Students from several area schools make up the 87 kids on this year’s Washington Water Sharks swim team. The recreation squad through the Washington YMCA has been practicing since November 1st and is comprised of students ranging from five to 18 years old. Water Sharks head coach Brenda Adrian says children and teenagers from Washington, Mid-Prairie, Highland, the Iowa Mennonite School, Keota, Sigourney, and WACO make up this year’s group.

The Water Sharks were last in competition last Saturday at the Oskaloosa Dolphins Swim Meet competing against swimmers from Nishua Valley (Atlantic), Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, and Riverfront. Washington left Oskaloosa with several first place finishes. Alijah Beatty won three separate events for Washington in the girls’ 12-18 division including the 100-yard butterfly (1:07.87), the 200-yard individual medley (2:33.24), and the 500-yard freestyle (6:14.41). Michael Kimball finished first in the boys’ 12-18 division in the 200 yard (2:07.25) and 500 yard (5:47.13) freestyle. Nic Rath won the men’s 15-18 50 yard freestyle (25.53). Chole Staley was first to finish the girls 11-12 100-yard individual medley (1:29.75). Carmen Sieren swam the fastest time in the girls 11-12 100 yard freestyle (1:12.36). Greta Sieren earned first place honors in the girls nine and 10 100 yard breaststroke (1:38.87) and the 100-yard individual medley (1:29.56). Brennen Westphal placed first in the boys nine and 10 100 yard breaststroke (1:36.63). Claire Wubbena swam past the line first in the girls nine and 10 50 yard backstroke. Maya Bruty was the top finisher in the girls eight and under 25-yard freestyle (21.79) and the 50-yard backstroke (1:01.57). Finally, Greyson Hartman won the boys eight and under 25-yard butterfly (27.53).

The Washington Water Sharks will travel to the Helen Nassif YMCA in Cedar Rapids today for a meet against Cedar Rapids, Keokuk, Marshalltown, Ottumwa. First events begin at 1 p.m.