Area Sports by Michael Dashiell

Shorthanded due to illnesses, Sequim's Wolves wound up faltering against the Olympic Trojans last Thursday.

But Sequim swimmers have their goggled eyes set on the future, not the past.

The Wolves (4-4) head to Port Angeles on Feb. 5 for a divisional meet, where swimmers and divers who haven't qualified for the West Central District meet yet hope to do so against other district hopefuls from across

the peninsula.

Sequim coach Linda Bingler said she'll likely have a full roster heading into the divisional meet. Even if Sequim swimmers and divers don't qualify for districts there, Bingler noted they may receive wild cards to fill out district meet events

Sequim junior Parker Steichen already has punched his ticket for districts with a first-place swim in the 200 individual medley last week in the 96-83 loss to Olympic. His 2:35.22 finish is nearly three seconds better than the district-qualifying standard.

Steichen also is closing in on the 500 free district time, finishing with a 6:36.53 against the Trojans, just 11 seconds off the standard.

Earlier in the season, Steichen qualified for districts in the 100 breaststroke.

"He's really focused and a hard worker, a really good kid," Bingler said. "He's got really good technique."

Sequim's Thomas Moores is within three seconds of the 100 butterfly mark after posting a five-second improvement against Olympic.

Kris Peterson led Sequim's divers with 135 points as the Wolves swept the diving competition. Peterson's dives and Steichen's 500 free swim were Sequim's only first-place finishes against Olympic.

Other Wolves who posted personal bests versus the Trojans included: Jake Dethlefsen in the 100 free by nine seconds; Joe Dapcevich in the 500 free time by nine seconds - a "great effort from a new kid on the block," Bingler said; Tanner Estep in the 100 back by four seconds; Jared Lindorfer in the 100 back by three seconds; and Michael Okamoto by six seconds in his best 100 breaststroke time.

"Overall, we are pleased with the team's performance at this stage of the season," Bingler said.

The West Central District 2A/3A meet is set for Feb. 13-14 at Hazen High School in Renton. The district meet features 24 schools from the 3A classification and six 2A schools: Sequim, Interlake, Kingston, Klahowya, Steilacoom and Washington.

This year, Sequim and other 2A schools get their own state meet (previously, they competed with 3A schools). This year's 2A state meet is set for Feb. 19-21 in Federal Way. To qualify, 2A swimmers must either meet state standards (www.wiaa.com/athletics/swim/2008-09Standards.pdf) or take one of top two spots at district meet events.



Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.