LIFE IN THE FAST LANE. Ballard's Linnea Scott shows off her speed during last Friday's meet against Bothell. The Beavers are undefeated as a team so far this season. Dean Wong photo.
Team remains unbeaten
By Dean Wong
After only five meets, the Ballard Beaver swim team has remained unbeaten and has qualified many girls for the state meet that doesn't take place until mid-November.
"They are working very hard and are very talented. They are excited and determined to have a good season," said Head Coach Carlos Palacian.
Ballard has won every meet so far, beating Juanita, Roosevelt, Eastlake and Woodinville. Last Friday, they hosted Bothell at the Ballard Pool and won again 111-76.
The state qualifications have accumulated as the season has progressed with Beaver swimmers performing at a high level.
"They are very motivated and excited," said Palacian.
The Beaver's 200 medley relay team, Briana Meyer in the 100 fly and Anne Marie Thayer in the 100 back all posted state times to help send Bothell back to the eastside with a loss.
Here are the other state qualifiers for the state meet on Nov. 9 and 10 at the Federal Way Pool.
In the first meet against Juanita, a 105-80 win: the 200 medley relay team of Thayer, Katie Jo Burkland, Meyer and Galen Bond; 50 free, Marja Scott; 500 free, Meyer; 100 back, Thayer; 400 free relay, Thayer, Scott, Burkland, Linnea Scott.
Cross town rival Roosevelt was next to fall to Ballard, 103-83: 200 free, Meyer; 200 IM, Linnea Scott; 50 free, Thayer and Bond; 100 fly, Meyer; 100 free, Bond; 500 free, Burkland; 200 free relay, Bond, Carolyn Coghlan, Meyer, Marja Scott; 400 free relay, Bond, Scott, Thayer, Meyer.
Eastlake went down to the Beavers on Sept. 14, 115-71: 100 free, Thayer; 200 free relay, Marja Scott, Burkland, Thayer, Bond.
Ballard's 113 points was good enough to beat Woodinville's 67 on Sept. 21: 200 medley relay, Thayer, Linnea Scott, Meyer, Marja Scott; 200 IM Meyer; 100 fly, Thayer.
Some of the swimmers swam well enough in other meets to qualify for state more than once.
"The girls are doing great," said Palacian.
Ballard faces the top teams in KingCo in the coming weeks with Inglemoor at the Queen Anne Pool on Oct. 9 and Garfield on Oct. 19 at home.
