Wave Ryders place in Junior Olympics

| March 15, 2007 11:00 PM

By CHRIS TUCKER

Whitefish Pilot

Fourteen swimmers from the Wave Ryders competed in the Montana Spring Junior Olympics at the University of Montana-Missoula on March 2-4.

Coach Diedre Loyda said the small Whitefish-based team competed against larger teams, such as the Missoula team, which has more than 150 members.

"I'm very very proud of all the kids and how they did," Loyda said.

Overall, 411 swimmers participated in the meet. Highlights for the Wave Ryders included:

* Bubba Loyda, 6, placed 18th in the 25-yard backstroke.

* Nikki Krueger, 7, placed third in the 25-yard butterfly and fourth in the 50-yard butterfly.

* Jessica Loyda, 8, placed sixth in the 50-yard backstroke and eighth in the 25-yard freestyle.

* Bodhi Venery, 9, placed fifth in the 500-yard freestyle.

* Tessa Krueger, 9, placed fifth in the 50-yard freestyle and fifth in the 50-yard butterfly.

* Sage Jackson, 10, placed sixth in the 50-yard backstroke.

* Joshua Loyda placed seventh in the 200-yard freestyle.

* Jordan Loyda, 12, placed first in the 50-yard backstroke, first in the 1,000-yard freestyle, first in the 200-yard backstroke, third in the 50-yard freestyle, fourth in the 100-yard freestyle and first in the 100-yard backstroke.

* Cassie Krueger, 12, placed first in the 50-yard backstroke, second in the 50-yard freestyle, fourth in the 50-yard butterfly, first in the 100-yard backstroke and third in the 100-yard individual medley.

* Sydney Gillette, 14, placed 10th in the 50-yard breast stroke and 14th in the 100-yard breast stroke.

* Christopher Clark, 15, placed 12th in the 500-yard freestyle. (8th 50 fly)

The Wave Ryders also entered two relay races — one for 10-and-under girls and another for boys ages 11 and 12. Loyda said the relay races were a sign of progress, as the team normally does not field enough qualified swimmers for the relay races.

Later this month, March 23-25, Jordan Loyda will continue swimming competitively at the Northwest sectional competition held in Federal Way, Wash. Racers from 14 states will compete in that meet. Loyda will race in the 50- and 100-yard backstroke.