SANTA ROSA — Twenty-nine members of the Lake County Channel Cats swim team closed out their summer season by participating in the three-day-long Redwood Empire Aquatics League Championships in Santa Rosa.
“Our swimmers showed that even though they are at a disadvantage compared to other teams who can practice in competitive pools, we swim with heart and a passion for the sport,” Channel Cats coach Nikki Hanson said.
Ten of the 29 Channel Cats in attendance were making their first competitive appearance, according to Hanson. “Over 400 swimmers competed aand it can be an intimidating experience for young swimmers. I am so proud of all of our Cats.”
The youngest Channel Cat traveling to Santa Rosa, 6-year-old Sawyer Cole, finished second in both the 25-yard backstroke and the 50 freestyle. Dutch Koschik 8, a rising star on the team, finished fourth in the 25 freestyle and fifth in both the 50 freestyle and 25 butterfly. Amirah Jassar 12, finished fourth in the grueling 100 butterfly while Tori Tropf, 11, placed ninth in the 200 freestyle.
Sebastian Chavez, Riley Lopez, Vidal Perez and Edgar Vasquez finished fourth in the 200 medley relay in the 11-12 age bracket.
“It is exciting that we had enough swimmers to put forward a legitimate relay team and have them place with distinction,” Channel Cats coach Catherine Braider said. “This is the toughest relay and these four boys really went for it.”
Alora Nieto, a regular at Channel Cats meets even at the young age of 9, competed all three days and finished as high as fifth in the 200 freestyle, which helped the Channel Cats place third in the team rankings after day one.
“As a coach, it’s always rewarding to see your team improve their best times,” coach Kaylie Williams said. “It’s apparent that the kids have been putting in some hard work lately, it really showed at the meet. I’m so proud to be a coach for the Lake County Channel Cats and I’m proud of the kids for persevering through the many difficulties that arise as a result of our continuing struggle to find a pool.”
The Channel Cats have spent the summer practicing at the Quail Run Fitness Center outdoor pool and are appreciative of the Quail Run membership for allowing team members to use their facility.
The Channel Cats were scheduled to host the 2022 Redwood Empire Aquatic League Championships but might have to forgo the honor if a new pool is not built in Lakeport.
“It would have been exciting to see 400 families visit our beautiful county and get to experience all the things that make Lake County so wonderful,” Hanson said.
