Bulldogs ferocious in the pool
The Ida Baker High swim team continues grow each year. After doubling in size last year, the Bulldogs almost did so again this season. They’re now up to 37 members.
“We’re still very young,” Baker coach Sue Postma cautioned, “but in a couple years we’re going to be probably top notch.”
The Bulldogs already are beginning to see better results. After finishing ahead of District 2A rival Cypress Lake, for the first time, earlier this year, the Bulldogs swam past Mariner and Lehigh Thursday night at the Cape Coral High pool.
In the boys’ meet, Baker collected 44 points. Mariner earned second with 33, and Lehigh tallied 7. The girls’ standings were in the same order as Baker garnered 66, Mariner, 14, and Lehigh 3.
Justin Speese, Chris Conrad, Ashley Cowling and Brooke Rhodes each won two individual events for the Bulldogs.
It is the first meeting of the season between Baker and Mariner. Despite some on-and-off rain, the teams managed to get through all events except the 400 freestyle relay.
Mariner junior Andrew Strohmeier touched the wall first in the 500 freestyle event in a time of 5:38, while junior Brittany Langbauer took first in the 100 butterfly. The Tritons also claimed the top time in the boys’ 200 medley relay.
Coach Dena Uebe said the Tritons continue to improve with each meet.
“We lost a lot to graduation. We have a lot of newcomers but they’re very dedicated and have great potential,” she said.
One area the Tritons expect to be strong is in the boys’ 400 freestyle relay. The group consists of brothers, Andrew and Alex Strohmeier, Michael Basora and Jacob Holzapfel. They were unable to race that event Thursday.
Langbauer, who specializes in the 100 butterfly and 100 IM events, and senior Gianna Rinella are the more experienced swimmers for the Triton girls’ team.
Among the standouts for Baker is Speese. The senior won the 50 freestyle and 100 breastroke Thursday night.
Junior Ryan Williams is an emerging swimmer for the Bulldogs. He is competing on the high school team for the first time, but has significant club experience.
He was edged out in the 200 freestyle Thursday, finishing second with a 2:01.53, and took first in the 100 butterfly.
“He has a lot of potential,” Postma said of Williams. “He’s been doing 200 freestyle, 100 fly and any event I put him in.”
The Baker girls’ team is a deep group led by Montgomery, Rhodes and junior Allie Curbelo.
Cowling, a freshman, has given the team a lift in the backstroke and Postma noted the performance of Christina Przystawik Thursday. She took first in the 100 breastroke with a time of 1:31.
The Bulldogs are hoping to continue their progression and make a run at the LCAC and the regional meet in Class 2A.
“I have a few kids with the potential to make it,” Postma said. “I think we’ll be present (at regionals) this year.”
Boys Team Scores — Baker 44, Mariner 33, Lehigh 7
Individual Results
200 medley relay — Mariner 2:04.27; 200 free — Bonnough (Lehigh) 2:00; Williams 2:01.53; 200 IM — Chris Conrad (B) 2:27.86; 50 free — Justin Speese (B) 25.19; 100 fly — Ryan Williams (B) 1:03.63; 100 free — Zach Van Zandt (B) 1:03.67; 500 free — Andrew Strohmeier (M) 5:38; 200 free relay — Baker 1:48; 100 back — Conrad 1:10.69; 100 breast — Speese 1:16.68; 400 free relay — none
Girls Team Scores — Baker 66, Mariner 14, Lehigh 3
Individual Results
200 medley relay — Baker 2:30.6; 200 free — Amanda Montgomery (B) 2:24.39; 200 IM — Ashley Cowling (B) 2:44.72; 50 free — Brooke Rhodes (B) 31.56; 100 fly — Langbauer (M) 1:29; 100 free — Rhodes 1:10; 500 free — Alisha Trasatti (B) 6:52; 200 free relay — Baker 2:16; 100 back — Cowling; Baker 1:14; 100 breast — Christina Przystawik 1:31; 400 free relay — none