The West Plains boys swimming team has built a strong 8-2 season record following a busy stretch of early-September action that included dual meet success and a strong showing at a 22-team invitational.
The team's run began Sept. 3 at the Marshfield Duals, where the Zizzers posted a 3-1 record. West Plains defeated Seymour (63-20), Parkview (66-12) and Marshfield (66-10), with its lone loss against Carthage (88-55).
Rhys Kerley led West Plains with victories in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke. Tanner Land won the 500 freestyle, and the 400 freestyle relay team of Land, Alec Morrison, Dane Kirby and Kerley took first place. The same foursome finished second in the 200 medley relay.
Two days later, the Zizzers placed 14th overall at the Ozarks Invitational, despite missing a top swimmer due to illness. Morrison secured a top-10 finish by placing eighth in the 200 IM and 10th in the 100 butterfly. Land added top-15 finishes in the 100 and 200 freestyles.
“The Zizzers still were able to have several great individual and relay swims," Head Coach Ryan Smith said. "Morrison and Land both swam to personal best times. Adding in the missing swimmer and a future eligible diver, the Zizzers are looking to compete with our other conference teams, Hillcrest and Logan-Rogersville."
West Plains capped the busy stretch on Friday by going 5-1 at the Kickapoo Duals. The Zizzers picked up wins over Camdenton (62-34), Greenwood (62-33), Seymour (62-6), Lebanon (57-55) and Marshfield (63-21). Their only defeat was an 81-56 loss to Hillcrest.
Kerley won the 500 freestyle, and the 200 medley relay team of Kirby, Kerley, Morrison and Land also took first. Land added runner-up finishes in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, while Morrison took second in the 50 and 500 freestyle races. Kirby added a runner-up finish in the 100 breaststroke.
"The Zizzers swam several off-events tonight and competed well with many best times," Smith said. He highlighted newcomer Matthew Stewart, who stretched his program to include the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM. "He is learning and growing at each meet."
