CarlsonRothe Leads Falcons at State Swim and Dive Championships

The Falcons were represented at the 4A boys swim and dive championships by Drew CarlsonRothe, a junior participating in the diving competion for WHS and coach Pam Marshall.

After notching a total of 236.20 in the preliminary round Friday, CarlsonRothe scored 307.30 in Saturday's finals, good for an eighth place finish and the final spot on the podium.

Kamiak took the 4A team title with a score of 240.50, which was a full 70 points ahead of second place finisher Todd Beamer despite not finishing in first in any of the 12 events.

"We overcame some obstacles, these guys did a great job," said Kamiak coach Chris Erickson.

"These guys really wanted to bring home that big trophy."

The highest finisher for the Knights was sophomore Liam Sosinsky, who came in second place in the 100 breast, earning All-American consideration with a time of 58.35.

Richland finished third at 158, Newport was behind them at 138 while Stanwood and Eastlake ended in a tie with identical team scores of 128.

The individual stars of the 4A meet included Eastlake's Edward Kim, who as a freshman collected two state titles in the 50 free with a time of 21.32 and the 100 free with a time of 45.56, which was fast enough to earn automatic All-American qualification.

"It's a great start to my career and I just want to keep up the good work," said Kim.

"I just want to keep my goal in mind, do my best every year and practice hard."

Eastlake swim and dive coach Kate McCary, who was named 4A coach of the year, talked about Kim's superb freshman season.

"We can't ask for much more than what he's done," said McCary.

"The success he's had has really helped the rest of the team, they have definitely fed off of it."

Senior Matthew Roe of Stanwood also collected a pair of state championships by taking the 200 free at 1:42.44 and the 500 free by going out 4:37.78, nearly three full second ahead of second place finisher Cameron Johnson of Roosevelt.

In 3A competition, Eastside Catholic's Rick Wertman stole the show by winning the 200 free with a meet record time of 138.18 and the 100 free with a mark of 44.75 in the finals.

Both of those times were also automatic All-American times and helped earn Hallowell the award for the top individual swimmer at the meet.

Hallowell called the feeling upon winning his eighth state title "unreal" and also talked about using the EC crowd and the atmosphere at KCAC to his advantage down the stretch.

"It's been a fun four years," said Hallowell in conclusion.

"It's always a treat to be in his presence to be honest, he's a wonderful kid," Eastside Catholic swim and dive coach Rhonda Bunker added.

Mercer Island used perhaps the deepest and most talented team regardless of classification to take the 3A team title going away.

Mercer Island coach Chauntelle Johnson emphasized the importance of team depth, noting that every swimmer who entered the pool earned points for the Islanders on Saturday.

"We come here with a team goal, we try to look at as 'this is our year'," said Johnson.

The Islanders took home several individual titles as well, including the 200 medley relay and the 100 breast.