Gig Harbor’s girls swimmers just wanted to have a good time in their final dual meet of the season.
They did just that – and won the Class 4A Narrows League, too.
The Tides’ torpedoed Stadium, 137-48, which means they finish the season with an unblemished league record, and only one loss overall – to Metro League juggernaut Bainbridge.
“It was a real fun meet for us today,” said Gig Harbor coach Mike Kelly, whose team also won the 2011 league title. “We had a lot nice swims today; people swimming off-events and not necessarily their best events.”
Stadium was without senior Felicity Cann, the reigning state champion in the 100-yard freestyle. Coach Dave Baughman said that Cann being on a recruiting trip affected the Tigers, who were victorious in just one event. Senior Amanda Marr won the 100 breaststroke, in 1 minute, 13.36 seconds.
“When you take a swimmer out that is capable of winning state, that means the next girl you are putting in comes out of wherever she is, and you have to replace her,” he said. “It’s a tumble-down, domino effect.”
Stadium (5-2 overall, 2-2 league) hasn’t beaten Gig Harbor (7-1, 4-0) since 2007, but Baughman said that he had nothing to complain about when it came to his team’s performance.
“They’re getting personal bests in their events. (Gig Harbor) just has more depth across the board than us,” he said.
Several Tides swimmers are already bound for state, including junior Carolyn McCann, who has qualified in five events. She hoped to add the 100 backstroke to her repertoire on Thursday but fell short despite winning the race in 1:02.42. She also finished first in the 100 butterfly, in 1:02.26.
“It’s exciting,” she said of Gig Harbor’s win. “I just hope the momentum moves into the postseason.”
Senior Sarah Campbell easily won the 50 free, in 27.12 seconds, but sat out the 200 and 500 freestyle, which she will swim at district.
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