Wolves fall in final meets

Call it the last splash.

Sequim’s boys swim and dive squad presumably finished their season Tuesday afternoon, hoping to extend the season one more meet by earning a qualifying time to the West Central District meet.

In seven regular season meets, the Wolves (2-5) were unable to post a qualifying time, but Sequim swim coach Linda Bingler said she was pleased to see several swimmers post personal bests in their final two meets last week.

On Jan. 22, the Wolves took on Port Angeles and fell for the second time this season, a 103-81 defeat.

Sequim’s Parker Steichen improved his 100 breaststroke by four seconds in one week (1:20.88) to take top honors in the event while Sequim’s 400 freestyle relay (James Steffen Estep, Steven Moore and Tommy Moores) also earned first place.

Other Sequim swimmers posting improved times included Nick Bowden (200 IM, 100 free), Cole Andersson (50 free), Travis Smith (100 fly), Brett Cain (500 free), Steffen Estep (200 free by 20 seconds), Tanner Estep (500 free, by 52 seconds), Taylor Lepper (100 back), Cockburn in the 200 free and Steichen in the 200 IM.

Diver Jay Barton set a personal record by 30 points.

“They all swam great and tried hard,” Bingler said. “We had a senior tribute for Steffen Estep, Cole Andersson, Declan Catelli, James Cockburn, Brett Cain, Jay Barton and Mike Petersen. We will be sad to say goodbye to these fine athletes.”

Two days later, the Wolves fell to Olympic 106-76, taking second place in eight of 12 events and sweeping places 1-3 in diving.

The following Sequim swimmers set personal bests in their last regular meet of 2007-08: Andersson (100 breast), Cain (500 free), Catelli (500 free), Cockburn (200 free, 100 fly), Steffen Estep (100 free), Steichen (200 IM), Moores (50 free, 100 back) and two relay teams (200 free, 200 medley).