Wildcats finish runner-up at NWFAC swimming championships

Lenoir- The Draughn swimming teams finished runner-up to Patton by close scores at Friday's Northwestern Foothills 2A Conference championship meet hosted by the Lenoir Aquatic Center.

The Lady Wildcats fell within 17 points of the Lady Panthers (403-386) with three event wins.

The Wildcat boys finished 39 points behind Patton (352-313) with two event wins.

One of the championship event wins had Jaxon Smith setting his own new school record in the 100 backstroke (55.43) with also placing first in the 100 freestyle (50.00).

Smith also joined Tommy Blackwell, Jake Hudson, and Sean Owens on the winning 400 freestyle relay (3:43.52).

The Wildcats also gained a second-place finish in the 200 medley relay with Blackwell (100 fly) and Hudson (500 free) having runner-up finishes.

The Lady Wildcats were represented by championship wins from Georgia Goulding (100 fly, 1:05.37), Rhyannon Reasoner (500 free, 6:45.90), and the 400 freestyle relay (4:06.09) compiled of Goulding, Reasoner, Gunnar Hudson, and GiGi Smith.

Hudson also set her own new school record in the 100 breaststroke (1:16.81) placing third with having a new personal best in the 200 individual medley (2:34.47) finishing second.

Sarah Mull was another runner-up finisher for the Lady Wildcats in the 200 freestyle.

"Swimmers stepped up and swam new events (for us) in the conference meet," said Draughn swimming coach David Harmon.

"Overall across the board, the team members swam personal best times and we haven't even began to tapper for the regional and state meets. Very proud of the team effort as we have begun to narrow the gap on both Patton teams."

Alex Lennex led the East Burke boys (3rd, 260) with a win in the 200 freestyle (2:05.25) and a third-place finish in the 500 freestyle.

The Lady Cavaliers (5th, 188) were represented by Desiree Gray (200 IM 6th, 100 fly 7th), Rachel Stephens (200 free 8th), Erin Newton (200 free 9th), Gracie Hall (100 free 9th), Alisia Burkeen (500 free 9th), Kloie Grubs (500 free 10th), and Emma Oxentine (100 back 10th).

Draughn and East Burke will participate in the Last Chance qualifier meet next Friday at the Valdese Recreation Center as the 1A/2A western regional championship meet are scheduled for February 1st at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center.

2020 NWFAC Swimming Championships

BOYS

1.     Patton                       352

2.     Draughn                   313

3.     East Burke                260

4.     Foard                         246

5.     West Iredell             245

6.     Hibriten                     213

7.     West Caldwell         30

GIRLS

1.     Patton                       403

2.     Draughn                   386

3.     Foard                         303

4.     Hibriten                     287

5.     East Burke                188

6.     West Caldwell         31

7.     West Iredell             14