LGSC takes title in Baker

BAKER CITY — The La Grande Swim Club had a good showing at the Barracudas Dive and Dash in Baker City last weekend.

As a team LGSC edged Baker for the overall title with 1,237 points. Baker was second with 1,163.50, while Pendleton placed third with 668.

“This was the first meet for many of our younger swimmers and they did extremely well,” coach Darren Dutto said. 

“We had 27 swimmers total compete in meet, the greatest amount of swimmers that we have had in a meet since I’ve been the coach, and a majority were swimmers who started with the team within the past year.”

On the boys side, LGSC beat out Baker with 1,025 points compared to 264 by the hosts. 

The LGSC girls placed fifth with 212 points, while Baker finished first with 899.50.

LGSC had several individual high-point award winners, including TJ Clay, Justin Miller, Lance Denny, Jared Miller, and Dale Tovar.

Jared Miller won seven events and placed second in another in the men’s 13-14 division.

 Justin Miller won four events and placed second in four events to teammate Garren Dutto in the men’s 11-12 division.

Tovar had three first-place finishes in the men’s 15 and over division, while Terrance Clay won two events and finished second in six events at the 9-10 age group.

Bryce Ebel, Joshua Ebel, Nolen Clements, Owen Rinker and Reagan Kruse all won one event each. Riley Gregg was able to pick up two second-place finishes and a pair of thirds, while Marlon Glasby-Peters had four second places.

Anthony Clay had one second place and three third-place finishes, while Lance Denny picked up third place in four events.

“I was extremely pleased with the competitiveness displayed by our young swimmers. 

“The atmosphere at the meet was very fun, which helped calm nerves and allowed these new swimmers to perform their best. 

“I had a great time watching them race,” Dutto said.