The Carson High School swim team made a strong showing in the preliminary events at the zone championship Friday at the Lombardi Recreation Center at UNR. The Senators had at least one swimmer qualify in nearly every event and took home five first place finishes.
Seniors Justin Barber and Lauren Costella each posted the best time in two events, and senior Tara Theilemann finished first in the 200 yard freestyle to give Carson the most first place times in the tournament.
Carson coach Monica Weaver was satisfied overall with the team's showing.
"They've done well. Some swims were great and unexpected, and some were disappointing. They're strong kids and will pull through and do the best they can," Weaver said.
Along with the performances of Barber, Costella, and Theilemann, Weaver said that there were some pleasant surprises from Senator swimmers.
Senior Julie Struble improved her time in the 500 freestyle event to qualify for today's finals and also did well in the 200 freestyle, where she made first alternate. Weaver said sophomore Emily Johnson's final-qualifying swim in the 200 individual medley was also a pleasant surprise.
The Senators are expected to have an equally impressive performance at the finals, which start today at 2 p.m.
Costella has an excellent chance to become a zone champion in the 100 butterfly and the 500 freestyle, where she bested all competitors by more than 20 seconds at the preliminaries. Barber will be the favorite in both the 500 freestyle and the 200 individual medley, where he is usually three seconds ahead of the competition. Theilemann has a chance to take first in the 200 freestyle again and also the 100 freestyle, where she finished second by only 38 hundredths of a second.
Other area swimmers also have good chances to take honors today. Galena senior Michael Damonte placed second in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke. Douglas senior Scott Cronk had two top three finishes in his freestyle events and is within striking distance of the leaders.
