Kraken goes to Otter Invitational, sends one swimmer to state championship

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club had a busy weekend last week. Anna Gumz attended her first statewide competition this week. Gumz and her family traveled to the Wisconsin Single Age State Swimming Championships, held on Dec. 13-14 at the Racine Aquatic Center. The rest of the Kraken attended the Otter Invitational at the new Rice Lake Aquatic Center.
As part of the Northern Lakes Aquatic Team, Gumz did an outstanding job representing the Kraken.
“The Kraken is blessed to have Anna Gumz as a member of our team. She handled this weekend like a professional,” said Head Coach Dave Kontz. “Anna’s efforts made a real difference in the relays representing Northern Wisconsin.”
The 100 yard Medley Relay finished in fourth place and the 100 yard Freestyle Relay finished in third place. Anna’s backstroke split in the Medley Relay was a personal record for her as well as her split in the Freestyle Relay. Anna also placed 29th in the 50 yard freestyle, 39th in the 25 yard breaststroke, 26th in the 25 yard backstroke and 23rd in the 25 yard freestyle.
The Otter Invitation was held on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the new Rice Lake Aquatic Center. Assistant Coach Sara Jennings represented the Kraken coaching staff. “I could not be prouder of these athletes,” said Coach Jennings. “Every swimmer did an outstanding job, both in and out of the pool. What stood out the most was how they cheered for and supported one another, true teamwork at its best.”

Jay Bernette placed first in the 50 yard breaststroke. Jay also finished third and set personal records in the 100 yard Individual Medley, 100 yard freestyle and 100 yard breaststroke. Aubrey Knoll finished first and set a new club record in the 100 yard backstroke. Aubrey also captured second place and a PR in the 50 yard backstroke. Janessa Rucinski placed first in the 100 yard breaststroke.
Rucinski has the new club record in the 50 yard freestyle swimming with a third place and a fourth place in the 100 yard Individual Medley.
The second place winners started with Joey Doebereiner in the 100 yard freestyle. Joey also had third place in the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard backstroke. Claira Jennings had a pair of second places in the 100 yard Individual Medley and 50 yard butterfly, setting a new club record. Claira also got a fourth place in her 100 yard breaststroke. Milo Jennings had a pair of second places in the 50 yard freestyle and 25 yard breaststroke. Milo also placed third in the 25 yard freestyle. Finally, Vivian Zacher placed second in the 100 yard freestyle. Zacher also placed third in the 50 yard freestyle.
The third place winners include Payton Kraklow in the 100 yard Individual Medley. Payton also placed fourth in the 100 yard breaststroke and fifth in the 100 yard backstroke. Mackenzie Miloch placed third in the 200 yardd Individual Medley. Miloch also placed fifth in the 50 yard butterfly and sixth in the 50 yard freestyle.
Personal records were set by Emily Beckett, Gavin Bernette, Kali Bernette, Noah Grosskopf and Kylah Ward. Beau Devine swam in his first swim meet.
The Kraken middle school girls placed first in the 200 yard Freestyle Relay. Swimming for WRSC was Mackenzie Miloch, Kali Bernette, Mya Marquard and Vivian Zacher. Mackenzie Miloch, Payton Kraklow, Vivian Zacher and Claira Jennings finished second in the 200 yard Medley Relay. Finally, the girls finished in second place in the 200 yard Medley Relay. Aubrey Knoll, Emma Kay, Janessa Rucinski and Kensi Lercher swam in that relay.
Coach Jennings closed out the day with the following comments.
“Nearly every swimmer achieved personal record times in their races. This is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The Krakens showed heart, sportsmanship and determination. It is my honor to coach such an incredible team.”
The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club finished off the 2025 season swimming at the Merrill Invitational on Dec. 20.
For the complete meet schedule and other information about the Krakens, go to website at www.rapidsswimclub.swimtopia.com. The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club is a non-profit organization open to the public. The club is part of the Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Department. WRSC is designed exclusively for educational, competitive and recreational purposes. The Krakens are geared for children ages 5-18. Practices are at the Lincoln High School Community pool and at Witter Park in the summer months.