A 50-point loss to rival Port Angeles? Coach Linda Moats and the Wolves aren’t sweating it.

Sequim got a chance to see a nearly full team in the pool for the first time this season, as 16 different athletes scored points for the Wolves (1-2) in a 118-68 loss to Port Angeles’ Roughriders on Dec. 10.

“It was a good meet for us – many did well and improved,” Moats said.

Tommy Moores swam to strong finishes in the 100 free and 200 individual medley races, qualifying for districts in both events.

Team captain Parker Steichen swam a 2:41.8 in the 200 IM and is less than two seconds off a district-qualifying time.

Noe Calderon trimmed three seconds off his 100 butterfly time and is just a couple of seconds from qualifying for districts in the event. He took second to Port Angeles’ Ben Flowers, a 100 fly competitor at last season’s state 3A meet.

Calderon’s teammates Jared Lindorfer and Kyle Trepanier swam the 100 fly for the first time.

Sequim’s Michael Okamoto set a personal best in the 50 free, breaking the 30-second mark.

The Wolves placed second, fourth and fifth places in diving. A pair of state divers – P.A.’s Nick Peterson and Sequim’s Ezra Perkins – took first and second, respectively.

“Overall, I’m happy with the progress the athletes are showing,” Moats said. “Their motivation is strong, especially the younger swimmers.

Port Angeles is now 13-1 all-time against Sequim.

Wolves pass the Bucs

Even without all hands on the swim deck, this team is tough to beat.

Sequim’s Wolves picked up their first win of the season by winning 10 of 12 events in a 100-81 victory at home against Kingston on Dec. 8.

The Wolves were without six of their 18 swimmers and four of 10 divers on the roster, but it didn’t matter in the end.

Triston Cortani swept the sprint freestyle (50- and 100-meter) events, trimming 3.5 seconds off his best 100 free time.

Moores also picked up a pair of first-place swims, winning the 100 fly and 100 backstroke. Moores shed six seconds from his best butterfly time and three seconds from his backstroke.

Chris Merrikin trimmed a full 35 seconds from his previous best in the 200 freestyle time to take first place in 2:40 while first-year swimmer Matthew Cays finished under three minutes in his first competitive 200 free swim.

Merrikin also dropped more than a minute from his 500 freestyle time to get under eight minutes and finish second; Sequim’s Steichen won the event in 6:57.

“This is excellent progress in such a short time,” Moats said.

Both Steichen (first place) and Lindorfer (second) cut time in the 200 individual medley. Steichen’s 2:40.72 finish in the 200 IM is less than a second from a district-qualifying time.

Duncan Skinner set a personal best in finishing second in the 100 breaststroke.

Sequim’s divers swept their event, with Perkins taking top honors after accumulating 163.75 points. Zach Springer (122.35) and Austin Clement (103.35) were second and third, respectively.

“Austin is doing great as a new competitor in this sport,” Moats said.

Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.