandpoint Sharks Dominate at Shamrock Shake-Up swim meet
The Sandpoint Sharks pose for a photo at the Shamrock Shake-Up meet held in Spokane this past weekend. From left, Alivia Storms, Alyssa Anderson, Bodi Demmons, Athena De Leeuw, Campbell Wyman, head coach Emily Renzini, Emerson Johnson, Charley Rain Olpin, Vienne LaFountain, Charlie Johnson, and Edyn Straw.
SPOKANE — Bodi Demmons (13 years old), Myelle Johnson (12), and Charlie Johnson (8) all finished first in their age groups in the long pentathlon at the Shamrock Shake-Up held March 9-10 at the Whitworth Aquatic Center.
In the long pentathlon meet, swimmers must compete in all 10 100-yard events over a two day period, making the feat an impressive one for Bodi, Myelle, and Charlie.
The Sharks also made waves in the short pentathlon (50-yard events). Alivia Storms (12) and Allyson Ballard (11) both placed second in their age groups in the short pentathlon.
“The swimmers keep impressing me with their fast swims,” head coach Emily Renzini said. “This was a fun, quick meet. The swimmers don’t get a lot of rest between events. They showed up with endurance and willpower to swim personal bests and have top finishes.”
Alyssa Anderson (9) and Jaspen Kleinsmith (13) also made their shark debuts this past weekend.
“Our pool isn’t deep enough to practice diving,” Renzini said. “It’s intimidating for these athletes to conquer a diving start for the first time at a meet. Alyssa and Jaspen were very brave and competed well.”
With the 2024 short course season now complete, the Sharks are now preparing for the long course and open water seasons. The Sharks will also be holding open tryouts for anyone interested to join the team.
“This is a great opportunity to become a shark,” Renzini said. “Our summer season is full of outdoor meets at fun pools. We have spots for all levels of swimmers. If you love to swim, come out and test the waters.”
Tryouts will be held at the YMCA pool Monday, April 8 through Thursday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m. Potential swim club members need to only attend one day of tryouts — whatever works best for one’s schedule. If you have any questions, please email head coach Emily Renzini at headcoach@sandpointsharks.com.