Swim team takes 4th at state

The Columbia Falls summer swim team took fourth among AA schools at the state meet in Lewistown over the weekend.

The Wildcats had 32 swimmers make it to the finals on Sunday after swimming for the top 12 spots on Saturday. The boys 8 and under freestyle relay team brought home first place, and the boys 9-10 won both their freestyle and medley relays. For the girls, the 9-10-year-olds brought home second place medals in both of their relays, and the 11-12 year-old team won second in their medley. Collectively, the athletes won 16 medals for first, second, and third places in their individual events.

 Catherine Opalka won all of her events, which earned her the High Point award for the girls 11-12 bracket. Opalka won the 200 IM, the 50 breaststroke and the 50 backstroke.

“We are very proud of the effort the kids put out this year. They pushed themselves, and were right in the running for the top three in the AA Division for state. I already can’t wait for next year!” coach Kyle Babcock said.

Other notable performances included a third-place finish in the 25 butterfly by Grady Talbot; and a third place in the 50 breast by Liam Swank.

Tyler Venegas also had a great meet, with a first in the 50 fly and a second in the 100 fly.

On the girls’ side, Payson Scribner took second in the 50 free and third in the 50 back.