Swimmers face tough Class 4A competition

By NATHAN OSTER

Greybull-Riverside was no match on paper for the field of Class 4A teams assembled at Saturday’s Riverton Invitational, scoring just eight points on the day.

But Coach Jennifer Simmons and her Buffs continue to see cuts in times — and at this early point in the season, that is how they are measuring success.

“Everyone improved,” Simmons said.

Amber Getzfreid, the Riverside senior, continues to lead the team. She scored all eight points, placing seventh in diving with a 160.6 and 12th in the 200 individual medley in a state-qualifying 2:37.24.

She was the top 3A diver at the meet, and the time she posted in the 200 IM was impressive, Simmons said, because it was the first time she swam it this season.

G-R entered teams in two of the three relays — and because those events score double the team points, Simmons said she is really pushing her girls to improve.

In Riverton, the 200-yard medley relay team of Sarah Roll, Kendra Bettencourt, Getzfreid and Amanda Cowan cut nearly five seconds, finishing in 2:37.65.

The 200 freestyle team of Bettencourt, Miria Smith, Roll and Getzfreid cut more than 22 seconds, finishing in 2:24.34. 

In other highlights from the meet, Bettencourt cut time in the 50 freestyle twice — first in the individual event, and later as the lead swimmer in the 200 freestyle relay.

Bettencourt also cut 2.86 seconds off her 100 freestyle time and two seconds off her breaststroke leg of the 200 medley relay.

Smith had a good day as well, cutting 1.37 seconds in the 100 freestyle.

Amanda Cowan cut 9.59 seconds in the 500 freestyle and 3.34 seconds in the 100 breaststroke.

Sarah Roll shaved off 6.98 seconds in the 100 butterfly, but did not earn a place because she was disqualified on her final turn. “Just a mental error that we will work on,” said Simmons.

Roll also cut 1.07 seconds in the 100 backstroke.

Overall, the team needs “better starts, better turns and better relay exchanges,” according to Simmons. “This is where we will gain our biggest time drops.

“The team is in shape. Now we just need to focus on improving racing skills.”

The Buffs will honor their two seniors, Getzfreid and Roll, before they host their final dual of the season Friday at 5 p.m. against Powell.

Saturday it’s the Worland Invitational. Diving starts at 10 a.m., with the swimming events to follow around 11 a.m.