HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Buhler swimming and diving put an exclamation mark on the regular season this past Saturday, placing second overall at the AVCTL Division III and IV League Championship. The Crusaders tallied 420 points to finish right behind Winfield.
“We had an amazing meet with so many best times, new school records, and improved chances of competing in Topeka at the State Championship,” head coach Shane DeWeese said.
Hudson DeWeese dropped nearly three seconds from his time in the 200 Individual Medley, setting a new school record time of 2:08.33. DeWeese also set a new high mark in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 58.61. He won both events.
Jonah Gardner smashed the school record in the 100 Breaststroke, swimming to a second-place time of 1:05.76.
Together, Gardner and DeWeese helped shave a full second off the school record time as part of the 200 Medley Relay. Buhler’s A Team, also made up of Payton Frees and Marshall Birney, finished third overall with a time of 1:47.97.
“A huge thank you to our families and volunteers for helping make our final home meet a success,” coach DeWeese said.
Buhler now turns its attention to the State Meet this weekend and perhaps its best chance since the start of the program to earn a medal in the pool. DeWeese will compete in the 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke, while Gardner will swim the 100 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke.
Isaak Neighbor will take his turn in the 100 Individual Medley and the 100 Fly. Finally, Buhler Relay Teams will compete in the 200 Medley, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay.
The top 8 finishers will medal in each event held at the Capitol Federal Natatorium at Hummer Sports Complex in Topeka. Prelims get underway at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, with finals starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
