Cheney swimming drops 97-70 loss to Pullman

The Cheney High boy’s swim team capped off the regular season at home Jan. 31 with a 97-70 loss to Pullman.

Despite the defeat, several Cheney swimmers finished in the top three spots. Caleb Prophet recorded a season-best time in the 50-yard freestyle after he finished first in 24.53 seconds. Brock Jongeward finished third in the event (25.56).

Trevor Babcock took first in the 100 freestyle (51.38) while Jongeward finished third (58.71). Babcock also finished second in the 200 freestyle (1:53.14).

Scott Nadeau took first in the 100 butterfly (56.17). He also finished first in the 100 breaststroke (1:08.01) while Justin Barker took third (1:22.16).

Ethan Sugimura finished second in the 100 backstroke (1:09.61) and Spencer Hagel finished third in the 200 individual medley relay (2:45.60).

In relay events, the team of Babcock, Jongeward, Nadeau and Prophet took second in both the 200 freestyle relay (1:39.17) and in the 400 freestyle relay (3:36.39).

Before the final race, seniors Prophet and Barker were honored for their contributions to the team.

Cheney begins their postseason at Moses Lake Feb. 5-7, where they will compete in the 2A-1A district championships. Last year the Blackhawks finished third behind Pullman and West Valley-Yakima with Babcock and Nadeau taking first place in the 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley, respectively.

“I’m really excited for districts,” head coach Jennifer Hochwalt said. “These kids will be rested and ready to swim fast.”

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].