Ready to make waves

Churchill County’s swim teams are looking to make a splash this year as they dive into the 2017 season.

This years’ team, consisting of 25 swimmers, is fairly senior heavy. Coach Ken Grimes said many seniors tried out for the first time this year as well as a number who returned from last year’s team.

There are 10 participants on the boys’ team with seven returning from the 2016 season. There are also 15 girls on the team though only four returned from last year.

“I’ve got a lot of new ladies,” Grimes said. “I’m pleased with the size of the team we have.”

Among the returning swimmers are some who went to state last year. Amber Revels and Kaelehn Nemeth will both be competing again and Grimes said they would be good to watch for another strong season.

For the boys’ team, Kendal Rogers and Christian Nemeth are expected to be good in the relay competitions.

Many of the newer members on the team moved up from swim clubs; Grimes said this is good since it means they already have experience in competitive swimming.

Overall, the coach is happy with his team and is looking forward to the season.

“For where we’re at, and all the new swimmers we have, I think we’re looking pretty good,” he said. “I’m just excited for the numbers that we had this year … We’ll certainly be competing this year.”

The swim team had its first meet Saturday in Incline. Grimes said they had a great time and all the competitors swam well. He recalled five or six were able to achieve regional qualifying times. The teams also won their meet against Sparks, 110-29 for the girls’ team and 106-57 for the boys’.

Girls’ 200-yard relay — 4. Karley Frederick, Madison Tiede, Amber Revels and Bailey Diede — 2:41.56

Boys’ 200-yard relay — 2. Kendall Rogers, Brian Seline, Ruben Alanis and Christian Nemeth — 2:09.66

Girls’ 200-yard freestyle — 5. Courtney Romero, 3:18.57, 6. Bailey Diede, 3:27.43

Boys’ 200-yard freestyle — 4. Justin Bivens, 2:34.35; 5. Kobe Abe, 2:36.88

Girls 500-yard IM — 5. Karley Frederick, 3:21.35

Grimes said they have some conditioning and procedural things to work on, but otherwise things are looking good for them.

“Overall, I’m very pleased with our progress so far,” he said.

The swim team has a meet just about every weekend until late April; the only exceptions are the weekend of Spring Break and one bye weekend in April.

Grimes said there are seven regular season meets, then two days each for regionals and the state competition.

There will be no home meets in Fallon. Grimes said Fallon doesn’t have a pool certified for NIAA competition.