Despite competing with a limited roster, the West Plains Zizzers boys swimming team made a strong showing at the season-opening Zizzer Invitational on Friday at the West Plains Aquatic Center.
With three of the team's six swimmers still completing practice requirements, the Zizzers leaned on the available trio to rack up three individual victories and four total medals across six events. The performance was enough to secure fifth place out of eight teams.
“A good start to the season with only three able to compete,” Head Coach Ryan Smith said.
Rhys Kerley led the way by winning both of his events, taking first in the 200 freestyle and the 100 breaststroke in what Smith described as a pair of strong early-season swims.
Alec Morrison added another ringing note, with a personal-best time in the 100 butterfly landing him a first place win in that heat. He also medaled with a third-place finish in the 100 backstroke.
Freshman Matthew Stewart, the team's newest swimmer, made his high school debut at the meet.
Lebanon captured the overall team title, followed by Waynesville in second place. Camdenton and Poplar Bluff placed third and fourth, respectively, while Seymour, Springfield Parkview and Marshfield rounded out the sixth, seventh and eighth spots. There was no diving competition.
The Zizzers return to action at 4:30 p.m. today for the Marshfield Duals in Seymour.
•200 freestyle: Rhys Kerley, 1st (2:22.42)
•50 freestyle: Matthew Stewart, 14th (34.92)
•100 butterfly: Alec Morrison, 1st (1:12.26)
•100 freestyle: Matthew Stewart, 7th (1:17.30)
•100 backstroke: Alec Morrison, 3rd (1:14.16)
•100 breaststroke: Rhys Kerley, 1st (1:27.53)
