Local Sports

Elkins Otters make a splash in championship

TENNERTON – The Elkins Otters swim team recently competed in the North Central West Virginia League Championship.

The Otters, who competed against 11 teams during the two-day event with 44 swimmers, placed third overall The Bridgeport Swim Team, which had close to 80 competitors. won the overall team title.

"I was proud that we had very few DQ's (disqualifications) at champs this year, and that was my goal, to limit those and earn points,” Varner said. “Our older swimmers really stepped up and swam their best of the season when it mattered. It was a long two days, so I appreciate the kids who came and represented the Otters so well.”

In the 7-8 year-old competition, Sebastian Talbott captured second place in the 25 meter backstroke and 3rd place in the 50 meter backstroke and 25 meter freestyle. Zachariah Zuboy placed second in the 50 meter breaststroke.

In the 9-10 year old division, the team consisting of Brody Mullenax, Leo Talbott, Parker Halle, and Luke DeWeese was awarded the first place medal in the 100 meter freestyle relay, and a second place finish in the 100 meter medley relay.

Mullenax also grabbed individual medals in the 25 meter freestyle (2nd place), 25 meter backstroke (2nd), 25 meter butterfly (3rd place), 50 meter freestyle (2nd), and 50 meter backstroke (3rd). DeWeese received third place in the 25 meter freestyle and Halle took second in the 100 IM and the 25 meter breaststroke.

In the 11-12 year-old competition, Baelynn Irons received a 3rd medal in the 50 meter butterfly, while incoming Elkins High School freshman Vivienne Shepherd earned second place in the 100 meter butterfly and third in the 50 meter butterfly and the 100 meter freestyle in the 13-14 year-old age group.

Another incoming EHS freshman, Ava Teter, placed second in the 13-14 year-old 50 meter and third in the 100 meter breaststroke. The 13-14 year-old relay team consisting of Teter, Shepherd, Auri England, and Haleigh Skidmore captured second in the 200 meter medley relay.

In the boys 13-14 year-old competition, Everett Garver-Daniels placed third in the 50 meter backstroke and was chosen as the Otter’s recipient of the league’s Christopher Sprenger Award, which represents a swimmer who has a positive attitude, is coachable, and encourages and cheers for his teammates.

In the women’s group, the Elkins girls team of Lilly Irons, Aleah Irons, Lilly Anger, and Emma Ujvago brought home first place finishes in the freestyle and medley relay events. Lilly Irons also won the 50 and 11 meter freestyle races and was second in the 100 meter IM, 50 meter fly, and 100 meter fly.

Aleah Irons took first in the 50 and 100 meter backstroke competitions as well as the 100 meter fly and 50 meter breaststroke. She also placed third in the 50 meter fly.

Ujvagi won the 100 meter breaststroke and was second in the 50 meter breaststroke and 50 meter backstroke. She also took third place in the 100 meter IM. Anger was third in the 50 meter breaststroke.

In the men’s competition, Dorsey Cutright, Kolton Ward, Joel Casto, and Kyan George teamed up to gather two second place finishes in relay events. George also earned first place in the 50 meter backstroke, 100 meter backstroke, and 100 meter freestyle. He also took second in the 50 fly

Dorsey Cutright won the 100 meter butterfly and Joel Casto the 100 meter breaststroke. Casto also placed second in the 50 meter breaststroke and third in the 100 meter IM.

George was awarded high-point swimmer in the 15 and over age group, while Aleah Irons was high-point winner on the girls side. Lilly Irons finished high-point runner-up.

The lone graduating senior on the team, Emma Ujvagi, was honored during a special recognition ceremony. She has swam with the Otters for 10 years and has also helped to coach the team.

The Otters typically begin practices in April and are always looking for more swimmers to join the team. For more information visit the Otters Facebook page or website at elkinsotters.swimtopia.com