Krakens swimmers shine with personal bests at Bird Bath

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Six swimmers from the Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club posted multiple personal-best times at the 26th annual Bird Bath Invitational, a three-day meet that attracted top clubs from across the Midwest.
The meet, hosted by the Fox Cities YMCA Swim Team, took place July 11-13 at Erb Park Pool, a 50-meter outdoor competition venue.
“Each year, the Bird Bath is attended by the best clubs in the Midwest and this year was no exception,” said Wisconsin Rapids head coach Dave Kontz. “I was happy with the way the Rapids swimmers competed and finished well in each event.”
Anna Gumz led the Krakens with 28 team points, highlighted by a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter backstroke. She also posted personal bests in the 50-meter breaststroke and backstroke while placing 10th in the 100-meter freestyle and 11th in the 50-meter freestyle.
Claira Jennings recorded personal bests in the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle and 100-meter breaststroke. Mya Marquard, who recently returned from a week-long swim camp at UW-Stevens Point, achieved personal bests in all six of her events, with her best finishes coming in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke.

Emma Kay, competing in her first Bird Bath Invitational, swam two events with her best showing in the 50-meter breaststroke.
On the boys’ side, Milo Jennings scored 20 team points with a sixth-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle and 10th place in the 50-meter freestyle. Travis McMahon competed in six events, placing 17th in the 100-meter breaststroke and 23rd in his first 200-meter individual medley.
The Krakens will conclude their summer season at the North Lake Aquatic Club Summer Intrasquad meet July 30 at the Bierman Family Aquatic Center in Merrill.
The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club, part of the city’s recreation department, serves children ages 5-18 and practices at Lincoln High School Community Pool and Witter Park during summer months.
Information: rapidsswimclub.swimtopia.com or info.wrsc.swim@gmail.com