Swim team jumps into season this weekend

The Columbia Falls swim team will kick off its season this week with a meet in the Bitterroot.

The team has about 50 swimmers and is part of the Montana Federation of Swimmers — a fun league made up of communities with open-air pools. Swimmers range from kids who are still learning to float to accomplished athletes. Teams are restricted to pool practices from June 1 to Sept. 1.

Coach Mike Nelson said this year's team celebrates youth. While there are 19 returning swimmers, there's a host of kids that are 8 years old or less, he said. Some will have to learn to swim before they can compete — no lifejackets allowed.

"I definitely have a new team this year," he said. "Last year we didn't have hardly any (young swimmers)."

"It will be a very rewarding year."

The team started "dry land" practices earlier this month with workouts and has also been practicing at the Wave in Whitefish. They expect to start using the Columbia Falls City pool tomorrow (June 11) and will have practices in the early mornings after that.

The team's home meet is July 3-4.

Returning swimmers include: Ava Chisholm, Analise Henjum, Karyssa Nelson, Casey Shea, Katie Donner, Jessica Baiar, Bria Ward, Katelynn Piper, Katie Newton, Kristi Newton, Hanna Ronish, Cooper Babcock, Tyler Langton, Danny Henjum, Colton Babcock, Kaleb Bagley, Dalton Nelson, Kirby Sharbono, Vincent Erickson and Jon Riffey.

Erickson and Karyssa Nelson were state champions last year. Coach Nelson is assisted by Stephanie Henjum.