Swimmers show competitive fire in two close meets

The Staples-Motley swim team had two competitive meets but came up short in both, losing to Fosston-Bagley 91-79 on Sept. 20 and dropping 51-34 to Holdingford.

“It was a tough loss because they came really close to having their first win,” said Coach Amanda Olson about the Fosston meet, “but I couldn’t have been more blown out of the water by their performance.”

Olson said the team’s strong races and positive attitudes are a good sign for the future.

Meet highlights included:

First place in the 200 medley relay (Emily Veronen, Lili Schneider, Autumn Nelsen, and Brianna Hinman)

Veronen first place in the 100 backstroke (1:10)

Schneider first in the 100 breaststroke (1:20)

Schneider (2:23) and Joelle Bounds (2:32) were 2nd and 3rd in the 200 freestyle.

Veronen (2:42) and Brianna Hinman (2:42) were 2nd and 3rd in the 200 individual medley.

Nelsen (30.46) and Jaden Engebretson (31.01) took 2nd and 3rd in the 50 freestyle.

Nelsen (1:16) and Hannah Hinman (1:22) took 2nd and 3rd in the 100 butterfly.

Engebretson (1:08) and Adriana Dickey (1:12) were 2nd and 3rd in the 100 freestyle.

Bounds set another personal best and took 3rd in the 500 freestyle (6:53)

The team finished up with a 2nd and 3rd place in the 400 free relay (Veronen, Engebretson, Nelsen, Schneider / Aleeah Halverson, Hinman, Dickey, Bounds)

Against Holdingford, the team was without four of their strong swimmers due to illness. “The girls got in that pool and pushed themselves regardless,” said Olson. “I love seeing the girls go and do their best despite setbacks.”

Highlights included Veronen (2:24) 1st in the 200 free followed by Nelsen (2:30) in 3rd.

Bounds dropped another five seconds in her 500 freestyle, placing 3rd (6:48).