BEDFORD – Bedford North Lawrence won eight events, including the final 400-yard freestyle relay, to squeeze out a thrilling 93-90 victory over Columbus North during boys high school swimming action on Saturday.
The Bull Dogs won the girls meet 101-81.
Cole Baker and Trey Kimbley each won two events and combined to help win two relays as the Stars posted an impressive triumph.
“The boys pulled out a great win over a really good team,” BNL coach Adam Young said. “I was particularly pleased with how they competed. There may not have been quite as many PRs as you might expect in a dogfight like that, but they stepped up and raced. It came down to the last relay, and we had to win and score our B relay.”
Baker won the 50 free in 22.02, then touched first in the 100 butterfly in 55.35. Kimbley took the 200 free (1:57.51) and the 100 free (53.11). They teamed with Garrett Gabhart and Isaiah Eicle to take the 200 medley relay (1:44.17) and the crucial 400 free relay (3:25.15).
Gabhart also won the 100 backstroke in 58.34, and Kade Bailey was first in diving with 178.15 points.
In the girls meet, Emma Gabhart and Shelby Slaughter were both double winners for BNL. Gabhart touched first in the 100 free (56.19) and 100 breaststroke (1:11.20) while Slaughter claimed the 200 free (2:14.42) and 500 free (5:56.35).
Ava Lipp won the 100 backstroke (1:08.76). She also teamed with Gabhart, Slaughter and Cookie King to come home first in the 200 medley relay (2:03.08) and 400 free relay (4:12.93). King won the 100 butterfly in 1:10.00.
“Our best overall performance so far this year for both the boys and girls teams,” Young said. “The girls had some great times but couldn’t overcome North’s superior depth.
“This meet was a final exam of sorts as we end the first half of the season and head into Christmas break. Now the training picks up and our meet with Jasper and Jeffersonville is only a week and a half away. We will be swimming that one tired and we will get a really clear picture of where both teams are at.”
The Stars will visit Jasper on Dec. 27.
