For Bridgeport swimmers, the state swim meet held its share of challenges.

 

Sophomore Sarah Stallman – who claimed Region III victories in 50-freestyle and 100-freestyle events – suffered an arm injury during preliminaries. Harrison Hess, another consistent forerunner of the Indian swim team – had a false start and subsequent disqualification during preliminaries in the 50-yard freestyle.

 

But the Tribe persevered and came out of the two-day West Virginia High School Swim Championships at the West Virginia University Natatorium with some medals and some smiles.

In Friday’s finals, Stallman managed to finish fourth place in 50-freestyle and fifth in 100-freestyle.

 

Stallman also joined Catie Wilson, Maria Lacaria and Cheri Signorelli to claim third place in the 200-freestyle relay.

 

The 200-medley relay team of Stallman, Wilson, Megan Lehosit and Jenna Soltesz claimed sixth place in finals, after finishing fifth in preliminaries.

 

The Indians’ John Carter captured fourth place in the 100 breaststroke event after finishing fourth in preliminaries.

 

Carter, Titus Smith, Devin McIntyre and Harrison Hess placed fourth in the 200-freestyle relay, moving up one spot from Thursday’s preliminaries.

 

Hess, Carter, McIntyre and Kyle Malcolm finished fourth in the medley relay finals, as they did in prelims.

 

Hess was also a prospective favorite in the 100-yard backstroke event, having won the Region III event with a personal best time of 58.75. But the BHS senior eliminated his chances of a top finish when he finished seventh in Thursday’s prelims, thereafter advancing to consolidation finals Friday.

 

The girls ended up 8th and the boys 6th in the state.

 

Going into Thursday’s prelims, Stallman – who during the 2016 state swim meet finished sixth in 100-freestyle and fifth in 200-individual medley – said she felt she was better prepared this year than last as she battled illness during the 2016 season. She had practiced hard this season and was excited to put her skills to the test. She also said her inspiration for doing well was not for her own recognition, but to benefit the team.

 

“It’s important to take home high finishes because you earn points for your team and you are representing Bridgeport,” she said.

 

The Bridgeport boys finished the state meet in sixth place. The girls game in eighth place.

 

George Washington took top honors for the boys' competition. For the girls, Wheeling Park finished first. See full team results HERE at WVAlways.com.