Swimmers show improvement at state

Ten members of Green River’s USA swim club attended the state swimming championship in Gillette July 17-19.

Swim coach Randy Walker said he would have liked to have more swimmers attend, but due to summer vacations and obligations, a majority of the swimmers from the club could not make it to the competition. The swimmers had a good meet, cutting times throughout the competition and improving their skills.

“We had some pretty good drops,” Walker said.

Walker said Michael Richman competed after recovering from a broken arm. Walker said he practiced with a special cast before the competition. Another team member, Ethan Moffit took second in both of his breaststroke events.

Walker said Jason Richman has “a perfect meet,” dropping time in every race he competed in. Walker said he competed in the B events while qualifying for the A races.

“He trained all summer for us and you can really tell,” he said.

Walker also had high praise for Sydni Sanders, whom he said is one of the best swimmers in the 13-14-year age group in the state. He said she placed in the top four. He said Ce’Nedra Hooly also performed well, saying he’s impressed with her ability and believes she’s on the cusp of becoming a state champ.

Other swimmers made vast improvements as well, such as Lauren Lee, who finished the 200 freestyle more than 40 seconds faster than her time last year, and Shania Florez, who Walker said demonstrates leadership and made improvements as well. Jerra Lester continued to improve in her sprinting, which Walker says will allow her to be “one of the greats.” Walker also said Claira Kuball’s positive attitude makes her fun to coach while Cherylann Moritz has dropped 27 seconds in her 200 individual medley race.