LYNNWOOD — The numbers might be slightly down for this year’s Meadowdale boys swim team, but the talent level is high.
Sophomore Chris Flynn leads an up-and-coming 16-member squad that hopes to make some waves in the Western Conference 3A.
“We’ve had years where we’ve had a few more,” said seventh-year coach Kati Girard. “We have a few bodies less, but we’ve got some more skill.”
Flynn is a strong swimmer in all four strokes, which makes him a strong medley competitor. He has district cuts in the 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle. Flynn took first place in the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly against Jackson, one of the top Wesco 4A teams, in a nonconference meet Dec. 6 at the West Coast Aquatics Center in Mill Creek.
Sophomore Cole Olson also is back for his second year with the Mavericks and looks ready to build upon last year’s strong performance at the district meet.
“Cole took off at districts last year,” Girard said. “He’s a freestyler. He made kind of a jump there as far as seeing what he can possibly do.”
Meadowdale has no seniors on the roster. Perhaps the most experienced member of the team is junior Stefan Ball, a breaststroke specialist. But like many of the Mavericks, Ball is versatile. “I can stick him in any event,” Girard said.
Meadowdale’s medley relay team should be strong as freshmen newcomers Daniel Yager and Kyle Barnett along with Olson, Fly and Ball give Girard some different options.
“We have some potential in the event,” Girard said. “We don’t have enough yardage yet.”
Girard also is the coach of Lynnwood, which has a co-op program with Meadowdale.
The Royals so far only have four individuals out for the team, but the four are showing potential.
“We have four guys who want to be there,” Girard said.
Newcomer Ian Carpenter, who comes in with club experience, recorded district cuts in the 100 butterfly and the 500 freestyle. Carpenter won the 100 butterfly against Jackson.
Teammate Robert Tsatouryan, also a club swimmer, specializes in the backstroke. Andrew Peterson has some summer league experience.
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