In a tri-meet with Skyline, Murray and Kearns, the Skyline boys showed that they are not to be overlooked in what promised to be a closely fought battle for the 5A boys swimming state title by defeating Kearns by 60 points. Murray finished a close third.
In the girls competition, Skyline easily defeated Murray, and Kearns trailed closely behind.
Although the Kearns boys won six of eight events, they did not have enough depth to compete with Skyline in the team competition. Kearns coach Dave Ahston predicts that individual swimmers will be in contention for state titles, but a lack of depth will keep Kearns from being a strong contender in the team competition.
Skyline coach Rod Horton said, "The fact that we swam well at this point in the season is a strong indication for what can happen at the state. We keep our focus on what happens at state, so when we taper our team will be in strong contention for the title."
The Kearns trio of Ozzie Gardner (200 individual medley and 100-meter freestyle), Jared Huff (100-meter butterfly and 50-meter freestyle) and Jon Barney (200-meter and 500-meter freestyle) each won two individual events. The three are also expected to be in contention for winning individual state titles.
Skyline won the last three events to seal their victory: David Johnson won the 100-meter backstroke; and Zachary Wilson claimed the 100-meter breast stroke; and the 400-meter freestyle relay team of John Bekker, David Monsen, David Maasberg and David Johnson finished six seconds ahead.
In the girls competition, Skyline's Taylor Felton and Aliria Munoz finished first and second in both the 200-meter and 500-meter freestyles. Skyline freshman Christa Williams won both the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle.
Ruth Binns (200 individual medley) and Kata Hamar (100-meter backstroke) claimed a pair of events for Murray, and Maddie Stapley won Kearns' lone event after finishing first in the 100-meter butterfly.
Skyline put in a strong finish on their meet by winning the final two events: Moya Garske in the 100-meter breast stroke and the 400-meter freestyle relay team of Felton, Munoz, Williams, and Sarah Hart.