Emporia High swimming turned in a strong performance Thursday, finishing second at the Emporia Invitational as 11 schools competed at the meet. Washburn Rural claimed the team title, pulling away by 45 points.
The Spartans found the top of the podium early in the 200-yard freestyle relay. The team of Collin Moody, Beckett Schultz, Brayden Shaw and Luke Marshall won the event with a time of 1:43.39. Emporia added another gold medal in the 400-yard freestyle relay as Damon Anderson joined Schultz, Shaw and Marshall to post a 3:53.12. The time also met State Consideration standards, a major highlight for the Spartans.
Individually, Marshall continued his solid night by placing fourth in the 50-yard freestyle (24.81) and third in the 100-yard freestyle (56.03). Chesney Erkel added a third-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 6:20.11.
Head coach Phil Metz said the State Consideration relay was the highlight of the meet, especially with Thursday marking Emporia’s first competition since December 16.
The Spartans also saw several swimmers drop time compared to their last meet.
Emporia’s divers will compete Friday at Wichita North, while the swimmers return to action Tuesday at Topeka West.
