Swimmers compete at White Buffalo Classic

Sisters swimmers traveled to Madras for the White Buffalo Classic on Saturday, January 18. The top six swimmers from prelims advancing to the finals. Madras, Bend, Summit, Mt. View, Redmond, Ridgeview, Gladstone and Sisters were all in attendance. Six of the eight schools were 5A and 6A and provided an extraordinarily high level of competition for the Outlaws.

The number of swimmers on the Outlaws squad has dropped significantly due to injuries and participation in other sports. Although the Outlaws will not have a chance at an overall team victory at districts, six or seven swimmers are expected to do well and advance to state in their individual events.

Six swimmers advanced to the finals in Saturday's event, including Mary Stewart, Emily Christen, Madelyn Zadow, Ian Baldessari, Brennan Miller and Trevor Barry.

Stewart remains undefeated in the 50-yard freestyle. In the finals, Stewart set a new meet record (previously held by herself) and .01 off the school record (also held by her) of 25.70.

Coach Brittany Baldessari said, "The anxiety and high nerves leading up to this race increased Mary's adrenaline as she powered off the blocks. It was the best race I have seen Mary compete in during her short high school career."

Stewart turned right around and less than two minutes later was up on the block for the 100 butterfly. Even with the short time between races, Mary managed to pull out a third place finish with a time of 1:07.28 behind last year's third-place state swimmer, Haley Houghton.

Madelyn Zadow also competed in the 50 freestyle and placed sixth in the finals. Zadow swam to a fifth place finish and personal best time of 1:11.12.

"I was thrilled to see Madelyn advance not only in the 50, but also in the 100-yard backstroke," said Baldessari. "Madelyn has worked extremely hard this year."

Emily Christen placed third in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:10.32. Emily also placed fourth in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 1:01.09.

"Emily normally competes in the 50 and 100 freestyle races, but will make the switch to backstroke for districts," said Baldessari. "She has a great opportunity at placing well in districts and possibly advancing to state. She hasn't swum any backstroke, other than a leg of the medley relay as a freshman, during her high school career."

Brennan Miller competed in both the 100 freestyle and the 100 backstroke. Miller placed fifth in the 100 freestyle with a time of 56.13. Brennan earned a first-place finish in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:00.14.

"The last 25 yards of the race was won because of Brennan's stellar push off the last wall," said Baldessari. "He ended up beating Bend's Garrett Ross by .56. Brennan's head is in the game this season. You can see him put everything he has into every race and really compete. When he sees another swimmer next to him he puts every ounce of energy into his race."

Trevor Barry impressed Baldessari with his second-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.04.

"Trevor never ceases to amaze me," said Baldessari. "Having never swum in his life, I expect to see him compete at the state level in both the 50 and 100 freestyle."

Ian Baldessari swam a season best of 1:11.73 for a third-place finish in the 100 breaststroke.

"While this isn't his best time, Ian wasn't swimming this fast last year until finals at districts," said Baldessari. "We are expecting to see him swim around 1:06 during state this year."

The Outlaws will travel to Albany on Saturday, January 25, for the Pre-District Sprint Meet.