Ten local kids swam against their peers in Henderson from Nov. 9-12 in the Nevada State Short Course Championship.
Last year only four swimmers qualified for this event.
“Teams from all over the state were present to compete with hundreds of swimmers," said High Desert Aquatics coach Madison Jensen. "These kids swam their hearts out.”
Winnemucca’s Paris Collins, Claudia Van der Veen, and Nathan Perkinson all qualified at the event.
“All their hard work and training has paid off, as Paris and Claudia have qualified for Senior Open Cuts and Nathan has a Senior 2 Cut; meaning they all get to advance to the next level of swimming,” Jensen said.
Hunter Lewis, Charles Gonin, DuToit Gonin, Colette Van der Veen, and Lily Reynolds from Winnemucca all swam in Henderson as well.
Zayne Hall and Shayne McMullin represented Battle Mountain at the meet.
“The kids will take a few days off, but then we will be back in the pool working towards our next team goals,” Jensen concluded.
For information on joining High Desert Aquatics contact Jensen at
636-795-9502 or highdesertaq@gmail.com.
Results from
state finals
• Paris Collins: 11-12 Girls — Out of seven events, went six best times.
Qualified for finals in the 50 butterfly- got 17th, 100 freestyle — got 14th, 50 backstroke — got 10th.
• Claudia Van der Veen: 13-14 Girls — Out of three events, went three best times.
"Claudia just aged up into this age group over a week ago so I’m proud of her for already having cut times. She also achieved new all -star cuts to be considered for an all-star team that will be determined in January," Jensen said.
Charles Gonin: 13-14 Boys — Out of seven events, went seven best times.
Qualified for finals in the 100 freestyle- 18th place, 20th place in the 400 individual medley.
DuToit Gonin: 5-8 Boys — one event went a best time and placed 11th.
Zayne Hall: 11-12 Boys- Has only been swimming since April in Battle Mountain and had six cut times. Went four best times.
Hunter Lewis: 15 and over Boys — one event and was close to best time.
Nathan Perkinson: 15 and over Boys — five events with four best times. Qualified for Finals in 100 Breast- Placed 18th.
Lily Reynolds: 5-8 Girls — three events and three best times. Placed 20th in 25 breaststroke.
Colette Van der Veen: 9-10 Girls — seven events and went five best times. 200 freestyle placed ninth, 50 breaststroke placed sixth, 100 backstroke placed seventh, 100 individual medley placed 12th, 50 backstroke placed sixth, 100 breast stroke placed fifth, 100 freestyle placed 15th.
Shayne McMillin swam in a relay that did great.
