To end the 2023-2024 short course season, qualified Dolphins had a choice of two championship competitions. While one group of 10 swimmers attended a provincial championship meet in Saskatchewan, Coach Aidan Chudleigh took 9 other swimmers to Montana State Championships in Butte.
“We like competing in the Unites States,” says Coach Chudleigh. “Americans know how to create a great atmosphere around their sports. That sense of excitement makes a fun, memorable experience for our athletes.”
“We’ve won silver medals at this championship before,” says Chudleigh, “but we’ve never yet gotten that top spot on the podium.”
This year, 11-year-old Layla Rella came as close as possible to being the first Dolphin to win Montana State gold. Thriving in the loud, high-energy environment, Rella put in outstanding races against girls a whole year older. In her closest events, Rella earned silver in both the 50 free and 50 fly, missing out on the gold by only 2 tenths of a second in each event. Impressively, Rella earned another silver medal in the 1000 free and bronze medals in 50 back, 200 back, and 100 Individual Medley.
10-year-old Annalynn Nguyen, swimming in her first State Championships, also did her bit to up the intensity in the building, racing to a silver finish in the 100 free, only 3-tenths behind the gold medal finisher. Nguyen also nabbed top 8 finishes in the 50 back, 200 free, 200 IM, 100 IM, and 50 breaststroke.
To add to the Dolphins’ medal count, TJ Dube placed 3rd in the 50 free and Josie Howse also won bronze in the 1650-yard free.
Other top 8 finishers include: Emilie Harrup, Cadence Prefontaine, and Brody Dube.
In the final time trial before the championship meet, 8-year-old Maggie Harrup swam a heroic 50 back to make her first qualifying time. She was the youngest Dolphin to compete in Butte.
Senior swimmer Jackson Radkie also qualified for what was to be his final Montana State Championships. Unfortunately, he had to return home before the events started due to a death in the family.
“The coaching staff is proud of all the Dolphins: how they competed, how they handled themselves in an intense high-performance environment, and how they’re coming together as a team,” said Coach Chudleigh. “This year keeps getting better. The athletes keep growing. We have a lot to look forward to.”