Heuberger medals in State swimming

Clayten Heuberger brought home two medals from the OSAA 4A/3A/2A/1A championships held Saturday, February 19, at Tualatin Valley Swim Center, completing a stellar season for the junior.

Heuberger placed third in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 55.86, which was 1.5 seconds faster than his seed time entering the meet. Akira Van de Groen of Catlin Gabel won the race in 53.83.

In the 50-yard free, Heuberger kept pace in a very close race, setting a new personal best of 22.86 to place fourth. The three seniors ahead of him, including the winner Carson Washburn of North Valley (21.78), all swam season bests.

“Clayten had an outstanding day,” said Coach Alex Bick.

Freshman Joe Souza narrowly missed a medal, finishing seventh with a tremendous improvement in the 100-yard breaststroke, lowering his time by nearly five full seconds, clocking 1:07.47 —a school record.

“What a great experience for Joe,” said Bick.

Ella Bartlett swam in two races, taking 10th place in the 100-yard breaststroke (1:18.7) and 11th in the 500-yard freestyle (6:01.21). Both times were season bests for Bartlett, who is also on the Nordic ski team this winter.

Catlin Gabel won the boys team title with 53 points, followed by Newport (39), St.?Mary’s (36), and Madras (27), who took home the remaining trophies. Heuberger’s efforts totaled seven points, which placed Sisters in a tie for 11th among 17 scoring teams.

The Huskies of Sweet Home added another top trophy to their collection, easily outdistancing the competition with 87 points. Catlin Gabel (66), Newport (25), and Henley (18) rounded out the trophy winners.

Coach Bick praised the efforts of his swimmers and expressed his thanks for the team’s support.

“The kids have been great and we all want to thank Black Butte Ranch for the use of the Glaze Meadow pool,” he said. “There is no way we could have a team without their help.”