High School State Championships: Montana Boys, Girls

HARDIN, Montana, February 17. BILLINGS Central's Jenna Marsh lowered her state records in the 50 free and 100 fly to lead the action at the Montana State High School Swimming Championships Feb. 8-9 in Hardin.

Marsh posted a 23.52, bettering her 23.79 from last year in the 50 yard free. She also took down her 100 fly mark of 56.19 from 2012 with her 56.10. Kaitlyn Kleppelid from Helena High erased Lauren Wright's 2004 time of 1:06.19 in the 100 breast with her 1:04.48. She also took charge of the 200 IM, winning in 2:07.72.

Hellgate's Hanni Leach grabbed first place in both the 100 free (54.35) and 100 back (56.91).

Only one-hundredth separated Leach's teammate Hailey Jacobson from the Rustlers' Shelby Sechena in the 200 free (1:57.11-1:57.12). Later in the meet, Sechena was able to touch first in the 500 free, posting a 5:15.17.

Hellgate relays were first in the 200 medley (1:51.20) and 400 free (3:41.55) relays, and Billings Central's 1:44.22 gave them the victory in the 200 free relay.

By just two points–220 to 218–Helena High took first in the team race over Hellgate. Bozeman took third (154), followed by a one-point margin for fourth between C.M. Russell (103) and Sentinel (102). Billings Central took top honors in the “A” division with 121 points.

Two swimmers emerged as double event champions in the boys races. Billings Central's Matt Wehr claimed the 100 fly (53.66) and the 200 IM (1:57.54) over Chandler Crowe from Skyview (1:57.60). Crowe was tops in the 100 back (52.74).

The other double-event winner was Billings Central's Pierce Oja, capturing the 200 free (1:49.11) and the 100 breast (1:01.03).

Jordan Loyda from Glacier and Helena High's Pete Kotson traded places in the sprint events. Loyda ended up on top in the 50 free (22.08-22.18) to Kotson; Kotson had an easier time of it in the 100 free (47.56-48.83).

Pat Hooks, swimming for Helena High, swam a 5:06.64 in the 500 free, just ahead of Habib Mostefa from Bozeman (5:06.86).

Glacier swept the freestyle relays, coming in first with times of 1:30.48 in the 200 free and 3:18.67 in the 400 free. Billings Central's 1:40.01 gave it the victory in the 200 medley relay.

Helena High scored 179 points for the Class “AA” title. Glacier's 166.5 points put them just ahead of Skyview for second (162), followed by Hellgate (130) and Bozeman (105.5). Billings Central was the top “A” team, scoring 189 points.

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