BV North swimmers impress at SM East meet

Olathe Northwest has been tabbed as one of the favorites to contend for the girls swimming and diving state championship this season.

That makes Blue Valley North’s first-place finish at the Shawnee Mission East Lancer Invitational last weekend all the more impressive.

BV North scored 485 team points at the 13-school event to top the second-place Ravens, who finished with 406.

“We’re proud of ourselves and happy that we won,” BV North coach Derek Berg said. “We certainly weren’t expecting it with Olathe Northwest being there, Shawnee Mission East looking good and Blue Valley Northwest being there.”

The Mustangs’ depth may have been their greatest asset Saturday as they were able to enter multiple foursomes in each relay. Regardless, though, the invitational boasted a strong field and the victory is impressive.

“It’s giving (the girls) a lot of confidence going into the postseason,” Berg said. “We’re trying to take that one step at a time. We’re trying to be confident without looking too far ahead.”

Senior Haley Smith, who has signed to swim at Arkansas, was a standout for the Mustangs. She won the 200 individual medley in 2 minutes, 10.21 seconds and won the 100 backstroke in 59.37. She placed top-four at state in both events last year.

“Haley certainly stood out,” Berg said.

The Mustangs also received first-place finishes from their 200 medley relay of Smith, Ana Kuehler, Kelsey Bakalar and Katie Kruse (1:52.75) and their 200 freestyle relay of Smith, Kuehler, Bakalar and Mardi Buchanan (1:42.14).

Freshman Grace Stafford became a state qualifier in the 100 breaststroke for the team.

BV North finished fourth at state last year. Its depth advantage won’t be as strong at the state meet, and the Ravens (among others) still present a formidable obstacle. But the Mustangs will certainly be competitive – that much is clear.

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Shawnee Mission East is another team that always seems to bring great depth to these large meets. The Lancers were fifth at state last year and should again be in the upper tier.

Among their top individuals Saturday, were junior Stacy Coffyn and freshman Marston Fries.

Coffyn took third in the 50 free-style and fourth in the 100 freestyle.

Fries was third in the 200 freestyle and third in the 100 freestyle and looks like she could be contending for state medals in her first varsity season.

“She was quite a talent (coming in),” Lancers coach Rob Cole said. “She’s definitely improved while she’s been in high school.”

submitted by RYAN YOUNG - 2009-04-28 13:58:01

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