Logan seeking first swim title

On paper, Logan's boys team looks like the favorite to finally win a prep swimming championship after coming achingly close on several occasions.

Just don't try to convince Logan coach Yolanda Bates that their status as 'favorites' actually means anything.

"Paper has never mattered at state," she said. "Does anybody have a crystal ball? I'd like it to be the year of the Grizzlies, but I'm not counting on it."

After finishing second in last year's 4A championships, Logan will field another strong boys team when the title meet begins at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Richards Building on BYU's campus.

The 3A championships will proceed the 4A events at 4 p.m. Both championships will conclude on Saturday.

4A: Lone Peak freshman Kailin Tripp is expected to score high in both her individual events (100-yard butterfly and 100 backstroke), but the real key to the Knights' strong team has been its depth.

Meanwhile on the boys side, Logan enters today's finals as the slight favorite. Dani Bates (50 freestyle and 100 freestyle) and Tim Farmer (200 freestyle and 500 freestyle) both have top times in each of their individual events.

While Logan also has plenty of depth on its boys team, it isn't at all a runaway favorite. Mountain Crest and Lone Peak both have legitimate chances to prevent Logan from winning its first-ever swimming state championship again.

East and Murray will also be in the mix.

3A: Judge rides into today's finals as the clear favorites on both sides. The Bulldogs have won two straight 3A championships in boys and girls swimming.

Judge will compete this weekend with several of the classification's top swimmers. They also have outstanding depth.

"(My kids) are definitely not taking it for granted," said Judge coach Gail Meakins. "Nothing's ever a given."

The boys side features Ryan Donahoe (100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke), Justin Gibbs and Brian Christiansen, among others.

On the other side, Judge's girls team will be anchored by junior Liz Caravati (200 Individual-Medley and 100 butterfly). Sophomores Kelsey Elizondo and Erika Christiansen will also feature prominently.

Judge sprinter Ashley May is the No. 1 seed in the 100 freestyle.

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com