Barracudas 3rd in Harlem, 4th in Columbia Falls
It was an especially exciting meet in Harlem for a handful of Barracudas July 1&2, beginning with eight year old Ruthie Boyce who made her debut on the blocks. She gave it her all with some guidance from Harley LaBuda in the 25m and 50m freestyle, as well as the 25m backstroke. Cassia Butler captured her first-ever women's high point award following a nail-biting finish in the 100m freestyle. After losing her goggles and getting them back in to their rightful position as she came out of the first turn of the race, she adjusted them once again coming out of her third and final turn and managed to fight her way from the back of the pack to win it. Eight year old Lila Butler snagged her first individual first place finish in the 25m free. Henry Merrill made swimming look effortless once again as he took first place in all three of his individual events, earning himself another high point trophy to add to his already impressive collection. Mackenzie Werk had another one of many outstanding weekends in the lanes and earned herself second place high point honors. Bentlee Parker, another first year swimmer for the Barracudas, also found herself moving up the ranks, slashing time in all of her individual events and finishing the weekend with an 8th place finish in the backstroke after shaving nearly 9 seconds off her entry time.
It was a hot one in Columbia Falls July 8&9 as the Barracudas raced their way to a 4th place over all finish. Jai Baumann and Henry Merrill led the way for the team and both received high point honors after scoring 40 points each. Harley LaBuda scored 38 points and earned herself second place high point honors for the weekend. Mackenzie Werk added 36 points, Darrell Sunchild put in another 33, and T'Gan Ketchum had 31 for the weekend. Astrid Ketchum contributed 26, JaiLeaina Parker 22, and Cassia Butler 19. Levon Myers and Lila Butler both put 14 in to the team total, followed closely by D'Aree Sunchild with 13, and Raea Pansch with 12. Rounding it out for the Barracudas was Joseph Demontiney with 10, Dorothea Merrill and Daijalin Sunchild with 6 each, Waylon Myers with 4, Sienna Butler with 3, and Kayden Parker with 2. The Barracudas will be closer to home in Gator territory next weekend as Fort Benton hosts the last regular season meet for the west on July 14&15.
