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Anya Zovko, left, and Johnny Smallhouse represented the Sea Lions well at the 8 and Under State Championship Swim Meet. Vince Apuron | Miner
The 8 and Under State Championship Swim Meet was held March 21-22 at the Phoenix Country Day School Pool. Two swimmers from the San Manuel Sea Lions competed in the meet. Seven-year-old Anya Zovko and eight-year-old Johnny Smallhouse competed against over 330 swimmers.
In nearly every one of the girls races there were over 100 swimmers. Anya swam personal best times in nearly all of her six events, in most cases improving by several seconds. Anya showed that she was solid in several strokes by finishing in the top 30 in the 100 Freestyle (29th), 25 Backstroke (29th) and 25 Breaststroke (28th). She also competed in the 25 Free (40th), and 50 Free (46th).
Johnny Smallhouse had many great swims at the meet. Johnny swam eight events and achieved personal best times in seven of them. In his 100 Freestyle he improved his time by over 11 seconds to finish in eighth place. Johnny finished in the top 16 in the other Freestyle events, 25 Freestyle (16th), 50 Freestyle (15th), as well as the 50 Butterfly (15th). In his other events, he finished in the top 30; 25 Butterfly(25th), 50 Backstroke (18th), 100 Individual Medley (19th), and 25 Backstroke (27th).
Both swimmers showed great improvements at the meet and had fun while competing. The Sea Lions swim team has started registration for the summer season and practice is scheduled to begin on April 2. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Coach Alex Gort at 896-2190.
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