Polson boys make waves at State A-B Swim Meet

The Polson Pirates made a splash at the Class A-B State Swim Meet on Saturday in Great Falls. The boys’ team secured a hard-fought third-place finish and several standout performances in individual and relay events. The girls’ team earned seventh overall with impressive results in a competitive field.

Boys shine with relay success, McElwee's double gold

The Polson boys, fueled by strong relay performances and individual brilliance, scored 61 points to place third behind champion Billings Central (120.5) and runner-up Havre (62).

Leading the charge was junior Teague McElwee, who claimed two state titles. He dominated the 100-yard backstroke, winning gold with a swift 54.32. He also captured the top spot in the 100-yard butterfly, showcasing his versatility with a time of 1:01.17.

Lachlan Sloan had a standout meet, placing third in the 50-yard freestyle (23.67) and fourth in the 200-yard freestyle (1:57.80). He also contributed to Polson’s relay success. Boden Sloan finished third in the boys 100-yard freestyle (55.06).

The 200-yard freestyle relay team of Sloan, McElwee, Truman Sawyer, and Boden Sloan earned a podium finish, placing third with a time of 1:34.76. The 400-yard freestyle relay team went even higher, finishing second in 3:37.16, just behind Billings Central.

Sophomore Truman Sawyer added to Polson’s medal count with a third-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley (2:17.28) and sixth in the 100-yard butterfly (1:01.17). Meanwhile, Hayden Ricks secured sixth in the 100-yard freestyle (57.49) and fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:13.06).

Girls team battles hard in competitive field

The Polson girls’ team showed resilience, placing seventh with seven points, competing against powerhouse programs like champion Billings Central (116) and Whitefish (57).

Senior Amelia Stene led the Lady Pirates with two top-six finishes. She placed sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (28.30) and fourth in the 100-yard butterfly (1:10.34).

In the relays, Polson’s 200-yard freestyle relay team finished fourth with a time of 1:59.00, while the 400-yard freestyle relay team placed sixth (4:38.00).

Grace Olson added valuable points with a fourth-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:22.24).