With the swimming season just a few weeks away from the big region and state meets, I thought I’d share a few of the local names you’re likely to be hearing.
Utah County will have a broad collection of athletes who will be in position to claim medals in their various classifications, but to identify the very best of the best, I looked at those who are ranked in the state top 50 overall in each event, regardless of division.
The list of outstanding locals this year is headed by Lehi senior Trevor Blackburn, who’s having an extraordinary season.
As of Saturday, he’s posted top-five times in an astounding six individual events, as well as with at least two relay squads.
Right now, he’s ranked second in the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly, third in the 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley, fourth in the 100 backstroke and fifth in the 500 freestyle.
Also, along with sophomore Gavin Doel, senior Jared Smith and senior Cameron J. Hegemann, the Pioneer relay team has earned a third-place ranking in the 400 freestyle and a fourth in the 200 medley relay.
The Lehi squad is also listed as second in the 200 free relay, but the names of the individual members earning that time weren’t listed.
This shows Blackburn’s amazing versatility as a swimmer, but does present a problem for Pioneer coach Dennis Meyring. Blackburn can only participate in four events altogether during the state meet, so he won’t be able to compete in all of these disciplines.
That’s a nice problem for the coach to have, but it’s also good news for some of Blackburn’s competitors, who won’t have to swim against him in everything.
Three of those are members of other Region 4 teams, which should make for some interesting races over the next few weeks.
Pleasant Grove senior Nathan Bramall owns the pool in the 100 breast, where he’s posted the only sub-minute mark this season. That time is also 2:42 better than the next one in line. He’s also ranked fifth in the 200 free and the 200 IM.
Lone Peak senior Christopher Nielson is presently third in the 100 back and fifth in the 50 free. Also in the mix is American Fork junior Ethan Pollock, ranked fourth in the 200 IM, sixth in the 200 free and 500 free, and eighth in the 100 back.
Springville is in fifth place on the list for the 200 free relay with senior Travis Pope, junior Gabe Hargett, senior Nathan Marett and sophomore Connor Anderson.
The only local girl to hold a top ranking in an individual event at present is Knight senior Rachel Hubert, who is listed third in the 500 free.
However, sometimes there is strength in numbers. Hubert is joined by senior Samantha Scoresby, junior Jordan Verdejo and sophomore Katie Smith to earn marks placing them first in the 200 and 400 free relays and second in the 200 medley relay for the moment.
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Wasatch girl excelling in hoops
Because I was on the road for so much of December, I missed a significant achievement posted by senior forward Rebecca MaWhinney of Wasatch, who scored a triple-double at North Sanpete on Dec. 11 with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 11 steals.
This was a good night for her, but no fluke. She had a double-double of 20 points and 16 boards on Dec. 21 against Ogden, and she’s averaging 19.25 points (with just one trey), 6.75 rebounds, 2.17 assists and 3.08 steals per game so far this season.
The Wasps are skippered by Utah Valley University Hall of Fame coach Tom Perkins. MaWhinney has already filed her National Letter of Intent with UVU to continue her playing career in college as a Wolverine.
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Heber City boy receives national football honor
Freshman kicker Skyler Southam had the opportunity to participate in the All-American Bowl events sponsored by the U.S. Army in San Antonio this past week.
He was rostered for the game showcasing younger players that followed the televised senior game played on Saturday, during which he was introduced as a member of the 2013 USA All-American team.
Southam participated in camps, practices and media events throughout the week and will use these experiences to help him as he moves forward in high school.
Beky Beaton can be reached at bbeaton@heraldextra.com. Follow her on Twitter at @BeatonWrite.