Marysville swimmers split meet against Monroe

More swimmers at both Marysville Getchell and Marysville Pilchuck are qualifying for post-season competition.

Swimmers at both schools compete together throughout the season and, on Jan. 13, competed against Monroe at Marysville Pilchuck High School. Marysville Getchell topped Monroe 98-79 while Marysville Pilchuck came up short 113-39.

“We saw some best times, especially from our newbies,” said Meredith Jenks, who is the swim coach at Marysville Pilchuck and Marysville Getchell.

Marysville Getchell sophomore Eli Christensen qualified in the 200-yard freestyle swimming in 2:10.

Marysville Pilchuck sophomore Gabe Bowling swam 2:42 in the 200-yard individual medley. “He’s trying to close in on 2:30,” Jenks said.

Allen Pringle, a freshman at Marysville Getchell, qualified for districts in the 100-butterly swimming in 1:04.

Charger junior Alex Sin dropped eight seconds in the 100-yard freestyle swimming in 1:18 and freshman Kirill Zhurankou broke 30 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle. Freshman Landon Stackhouse dropped 21 seconds in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Ryker Lichtenberg, Pringle, and Andrew Christensen have qualified for districts in several events.

Marysville also sent three divers to Kamiak High School on Jan. 16 to participate in an 11-dive qualifier in a competition that combined Wesco 3A and 4A schools.

Jenks said three divers qualified for the district championships. Marysville Getchell junior Nathan Huh-Orrantia placed second overall and first in 3A, Marysville Getchell Junior Brad Johnson placed seventh overall and third in 3A and Marysville Getchell junior Keith Kirkwood placed ninth overall and fourth in 3A. Divers will have two more district qualifiers to qualify for post-season competition.

The teams also have an internal “ironman” award given to swimmers who have competed in every event throughout the course of the season. Jenks estimated that about half will complete that goal.

“I always love seeing that camaraderie and support,” Jenks said of the swimmers at both schools. “That’s what keeps them coming back.”

Marysville hosts Cascade Jan. 20 at Marysville Pilchuck High School and travels to Stanwood Jan. 27.