Boys Swimming: Overall, a good night

Ben Gunderson 2nd in 100 backstroke and 500 freestyle (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Hastings won the scoreboard battle but Tiger coach Ryan Hamen said all things considered, his team had a pretty good showing in its 98-83 non-conference dual meet  loss to the Raiders Tuesday night in Hastings.

"We didn't win but we had a lot of good swims," Hamen said. "We had some guys swim some off events to determine races to swim at our end of the year competitions. 

"Due to the lack of practice and other issues we have had, I am happy about tonight's meet."

Hamen said he was especially pleased with the efforts of Garrett Haugen and Jonathan Kingsbury in the freestyle races and Nick Stephan's performance in the 100 breaststroke.

Hastings built up a commanding  98-58 lead after the meet's first nine events before swimming the final three in exhibition status.

The Tigers won just one of the first nine events. That came from diver Jonathan Bovee who cruised to an easy win on the one-meter board.

In the final three events of the night, Ben Gunderson claimed first in the 100 backstroke; Stephan won the 100 breaststroke and Haugen, Brandon Dion, Daniel Berg and Stephan prevailed in the 400 freestyle relay.

The Tigers scored second place points in six individual events: Berg in the 50 and 100 freestyle; Gunderson in the 500 freestyle and 100 backstroke; Dion in the 100 butterfly and Robin DeCastro in 100 breaststroke.

The 200 freestyle relay foursome of Schimmel, DeCastro, Kingsbury and Berg also placed second.

Austin Kueck took third in 200 freestyle as did Schimmel in the 100 freestyle; David Bovee in the 100 backstroke and Spencer Kabran in the 100 breaststroke.

Thursday the Tigers will be looking for a better team outcome when they host Shakopee in a Missota Conference dual meet at the Dodge Middle School pool.