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Gremlins swim teams compete in Marquette

HOUGHTON — The Houghton Gremlins swim teams took part in their first swim meet of the season, a dual meet with the Marquette Redmen in the Houghton High School pool.

The Gremlins boys fell in the team competition 123-59 and the girls fell 129-50.

However, for coach Erik Johnson, there was plenty to be excited about.

“As a coaching staff, we found a few things that we need to work on,” he said, “but overall, we are very proud of the effort the kids put into the pool. They have a lot of love for the sport and we will continue to have high expectations for them to rise to.”

The 2020-21 athletic year has certainly not been kind to kids as they tried to get prepared to compete, but even with the stops and starts in practice, Johnson is excited to see how his teams evolve.

“The most important thing right now is that we are fortunate enough to have a season and compete against outstanding competition,” he said. “We look forward to the continued growth of these kids as the season progresses.

“It is always good to get an early test but in a typical season we have several weeks of practice prior to our first meet so this is all uncharted waters for all of us. We have a very young team with no senior boys and five senior girls.”

Sophomore Archer Olson got off to a fast start for the boys with individual wins in both the 100-yard butterfly (1:07.73) and the 500-year freestyle (5:54.56). Johnson was really pleased to see the second-year swimmer step in and compete hard right away.

“(It) is a very tough combo with the limited rest between and the limited amount of practice we have had,” said Johnson.

Another sophomore did not pick up any wins, but he was close throughout the afternoon. Davin Evans was part of the 200-yard medley relay team that finished second with a time of 2:02.84 and the 200-yard freestyle medley (1:49.00). He was also second in the 200-year individual medley with a time of 2:21.15.

“Davin Evans also had a good meet against some tough competition,” Johnson said.

Sophomore Chase Crisman, taking part in his first competition, won in 1-meter diving. His score of 161.25 was chased by teammate and classmate Quinn Aho, who finished 23.15 points behind.

“Chase Crisman competed in diving for the first time and he won the meet,” said Johnson, “so that was a boost of confidence for him.”

On the girls’ side, freshman Claire Flipus gave Marquette junior Delaney Marchiol a good chase in the 50-yard freestyle, where she finished less than five seconds behind with a time of 32.42. She was also part of the 200-yard freestyle relay team that placed second, finishing less than 10 seconds behind Marquette’s top team.

The Gremlins will return to action at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Ishpeming.

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