Glacier girls swim to victory in Polson

POLSON — The Glacier girls swim team claimed all three relays, the 200-yard Medley, 200 Freestyle and 400 freestyle en route to a team victory at the Polson invite Friday.

“This year we've got a lot of versatile swimmers, so we're changing the mix almost every meet to determine what our state line-up will look like," coach Karen Bouda said.  "With seniors Hanna Vornbrock, Olivia Gibbons, Madeleine McGoughy and Lavender Ashby we've got loads of competitive experience and strong leadership."  

On top of the relay wins, the Wolfpack added individual wins from Lucy Melnick (100 freestyle), Madeleine McGaughy (200 medley and 500 freestyle) and Olivia Gibbons (50 freestyle). 

The Glacier boys earned a third-place finish in the team standings after claiming victory in the 200 medley relay and second in the 400 freestyle relay. 

Ed McNeil edged out Whitefish's Gavin Sibson by 0.1 seconds to win the 200 freestyle. 

"That race was a nailbiter with those two club swimmers who swim as teammates outside the high school season," Bouda said. 

The Flathead boys brought home a fifth-place finish in the team competition. 

“The Flathead team is lean, with only 4 boys swimming for the Braves this season,” Bouda said. 

Nick Taylor took second in the 500 freestyle for the Braves. Caleb O’Connell nabbed second place in the 100 breaststroke with a personal best time.