In all my years attending swim meets for the Vashon Seals Swim Team, I have never been so overwhelmed with pride and enthusiasm as last weekend at the October Challenge Meet at Foss High School.

The first day, parents and swimmers occupied nearly half the bleachers on one side of the pool. They were cheering so loud in one event, a deck official passing by stopped and jokingly said he was going to halt the meet until everyone settled down.

There were reasons to cheer. Once again, Seals continue to make their mark in the Pacific Northwest swimming community by achieving key gold and silver standards. Of the 37 Seals participating in this meet, 10 earned gold standard times in their individual events, and 20 earned silver. More importantly, 22 earned a standard time in an event for the first time. Overall, Seals earned 78 qualifying times.

All swimmers qualifying with these times secure a spot in a Q-Meet (qualifying meet) to be held at the King County Aquatic Center’s world-class facility on Nov. 15.

Remarkable performances included Emily Arnesen, who dropped a total of 60 seconds from her personal bests in six events. Other outstanding performances included Anna Lueck, who took second place in the 200-yard individual medley, while teammate Anna Ripley placed a close third. Lueck also took home fourth in the 50-yard butterfly. Lauren Houston finished third in the girls 50-yard breast.

Sage Everett swam his first competitive meet with the Seals and took fourth in the 50-yard breast and a gold time in the 50-yard free. Nine other swimmers were first-time competitors.

Seals travel to Tacoma for a one-day meet at Mount Tahoma High School on Nov. 7.

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