The Davis High swimmers began the season at Box Elder Nov. 4 with the girls taking third and the boys coming in fifth. 

“It was an exciting first swim meet with tons of best times!” said DHS head coach Kit Barker, particularly noting the boys 200 freestyle race with Sam Landheim pulling out a tight race on the anchor leg against Box Elder. Also in the lineup of the event were Bryson Bernhardt, Colin Bennett and Jonah Hender.

Other top-10 finishes were Bernhardt (second, 50 free; third, 100 free), Landheim (fourth, 50 free; fifth, 100 free), Nahlia Stewart (fourth, 50 free; fifth, 100 free), Kate Whitlock (fifth, 50 free; sixth, 100 free), Lilly Wood (sixth, 400 free; 10th, 200 free), Colin Bennett (eighth, 200 free; 10th, 100 butterfly), Chloe DeMasters (eighth, 100 fly), Ella Edwards (10th, 100 fly), Jonah Hender (10th, 100 breaststroke), Helen Barber (10th, 100 breast) and Lucas Prince (10th, 50 free).

“We are very proud of our JV Swimmers for conquering their fears and swimming their hearts out!” Barker said.

In the Region Sprint Trials Nov. 5, the girls placed third and the boys came in fourth. “It was fun to sprint the shorter distances in the different strokes and to mix the girls and boys in the relays!” Barker said. “We had some fast times and some huge drops! Many of our JV swimmers conquered their fears and swam something other than freestyle!”

At the Cedar City Invitational Nov. 8-9, the girls and boys teams came in fifth overall of the 14 schools competing. 

“We had the best cheering squad during each race which upped the excitement and I think made a huge difference in results!” Barker said. “Many swimmers dropped times and many swam events they did not want to, but persevered – gotta love the 200 IM, 100 fly and 500 free!”

Those finishing in the top six – and receiving awards – for the Darts were Stewart (second, 50 free), the girls 400 free relay team of Jane Bassett, Edwards, Wood and Whitlock (third), Bernhardt (fourth, 200 free; 100 backstroke), Wood (fourth, 200 free; sixth, 500 free), Bassett (sixth, 100 back) and Landheim (sixth, 50 free).

“Many new friendships were formed and these kids know how to have fun!” Barker said. “Our principal visited us on Friday and mentioned how impressed she was with all of them and that swimming has the best kids! I wholeheartedly agreed with her!”

This season, the DHS team will be led by seven seniors in Whitlock, Bassett, Bernhardt, Landheim, Hener, Taylor Johnson and Austin Perry; five juniors – Stewart, Wood, Edwards, Bennett and Natalie Karren; and sophomores Barber, Prince and Logan Wong.

“Our main goal is to come together as a team and bring out the best in each other by lifting each other up and seeing the positive in everything from practices to meets to school life to everything!” said Barker. λ