Flathead's Bouda sets state record in 50 free

GREAT FALLS — Major Robinson couldn’t have asked for a better showing Friday as his swimmers from Flathead and Glacier broke records and made the finals in individual events and relays during preliminary action at the Great Falls High pool.

Flathead senior Jamie Bouda set a new state record in the 50 freestyle with a time of 20.67 seconds. That bettered the old standard by more than a half second.

He just missed out on the state record by a tenth of a second in the 100 breaststroke.

He is seeded first for today’s finals in both events.

Glacier’s Alex Bertrand had the sixth fastest time in qualifying during the 200 individual medley. That time, however, was fastest enough to set a new school record. He will also swim in the consolation finals as the 11th seed in the 100 backstroke.

The Glacier girls are seeded second and third for today’s finals in the 200 and 400 freestyle. Their Friday times were school records.

“We had a great first day of competition,” Robinson said.

“We broke some school records and some state records. We are in a good spot to compete tomorrow for individual state titles and have a strong run in the team race.”

The Flathead boys are in the finals in three relays, seeded third twice and sixth. Two of the relays set school records.

The Glacier boys are seeded eighth in the consolation finals for two relays while the Flathead girls are the 11th seed in one final.

Glacier’s A.J. Popp had the second best time in qualifying for the 100 and 200 freestyle while Glacier’s Caroline Dye is seeded third in the 100 freestyle and 7th in the 200 freestyle.

Also for today, Flathead’s Gus Desouza is seeded 7th in the 200 freestyle, Glacier’s Bailey Rhodes is ninth in the 50 freestyle and Flathead’s Jace Reed is third in the 100 butterfly and 100 back stroke.

Swimming begins today at 11 a.m.

Results from Friday’s prelims were not available.