FHS swimmers face big challenge
Billings West, Bozeman the state favorites
The Flathead High School girls swim team isn't necessarily up the proverbial creek without a paddle, but the challenge at hand this week for the Bravettes will certainly be enormous.
"The girls have an uphill battle with Billings West," said FHS coach Paul Stelter.
"They (Golden Bears) definitely are the favorites going in."
And you can throw Bozeman into the mix as well regarding teams to beat at this year's state swim meet.
Action begins today at 11 a.m. at Great Falls High School. Swimming resumes Saturday with the finals in all events at 11 a.m.
On the boys side, Bozeman, an easy winner in 2004, is expected to repeat.
Last year's state tournament for the girls was decided in memorable fashion as the final event determined the winner.
West won the 400 freestyle relay, which gave the Golden Bears the title in the closest team finish in history.
West won the meet with 199 points. Only 16 points separated the top five schools with Flathead tied for third with 192 points.
"It won't be like that again," promised Stelter.
This state girls swim meet is much more cut and dried.
FHS, state champs in 2002, is strongest in the sprint freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke events.
Same thing goes for West.
"Both of us are heads above everyone else in the sprint freestyle," said Stelter.
"I could see the top eight places (being) all West and Flathead swimmers."
If Flathead has an edge, it most likely will be in the relays.
"Always real tough in the relays," said Stelter.
"We pride ourselves in the relays. That's what I've always stressed. You win, and lose, on the relays."
The relays also pay off with double points.
The Bravettes' 200 freestyle relay team set a state record for a second straight year last winter.
Three members of that relay - Jenna Newgard, Megan Lavin and Jess Thiel - are back.
Flathead took a second in the 200 medley relay and finished fourth in the 400 freestyle relay.
The Bravettes lone individual state winner from 2004 is back - Jacey Stahlberg. The junior won the 100 butterfly and was second in the 100 freestyle.
Newgard has been second in the 100 breaststroke at state the last three years. The senior hopes to break through this year, however, with a first-place showing.
She was also second in the 100 butterfly last year.
And Florida transfer Justine Scaccia should challenge for top honors in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly for FHS.
All total, the Bravettes will have 13 swimmers in Great Falls.
The Flathead boys will have eight swimmers in the water this weekend, led by senior Trevor Hunter.
Junior Brian Brady had lifetime bests at state last year in placing sixth and ninth, respectively, in the 50 and 100 freestyle.
Sophomore Taylor Streit was 11th in the 100 backstroke.
The Flathead boys finished ninth at state.
"We're living and dying by the relays," said Stelter.
"We're having some kids swim three relays as opposed to two relays and two individual events. I think we can score more points that way."
Stelter said his young boys squad "is hungry. They're bouncing off the walls right now. This is an extremely fun group."
Flathead's Qualifiers
Girls
Seniors
Megan Lavin, Jenna Newgard, Justine Scaccia, Kelcey Corrigan, Chelsea Burfeind, Francesca di Stefano
Juniors
Jacey Stahlberg, Jenna Thiel, Heather Wallis, Liz Myers, Jessa Thiel, Aska Hokazona
Sophomore
Kaci West
Alternates
Sarah Bartels, junior; Brittany Lingle, junior; Natalie Alsup, junior; and Ann McLean, sophomore.
Boys
Senior
Trevor Hunter
Juniors
Brian Brady, Aaron Rold
Sophomores
Taylor Streit, Kellin Clark
Freshmen
Andrew Unterreiner, Bryce Fischer, Dan Browne.