Viks, Cougs square off

There was clearly too much snow time and not enough show time.

Just over a month into the season, local swimmers and divers only had one meet under their belts.

The snowstorms that plagued the area — and canceled 4A Kingco contests — left the athletes itching for some competition.

The boys from Bothell and Inglemoor high schools got just that last Thursday at Northshore Pool. Inglemoor may have blasted Bothell, 138-47, but everyone was glad just to get some water time.

“Wins and losses, it’s not gonna really reflect the effort we put in,” said Bothell coach Tom Linde. “I’m happy with the numbers we have (20 guys) and the attitude we have.”

Added Bothell senior Ricky Boice, a 50-yard and 100-yard freestyler: “I’d say we had the best, strongest winter practices that Tom’s seen.

“We’ve shown the commitment that we’ve got. We’re not all club swimmers — we’re not the best, but we try really hard. This is a great way to stay loose.”

Some of Bothell’s top swimmers this year are freshman sprinter Nick Anthony and sophomores Joey Kraft (sprinter) and Conner Darlington (breaststroke).

Northshore diving coach Debra Shelton feels she’s got some pretty talented high-flyers in Bothell junior Ben Mier and Inglemoor junior Spencer Moore, who won the competition with 204.75 points last week.

Moore was a state placer last year and Mier is a first-year diver and former gymnast, which “allows him to have quicker body awareness in the air,” Shelton said.

On the swimming front, Inglemoor once again has a powerhouse crew of state returners and familiar last names.

Seniors Luke Swenson and Kyle Bogusz and juniors Craig Olynyk and Carl Olsson lead the way for coach Monica Mayes’ squad.

“They’re ready to get in there and lead, take some initiative with the kids who haven’t swam (for Inglemoor) before. Show them what Viking swimming is all about,” Mayes said.

Freshman Andy Chapman and sophomore Michael Postetter have been schooled on Vik swimming from their older siblings who swam big for Mayes. Katie and Chris came before Andy, and David and Jeff pre-dated Michael — and Mayes is ready to see the newcomers shine, as well.

Swenson feels it’s time to get his times back in state form after the storm break. His 100-yard breastroke mark of 1 minute, two seconds — which gave him 11th place at state last year — is a few seconds off, but he’s working hard on that event and others. Against Bothell, he won the 200-yard freestyle (1:57.21) and 500-yard freestyle (5:24.40).

“It’s a pretty tough sport to do, and a little time out of the pool can affect your performance,” said Swenson, a six-year WAVE Aquatics swimmer. “I know to do my best, I’ve got to come to practice and what-not. I hope to do well in college with the more I do (now).”

He enjoys the team aspect of the sport along with the individual part.

“We’ve got a great group of guys and we’re pretty deep (with talent),” said the captain. “The team is fun to lead, easy to lead.”