Proving that they are the best in north Idaho, Lakeland was able to pull ahead in the district match on Saturday, Oct. 29. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams had terrific seasons and performed above expectations.
“We actually won the whole tournament… We beat everyone by like 100 points on the boy’s side,” senior Elijah Minix said.
This year, the boys’ team was able to pull out a win and earn a high placement in the 4A Idaho state tournament. The girls’ team earned significant placements in state due to their performance in the district meet.
The boys’ team was even able to succeed in breaking some school and personal records. Senior Ethan Abbott beat the 100m backstroke record by swimming at 24s, which is an incredible and historical accomplishment to hold.
Abbott is also a member of the boys’ relay team, which did well in the 200m relay, swimming at a speed of 1:35. On this savvy relay team, there is no individual swimmer who stands out from the rest, but the sheer teamwork allowed the school record to be broken.
The girls’ relay team was also able to beat a record for the 200m rally race.
The LHS swim program as a whole performed spectacularly, earning premium positioning in state. The wide margin of victory that Lakeland held throughout districts highlights this team’s determination and ability.
The swimmers from the boys’ team who have clinched a state appearance are Ethan Abbott, Elijah Minix, Micah Minix, Brody Walters, Logan Harris and Ethan Harrell. The girls are Sarah Smith, Piper Schneider and Micah Bretveld.
“I have been to state all years. I’m not that nervous,” Micah Minix said.
Some are excited, while some are nervous.
“We will not win state. That is just a guarantee because a lot of the teams have a lot of people,” Elijah Minix said.
“I do not believe that we have a strong chance of winning state,” Schneider said.
Though the team understands the odds they must overcome to become state champions, they have already been able to break records and prove their worth, so why not take it a step further and win state as well?
