KATS finally back in the water
The Kalispell Aquatic Team Swimmers (KATS) season stretches from the beginning of October until the state meet the end of February.
In between, the meets are few, and far between.
But for the KATS this weekend, not only are they back in the water for a competitive outing, but they are also hosting the event.
The 2005 KATS Winter Invitational is expected to attract close to 200 entrants from five other cities (Butte, Havre, Helena, Great Falls and Missoula).
The meet begins Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. at The Summit. It should conclude both days at 3 p.m.
"I think we have a great opportunity (this weekend) to show our talent," said first-year KATS coach Chris Engledow.
"We (also) have a lot of kids who haven't swam at a swim meet before, and some who haven't swum in several months."
The last official outing for the KATS was a small meet the middle of November in Cheney, Wash. There are three meets left in the regular season before state, which will take place in Missoula.
This will be the team's fourth meet of the season.
"Having fun, playing a lot of games during the week," said Engledow of what he does to keep the kids excited about swimming during the long lulls between competitions.
"It can be difficult keeping the younger kids motivated."
To do so, he says he stresses fun for those kids.
"All are working hard when they come to practice," he stressed.
"(I think) their dedication will be evident in their performance."
The KATS have one national qualifier competing in 17-year-old Justine Scaccia. She has qualified in the 100 butterfly with a time of 57.71.
The national qualifying time for that event is 58.49.
Scaccia is also one of three KATS who have qualified for Sectionals in Seattle the middle of March.
Scaccia has qualified in the 100 and 200 butterfly, 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke.
Megan Lavin, 17, has qualified in the 50 and 100 freestyle and Jenna Newgard, 17, in the 200 breaststroke.
"We're hoping to have a few more sectional swimmers at this meet," said Engledow. "Or the state (meet)."
KATS close to qualifying for Sectional are Jordan Loyda, 10, Brian Brady, 16, and the three Phatharaampornchais - Patrick, 11, Phillip, 10, and Orson, 8.
Loyda could qualify in the 50 and 100 butterfly, 100 individual medley and 50 backstroke. Brady is close in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle.
The Phatharaampornchais are near Sectional marks in the breaststroke and individual medley
The KATS have already qualified 23 individuals for the state meet. Their roster consists of nearly 70 swimmers.
Several KATS who also swim with the Flathead High School team will not be available until Sunday. Those swimmers will be competing for FHS Saturday at the Missoula Invitational.
"We have a lot of community support," said Engledow for this meet.
"A lot of businesses around the area have donated things for heat winners. That's really nice for the kids."