Swimmers compete in Kalispell this weekend

The Columbia Falls swim team will dive into competition this Saturday, Dec. 9, at The Summit in Kalispell.  

The team lost a good crew with last year’s seniors, including state champ in the mens 50 free Adam Schrader. There are 20 total men and women on this year’s team, with a good chunk of freshman for the boys team. Coach Amy Caudill noted that due to a late practice time, 7:45-9:45 p.m. at the Wave in Whitefish, the team lost a few swimmers. 

The late practices, along with the price tag to swim at the Wave, led Caudill to hope for a practice pool in Columbia Falls, a project already suggested by some community members. 

“I think our community has grown enough that we need one,” Caudill said. However, even if progress was made on a Columbia Falls pool, she would not expect it to be built for two to three years. 

“I really hope that happens but I’m not holding my breath,” she said. In the meantime, the Wildcats have been working on increasing their intensity and getting into shape for this season. They have hosted stroke clinics to perfect their form and welcomed swimmers who competed in the summer league. 

The goal is to have more swimmers in finals at state this season. Caudill hoped for a state title in breaststroke from junior Sadie Cheff, and predicted Maya Badger could be at the top for butterfly this season. Connor Keith, who was the 100 breaststroke state champion last year, is also expected to be a top performer. Jolie Friar was predicted to be a strength both individually and in relays.

“Our record board hasn’t changed in a while,” Caudill said, with hopes that this years’ swimmers could push the envelope. “We’re just excited to have a great season.”