Numbers up for Wildcats

Published 8:05 pm Thursday, October 14, 2010

Archbishop Murphy’s girls swimming program continues to make waves.

In only their second year of existence, the Wildcats are 6-0 in dual meets this season and more importantly the program is growing.

Thirty-eight girls came out for the team, up from 29 in 2008. A large freshman class is partially responsible for the increase in numbers.

In addition to newcomers to the sport, Archbishop Murphy has plenty of talent, including a number of state returners.

“It’s a good mix of ability levels and personalities,” coach Mike McCloskey said.

Junior Amy Renslo, who was second in the 100-yard butterfly and sixth in the 200 individual medley at the Class 2A state meet, has state cuts in the 100 butterfly and the 200 freestyle.

Renslo is ahead of where she was at this point of the season last season.

“She’s right on pace,” McCloskey said. “She’s more in command.”

As far as the 200 individual medley, Renslo hasn’t really had anyone push her so it’s hard to get good times, McCloskey added.

Also back is sophomore Sarah Betthe, who advanced to state in the 50 and 100 freestyles. She has a state time in the latter event.

“She’s our Carl Lewis,” McCloskey said.

Junior Sarah Main advanced to state in the 500 freestyle. A promising freshman is Anna Maher, who is very close to a state cut in the 100 backstroke.

McCloskey’s daughter Claire McCloskey has a state time in the 100 butterfly and is close in four other events.

“We have good young squad,” coach McCloskey said.

The numbers qualified for state could increase in the coming weeks based on what happened last season.

“The last two weeks of the season we had kids dropping three to five seconds,” McCloskey said. “Hopefully we’ll get a few more to state.”

So far the Wildcats have 13 girls qualified for districts, a third of the squad.

“The nice thing is the kids picked up where we left off last year,” McCloskey said. “This year they knew how to swim … They are at or ahead of where they were last year. The training part is like night and day.”

Archbishop Murphy wraps up its dual meet season against Squalicum, which finished second at state last year, and Stanwood, a 4A school.

“Those are two very good meets for us to see how we match up,” McCloskey said.