Homer swimmers competed alongside Colony, Kenai, Palmer, Seward, Soldotna and Wasilla in Seward last weekend with smaller numbers than usual. Several Mariners didn’t compete due to sickness or injury, cutting team numbers nearly in half.

“We were small but mighty,” Head Swim Coach Rebecca Hardy said. “They had good swims and everyone enjoyed themselves. The team is still training really hard in practice.” 

Despite the smaller numbers, a few swimmers were able to reach new times in their races. 

Leo Castellani and Mark Nagle both achieved best times in the 200-meter freestyle. Lauren Kuhns scored a new time in her 100-meter breaststroke.

Mariner divers polished off a successful meet last weekend in Kenai, securing first and second place for both girls and boys. 

Homer will travel to the 11-dive Palmer invite this weekend, their last meet before Regions. 

Diving Head Coach Harmon Hall was pleased with the results of Kenai’s competition.

“All in all the meet was good, it was close right to the end,” he said.

Jasmine Lewis took first with a score of 161.65, followed by Katherine Dolma in second with 141.05 and Victoria McCormick in seventh with 91.5. 

Brian Rowe secured first for the boys with a 199.55, Kaece Brinster took fifth with 178.25, followed by Ian Hall in seventh with 152.25.

The Mariner dive team will have next weekend off after the Valley Invite and Coach Hall will be happy to use the break to work with his divers.

“The break gives us a chance to increase our degrees of difficulty,” he said.

Both Mariner swim and dive teams will compete in the Valley Invite Oct 17-19 and travel to Regions held in Kenai Nov 1-2.