Two KATS shine at Zones

KATS swimmers Joseph Potkonjak (12) and Maxie Scroggs (17) competed in the Western Zones Long Course Championships in Clovis, Calif., Aug. 9-13.

Potkonjak registered six personal best times in the 50- and 100-meter backstroke (35.23 and 1:14.01), 50-meter butterfly (33.61), 100- and 200-meter freestyle (1:03.31 and 2:24.79) and 200-meter individual medley (2:24.79).

"This is Joseph's second trip to the Zones Championships," KATS coach Brandon Rannebarger said.

"He attended (Zones) two years ago in Hawaii.

"Joseph makes the trek to The Summit daily from Bigfork year-round, sacrificing free time and other sports to be the great swimmer he is. The KATS have come to always expect a lot from Joseph and he always delivers."

Scroggs finished first in the 100-meter backstroke, dropping two seconds from last month's state championships and earning her a Seniors time for the upcoming season. She was third in 200-meter backstroke that she completed with an equipment malfunction

Scroggs also took a fifth in the 400-meter individual medley with a 15 second drop, a sixth in the 200-meter individual medley and swam on two relays, placing third place in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle.

"This is also Maxie's second Zones Championships," Rannebarger said.

"She went into this year's competition with a maturity and resolve not seen in prior competitions."

Zones are a championship meet featuring athletes from 16 western states.