McPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson High School Boys Swimming team had their two largest-by-quantity meets over the past two weekends, placing in the top 10 in both meets. Each meet played host to over 15 teams, including 6A schools.
ANDOVER INVITE (Jan. 18)
The Bullpups started off well with a 9th place finish in Andover out of 17 teams overall. Head coach Matt Cotton credits some of the best events as the relays, as their best relay finish was in the 400 Freestyle relay, placing in 4th. The team also came in 8th in the 200 Freestyle.
The team had a successful day individually as well. Senior Gabriel House had 8th place finishes in the 200 Freestyle and the 500 Freestyle events. Freshman Cooper Bohme had a 7th place finish in the 500 Freestyle while also finishing in the 200 Individual Medley. Junior Becket Shuckman finished 15th in the 50 Freestyle & 100 Freestyle. Senior Ethan Elder had a pair of 13th place finishes in the 100 Fly and 100 Backstroke. Junior Ben Bocox finished 11th in the 100 Backstroke and 14th in the 500 Freestyle.
Wichita-Heights Invitational (Jan. 25)
The Bullpups followed it up finishing 10th out of 16 teams around the state, the majority of which residing out of Wichita and the local metro areas.
Freshman Cooper Bohme led the way, finishing with two medals after finish 5th in both the 200 Freestyle and 500 Freestyle. The team also had a strong showing in the 200 Medley Relay, earning a state consideration time of 1:58.60. Senior leaders also had a strong day as House finished 10th in the 500 Freestyle and 7th in the 100 Fly.
“Overall the team only finished 10th, but make no mistake: that does not accurately reflect how well we swam,” head coach Matt Cotton said. “Rather, I would say it highlights the quality of competition in the state right now. Kansas swimming is in a great place, and it’s looking like it should be another explosive conclusion to the season in Lenexa next month.”
The team will have two meets this week alone, with the team going to Hutchinson Tuesday, Jan. 28 and Haysville-Campus Thursday, Jan. 30. Following that will be the AVCTL Meet in Hutchinson on Feb. 15.
