WILLITS — The Lake County Channel Cats hit the road Saturday and Sunday to compete in the 36th annual Willits Otters swim meet. With 16 swimmers participating, the Channel Cats had their strongest meet presence so far in 2012, posting 30 first-place finishes.
Among the standouts were 18-year-old veteran Matteo Merodio, who is swimming in his last summer season for the Channel Cats. He placed first in all of his events and earned a new Junior Olympic time in the 200 backstroke.
Also having a big day was Lauren Rudnick, who placed first in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke, 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 100 individual medley, and second in the 50 breaststroke and 100 breaststroke. Rudnick shaved more than 30 seconds off her 100 butterfly time, earning a new PC A-time.
Other standouts included:
— Owen Lawler, who placed first in the 50 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley while also placing second in the 100 freestyle, 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke. He earned a new PC B-time in the 200 individual medley.
— Allison Hanson, who placed first in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle while also adding a second in the 100 breaststroke.
— Nicole Hanson, who placed first in the 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke while improving her time in all events and earning a new PC B-time in the 50 freestyle.
— Amelia Tejeda, who placed first in the 100 breaststroke while earning a new PC-B time in the process.
— Shao-Jia Chang, who finished first in each of her events while also earning a new PC B-time.
— Paige Lavrar, who placed third in the 50 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.
— Diego Tejeda, who took home a second in the 50 freestyle.
One of the youngest competitive swimmers on the team, 9-year-old Liam Wayment, added a first in the 50 breaststroke and seconds in the 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke.
Another 9-year-old, Chase Larsen, placed second in the 100 backstroke.
Catherine Braider, Danielle Erickson, Emma Larsen, Sydney Lawler and Faith Martinazzi improved their times in several events.
The Channel Cats host the second annual Channel Cats Challenge Aug. 11-12 at the Westshore Pool. For more information about the swim team, contact Jennifer Hanson at 263-3131.
