Swim season kicks off with a bang

The same standout swimmers from last season gravitated to the top once again at the KIF’s first qualifying meet of the season.

Kaua’i’s Keenan Anaya and Jared Perry, along with Island School’s Ben Baldwin led the way with state qualifying times in their respective events.

Perry, a senior, stole the show in the 200 IM with a time of 2:09.43 and in the 100 free (50.19), tabbing a pool record.

Meanwhile his teammate, Anaya, took down a KIF record in the 100 back (58.41). Thomas Mitsunaga set the record (59.29) back in 1991.

The senior also scored a pool record in the 50 free (23.04).

Baldwin, a sophomore, broke his own KIF record in the 200 free (1:52.80) and he also claimed a state qualifying time in the 100 breast (1:06.59).

Other state qualifiers included Island School sophomore Michelle Woltmon (1:10.33), who set a pool record in the 100 back and Kaua’i’s Kyson Gusukuma, who claimed a pool record in the 500 free (5:24.73).

In the relays, Kaua’i’s “A” squad nailed down a KIF record in the boys 200 medley (1:48.74).

The Red Raider boys also carded a state qualifying time in the 400 free.

The Warrior girls set a pool record in the 400 free.

Teamwise, Kaua’i swept the qualifying meet with wins in both the girls and boys standings.

KIF swimming continues Saturday with another qualifying meet at Kaua’i High School’s pool, starting at 10 a.m.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.