Swimmers ready for state meet

FEDERAL WAY – Blackhawks swimmers not only claimed the 2023 3A District team championship but will also send a host of competitors to the state meet in Federal Way from Nov. 9-11.

The Blackhawks earned 347 points to top Walla Walla (288) and Kennewick (220) and send seven individuals in search of state titles.

Lauren Howe made it three district titles in a row, not once but twice with wins in the 50 and 100-meter freestyle.

Bethany Bleam, Kate Kissell, Sophie Schaefer and Howe also won the 200-freestyle.

Madi Bauman became a state qualifier in the individual medley and 100 freestyle with second place finishes and also led a group that included Kissell, Schaefer and Howe who were runners-up in the 400-freestyle.

A third place landed the team of Jezelle Schmidt, Bauman, Hannah Ge and Bethany Bleam at state in the 200-medley relay.

In addition to Blackhawks’ swimmers advancing, a number of co-op swimmers from other schools will also compete at State.

Lewis and Clark swimmer Ava Swigart qualified in two individual events after wins in the 200 and 500 freestyle in the 4As.

Anjali Richards, Anya Atkinson, Morgan Herr and Swigart will all compete in the 200- freestyle relay following a runner-up finish.

Atkinson, second I’m the 100 butterfly and Richards, third in the 50-meter freestyle add to their state other appearance.

East Valley’s Brigid Dinnen will swim in two 2A events after winning both the 100 and 200 freestyle.

Jess Richards from Medical Lake landed a state berth following a fourth place in the 500 freestyle.

St. John-Endicott’s Kate Hergert made the state field with a fourth in the 100-freestyle.