The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

The Barracudas were down but not out in the absence of Jai Baumann, a strong competitor in the girls 13-14 age group, who was unable to attend the state meet due to illness. The team rallied together to score 191 combined points, earning themselves a very respectable second place finish in Class B.

It was a cold and rainy start to the state swim meet in Lewistown on Saturday, August 5, with temperatures in the 50s and a steady breeze blowing for most of the day. The Barracudas made the most of it though-first laughing at the absurdity of seeing their breath in the mid-summer air, and then gathering around a fire pit under their team tents to dry out and warm up in between races. Sunday's weather proved to be much more favorable for swimmers and spectators alike as teams from the East and West Divisions put a bow on their 2022 season.

Henry Merrill had a phenomenal weekend in the lanes once again, scoring 40 points after capturing gold in both the 50m free and 50m fly, taking silver in the 100m free, and also contributing to two bronze medals in the 9-10 100m medley and 100m free mixed relays.

Mackenzie Werk was hot on Henry's heels with 35 points after capturing the gold in the 100m IM, silver in the 100m free, fourth in the 50m free, and contributing to the two aforementioned bronze relay finishes.

Daisy LaBuda also proved to be a fierce competitor at the state level with 33 individual points after capturing silver in both the girls 15-19 50m free and 100m free and placing fourth in the 50m fly.

D'Aree Sunchild wrapped up her final 8&u season with an impressive 24 points, bringing home some silver hardware in both the 25m and 50m free and contributing to a bronze and fourth place finish in the girls 100m free and 100m medley relays.

Henry Merrill brings home 2 gold medals, 50 free and 50 fly. he placed second over all in the 100 Free.

It was lucky number "7" for Harley LaBuda, who placed 7th in the girls 11-12 50m free and 100m free, and contributed to two 7th place finishes in the 200m free and 200m medley relays. Harley also took 8th in the 50m breast for a total of 17 points.

Astrid Ketchum finished the season strong with 13 points, taking 9th in the girls 11-12 50m free, 10th in the 100m free, 7th in the 200m free, and contributed to the two 7th place relay finishes.

Brothers Darrell and Dolan Sunchild each contributed 5 points to the team's total, T'Gan Ketchum chipped in 4 and Thea Merrill tossed in 1. Daijalin Sunchild and Raea Pansch were contributors in the 11-12 girls 200m free and 200m medley relays, T'Gan Ketchum and Cassia Butler were contributors in the 9-10 100m free and 100m medley mixed relays, Thea Merrill, Sienna and Lila Butler, and JaiLeaina Parker were also part of the girls 8&u 100m relays.

Congratulations coaches, swimmers, and families on another successful swim season...we did it!