Local youth swimmers receive High Point Awards at Vandal Trick or Treat meet

MOSCOW — Nine-year-old Charlie Johnson and seven-year-old Emerson Johnson both received High Point Award's in their respective age groups as 20 swimmers from the Sandpoint Sharks Swim Club competed at the annual Vandal Trick or Treat meet Saturday at the University of Idaho Swim Center.

The Johnson's dominated in multiple events: Charlie Johnson was fifth in the 100 IM (1:37.37), eighth in the 50 butterfly (51.38), sixth in the 50 back (46.49), 10th in the 50 breast (57.36), and seventh in the 50 free (42.14). Emerson Johnson was first in the 50 fly (1:19.95), second in the 50 back (1:04.41), and fourth in 50 free (1:14.39). 

“Everyone swam as fast as they could and had positive attitudes and great team spirit," Sandpoint Sharks head coach Emily Renzini said. "They were cheering for each other at the end of the lanes having a good time pushing each other to do their best, which is what I like to see.”

A total of six Sharks swam in their first meet, which means it was also their first time diving from the blocks. They were as follows: Kate Bracht (8 years old), Emi Gordon (9), Addy Gordon (11), Gunnar Gustafson (13), Lilly Montgomery (9) and Gabriel Hawkins (8), who swam to new personal best time of 1:02.21 in the 50-yard backstroke. 

Coach Renzini said Addy Tyler's (14) improved technique and efficient racing helped her drop time in every event she swam in: 200 IM (4:03.13), 100 breast (1:58.59) and 100 free (1:41.27).

Vienne LaFountain (11) made her return for the Sharks after being in a cast for over a month, getting it off just in time for the meet. Coach Renzini said she raced her heart out, which resulted in personal best times: 50 butterfly (45.37), 50 back (40.79), 50 breast (47.63), and 50 free (35.96).

"I love this meet because it's a fun, short meet; we are getting back into racing and seeing all our friends back on the pool deck," coach Renzini said. "It was Coach Alin Moss' first meet with the Sandpoint Sharks as well. We couldn't be more grateful for the help with how much our team keeps growing."

With how big the club has become, the girls have been able to field three 200 freestyle relays, and all three swam to personal best times Saturday: 'A' (Charley-Rain Olpin, Alivia Storms, Brylee Garvin, Savannah Ferris) 2:16.86;  'B' (Delaney Montgomery, Addy Tyler, Constance Ferris, Charlie Johnson) 2:50.31; 'C' (Payne Coleman, Kate Bracht, Lilly Montgomery, Addy Gordon) 3:55.67.

“I am so proud of the team overall and the support everyone gave each other on the side of the pool deck," coach Renzini said. "This was a fast meet with a lot of kids, so I’m pleased to see how this team is growing in a positive way.”