There weren't too many accolades for a small and young contingent of Carson Tigersharks swimmers during the 56th annual Husky Invitational in Federal Way, Wash., this weekend. But there was no lack of good performances, not to mention valuable experience, according to coach Jim Puleo.
"I thought the kids swam well today," Puleo said Sunday night, "and I thought they all had a good weekend when you consider they were 13- and 14-year-olds swimming against college kids."
The four-day meet was hosted by the University of Washington at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center attracted nearly 500 swimmers representing 56 club and college teams.
The Tigersharks turned in some improved performances on Sunday, including an effort of 16 minutes, 55.23 seconds in the 1,650-yard freestyle by Kevin Dyer. The 14-year-old Dyer finished 30th in the event and his time was a personal record by 19 seconds.
Abby Niehoff, 13, provided another highlight when she qualified for the field of 24 finalists in the 200 butterfly. She was clocked at 2:10.27, a personal best by three seconds. She came back later in the evening - not long after she finished 21st inn the 1,650 freestyle in 17:57.04 - and finished 23rd in the 2000 butterfly finals in 2:11.01.
"She was the only 13-year-old in any final," Puleo said of Niehoff. "She had a pretty tough weekend, but she responded like a champion."
Matt Grunert, who turned 15 on Friday, also swam well in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:25.57, his lifetime best by six seconds. He went out strong and made the turn at 100 yards in 1:07.7, another personal record time.
Tatum Boehnke, 14, finished 29th in the 1,650 freestyle in 18:47.79.
