Peninsula swimmers have a bright future

Seahawks will improve with time and experience

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The Peninsula Seahawks’ swimming and diving team had an impressive showing at last year’s Class 3A state championship meet, placing seventh at the King County Aquatic Center.

But gone from that team is school record-holder Lindsey Marchand, who won state titles in the 100-yard butterfly and 100 breaststroke.

Marchand, who set an all-classification record in the breaststroke, is currently swimming at UCLA. Other state competitors who graduated include Micaela Fagan and divers Dana Davidson and Kelsie Williams, both of whom placed in the top 10.

Yet the cupboard isn’t bare. Every Seahawk who competed at last year’s state meet set personal-best marks.

Peninsula head coach Craig Brown said the team is young, and it may take a while to develop.

“Right now, we have three solid swimmers, and we’re looking for that fourth one,” Brown said.

“And those are the kids who will excel at the state and district meet. We’re just not as strong. It’s a rebuilding season for us.”

Three of the four swimmers who competed on the 200 medley relay that landed third in state (1:52.14) have returned. Sophomore Casey Penrose and junior Kellie Blauvelt will anchor the team.

Others, like senior Alix Frank and freshman Chloe Skidmore, hope to shave their times and make a state cut.

At state last season, Penrose finished fourth in the 200 individual medley (2:11.21) and Blauvelt took seventh in the 100 breast (1:09.89).

Blauvelt said once the team grows, they should be good again.

“I think confidence progresses as the years go on,” said Blauvelt, who swims for the Tacoma Swim Club. “I’d like to go top three in state in the 100 breast. That’s my goal for high school swimming.”

She added that not having an Olympic-caliber swimmer like Marchand should make some of the other girls on the team step up.

Brown said Skidmore is one of his up-and-coming club swimmers. Her strengths include the freestyle and backstroke.

“I want to get to state,” Skidmore said. “It’s really important to me. You have to set those goals with the same type of dedication.”

She said she expects to improve her times as the season progresses. Against Capital last week, she won the 200 free and was part of the medley relay team that captured first.

Frank said she’s enjoyed taking on a captain role this year, adding that her goal is to place in the 50 free at the district meet, where she hopes the Seahawks will fare well.

“This year we are really picking it up, and the girls are really bonding as a team,” Frank said.

Peninsula team made considerable strides last year with a top 10 finish at the state. Two years ago, they placed 18th, which is where Brown would like to see the team end up when the final race is over.

“We need a couple relays to place and some individuals (at state),” Brown said. “We do that, and we’re going to be in the top 20. We’re just continuing with improvement. It’ll happen down the road.”

Seahawks swimming schedule

Sept. 10 vs. North Thurston Win

Sept. 17 at Bonney Lake Win

Sept. 22 vs. Enumclaw Loss

Sept. 24 vs. Capital Loss

Sept. 26 South Kitsap Invite N/A

Oct. 6 vs. Auburn Mtnview 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 vs. Sumner 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Clover Park 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Timberline 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 vs. Steilacoom 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 23 Sub-district at Auburn TBA

Nov. 6 District at Hazen High School TBA

Nov. 13 State at King County Aquatic Center TBA

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.