MARYSVILLE — The Marysville-Pilchuck and Marysville Gethcell boys swimming teams competed against Shorecrest on Dec 17.

Though both M-P and MG teams lost to Shorecrest, M-P’s final score was 147-31, while MG’s final score was 135-50.

M-P and MG’s Head Coach Meredith Jenks was pleased with the outcomes of the swimming meet despite the losses.

“We had some improved times,” Jenks said. “Many of our swimmers tried events they have never swam before.”

The outcomes that Jenks was most pleased with were some record-breaking times set by both M-P and MG swimmers.

MG freshman John Snider broke a school record while placing third in the 200 IM with a time of 2:23.46, as did MG sophomore Connor DeMarco, who placed first in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.65 seconds.

DeMarco also placed second in the 100-yard butterfly, finishing with a time of 1:00.56

Other swimmers qualified for state meets as well.

MG freshman Nathaniel Ludwig qualified for district in his 100-yard breaststroke, finishing second with a time of 1:14.17.

Ludwig also swam well in the 200-yard freestyle, placing in third with a time of 2:24.25.

M-P also had swimmers qualify. Senior Owin Ell qualified when he placed third in the 100-yard fly with a time of 1:07.57. Another qualifying M-P senior was Jonathan Pusateri, who placed fourth in the 100-yard freestyle with a time 56.44.

In the dives, sophomore Tyler Dukleth from MG was the highest scorer. “He is a returning diver from just last year, and he has made huge improvements already,” Jenks said. “Our diving program is growing, and we will be looking at some great potential for the end of the season.”

Dukleth contributed four points to M-P’s team, while placing second in the dives.

Jenks hoped the successes from their third swimming meet of the season will continue into important meets. “After we return from some intense training over winter break, we will come back into competitions, looking at potential relays to make State qualifying times,” Jenks said.

M-P and MG currently practice and train together. Marysville Getchell, does not have a swim facility. Jenks coaches both teams.

“We do not compete against each other,” Jenks said. “We work hard together, and we play hard together.”

As she oversees the two teams, Jenks mentioned the benefits of having the older swimmers influence the younger, inexperienced swimmers. “Our veteran athletes encourage the new team members, and  our new teammates learn to give all their effort,  while still having a lot of fun,” Jenks said.

Jenks said the bonding aspect is a crucial part to the team during practice. “We build a sense of team for Marysville swimming, and we are with each other every step of the way,” Jenks said.

Jenks said that the sense of camaraderie the team has developed through practice will play an important role in future meets. “That kind of support really pays off at the end of the season,” Jenks said. “When our athletes are trying to have their best swims and dives, they know their fellow team members are cheering them on.”

As of Dec. 19, M-P’s record is 0-3, and MG’s overall record is 0-3.