LAKEPORT — The Channel Cat Challenge swim meet, hosted by the Lake County Channel Cats, took place Saturday and Sunday at the Westshore Pool in Lakeport. More than 120 swimmers from Northern California competed in the second annual event, including 30 Channel Cat boys and girls between the ages of 8-18.
Eight-year-old Ryann Taylor led the way for the Channel Cats, earning four new PC-A times in the 25- and 50-yard backstrokes and the 25 and 50 breaststrokes. She placed first in five events — the 25 and 50 freestyles, 25 and 50 breaststrokes and 25 butterfly. She added a second in the 50 backstroke and a third in the 25 backstroke.
Another Channel Cats standout was Paloma Colacion, who earned a new PC-A time in the 100 backstroke, which she won. She added another first in the 200 individual medley, a second in the 100 freestyle and a third in the 50 freestyle.
Other notable efforts went to Lauren Rudnick, who was first in the 50, 100 and 500 freestyles, 100 backstroke and 100 individual medley; Owen Lawler, who was first in the 50, 100 and 500 freestyles (new PC-B time in 500) and 200 breaststroke; Melissa Thibeau, who was first in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles and 100 breaststroke; Sarah Merodio, who was first in the 50, 100 and 500 freestyles, 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly; Nicole Hanson, who was first in the 500 freestyle; Allison Hanson, who was first in the 200 and 500 freestyles, 100 backstroke, 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley; Maya Colacion, who was first in the 100 backstroke; Galen Martinazzi, who was first in the 25 freestyle; Diego Tejada, who was first in the 50 freestyle; Shao Jia Chang, who was first in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyles, 200 breaststroke, 100 butterfly and 200 individual medley; Evan Thompson, who was first in the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly; and Matteo Merodio, who was first in the 100 and 200 freestyles, 100 backstroke and 100 and 200 breaststrokes.
Longtime Channel Cat Matteo Merodio, a 2012 Kelseyville High graduate, was honored during the meet, his final one with the team as he heading off to attend Hartwick College in New York State, where he will be a swim team member.
Stephanie Wayment, parent of 9-year old Liam Wayment, praised Merodio for inspiring her son and helping him become a better swimmer. The team celebrated Merodio”s many contributions to the team by cheering him on as he swam a lap for the crowd.
