Local Swimmers Gear Up for State Championships in Federal Way
The Washington State Boys Swimming Championships are set to accept place February 20-21 in Federal Way and local athletes are poised to make a splash. Several swimmers from Camas, Union, Prairie, Kelso, Mountain View, Ridgefield, Mark Morris, Hockinson, Seton Catholic, and RA Long have qualified and are seeded across various events.
Camas Papermakers Lead the Charge in Class 4A
Camas High School appears to be a dominant force in Class 4A, with strong showings in multiple events. The Camas 200 medley relay team is seeded 11th with a time of 1:38.75, while Union is seeded 24th in the same event (1:46.54). Individually, Evander Blank is 12th in the 200 freestyle (1:47.95), and Owen Yam is 10th in the 200 individual medley (1:59.19). Atali’I Seumalo is a strong contender in the sprint freestyle and butterfly, seeded 9th in the 50 freestyle (21.85) and 14th in the 100 butterfly (52.78). Tenzin Kelsang is seeded 6th in the 100 breaststroke (58.46).
Class 3A and 2A Contenders Emerge
Prairie High School is represented in Class 3A, with their 200 medley relay team seeded 20th (1:44.88). Michael Oshkader of Prairie is a top performer, seeded 11th in the 100 freestyle (48.65). In Class 2A, Ridgefield’s Nathan Kim and Lincoln Swift are strong contenders, with Kim seeded 10th in the 200 freestyle (1:57.17) and Swift 4th in the 500 freestyle (5:00.07). Mark Morris also shows promise, with Anakin Isenhart seeded 3rd in the 100 breaststroke (1:01.42).
The Rise of Local Swimming Programs
The strong performances of schools like Camas and Ridgefield highlight the growing strength of swimming programs in Southwest Washington. This success is likely due to a combination of factors, including dedicated coaching, increased investment in facilities, and a growing interest in the sport among young athletes.
The Camas Papermakers also recently demonstrated their athletic prowess on the football field, defeating Federal Way 65-32 in the state quarterfinals in November 2012. While a different sport, this showcases the school’s overall athletic commitment. Camas also recently defeated Federal Way in basketball, winning 4-1 as of January 3, 2025.
Looking Ahead: Potential Trends in Washington High School Swimming
Several trends could shape the future of Washington high school swimming. Increased specialization among athletes, with swimmers focusing on specific strokes and distances, is one possibility. Another is the growing use of data analytics to optimize training and performance. We may also see more emphasis on mental training and sports psychology to support athletes cope with the pressures of competition.
Did you understand? Camas High School has consistently produced top swimmers in recent years, sending athletes to collegiate programs across the country.
Pro Tip: Swimmers looking to improve their times should focus on technique, strength training, and proper nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are the state championships being held?
A: The championships are being held in Federal Way.
Q: Which schools have the most swimmers competing?
A: Camas High School has a significant number of athletes participating.
Q: What events are included in the championships?
A: The championships include a variety of individual and relay events, such as the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle, and 100 breaststroke.
Don’t miss the action as these talented swimmers compete for state titles! Check back for updates and results after the championships. Explore more local sports coverage here, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates.
