Cats swimmer Connor Keith earns state tile in 200 medley

The Columbia Falls High School boy swim team placed third overall at state this weekend, with Connor Keith named state champion in the 200 individual medley. The girls team took sixth.

Keith, Thane Borgen, Quinn Clark, and Tristan Victor set a new school record of 1:49.85 in the 200 medley relay, placing second. The 400 freestyle relay team of Teagan Bates, Clark, Borgen and Keith also placed second. 

Keith was also second in the 100 breast stroke, Clark third in the 100 fly and fourth in the 500 freestyle, Borgen second in the 100 backstroke, and Teagan Bates fifth in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. 

“Of the seven boys that competed, we had 14 individual races, and 13 of those 14 races were best times,” coach Amy Caudill said.  “The boys had a lot of veteran leadership and experience this season which brought a lot of success. I am extremely proud of the effort the swimmers have put in the season.”

On the girls side, Sadie Cheff took third in the 100 breaststroke and fifth in the 100 freestyle. Seven girls competed at state for a total of 12 swims, 10 of which were best of all time or best in season times. 

“We knew going in the girls team would have a rebuilding year, we graduated a large group of seniors and had lots of new faces this year. I’m proud of how hard the girls team fought. The points and placing don’t show the effort, dedication, and hard work these girls put in. I’m excited for the future of the CFHS girls swim team,” Caudill said. 

    Left to right; Connor Keith, Zackary Pierce, Thane Borgen, Quinn Clark, Teagan Bates, Jackson Schubert, Tristan Victor, Head Coach Amy Caudill and Assistant Coach, Aven Middlesworth at the state tournament this weekend. (Courtesy photo)