March 28, 2024

Newton swimmers glide to win over Rams

PLEASANT HILL — Newton’s boys swim team picked up right where it left off last season in the opener at Southeast Polk on Tuesday, Nov. 26, getting a team victory over the Rams, 101-69.

Newton coach Dave Hook was understandably pleased with the relatively young team’s performance saying, “Everyone did a great job. It was a great way to kick off the season.”

Some of the standouts included sophomore Austin Bunker, who finished first in both the 200-yard freestyle (1 minute, 54.66 seconds) and the 500 freestyle (5:30.87.). Bunker was also on the first-placing 400 freestyle (3:35.09) and 200 medley (1:45.66) relay teams.

Also swimming with Bunker on the 200 medley and 400 freestyle teams were Aaron King, Isaak Webb and Jake Lensing. Newton’s team of Paul DeHart, Jeff Fitzgerald, Reese Rosenquist and Josh Bailey finished third in the 200 medley at 2:09.35. Christian Laube, Clay Trotter, Landon King and DeHart placed third as a team in the 400 freestyle at 4:13.71.

Lensing took first in the 100 breaststroke at 1:04.04. Lensing was also the fastest 200 individual medley swimmer at 2:13.66. Landon King placed third in the 200 individual medley at 2:31.61.

Josh Bailey won the 100 backstroke at 1:05.13 and was followed by Aaron King in third at 1:06.31. Bailey finished second in the 100 freestyle at 55.61 seconds. Webb and Fitzgerald swam 1-2 in the 50 freestyle, swimming 23.39 and 25.81 seconds, respectively.

The Kings finished 1-2 in the 100 butterfly. Aaron King won the event at 1:03.40 followed by Landon King at 1:06.64.

Newton’s junior varsity team lost, 44-22.

Newton’s swimmers hit the water again on Thursday at Waukee High School.