Big Horn County students propel Powell swimming

Several students from North Big Horn County are helping the Powell Panther swimming team this season, and some already qualified for the state swim meet on the first weekend of competition.

According to reporting from Powell Tribune sports editor Seth Romsa, Lovell High School senior Taggart Shumway placed second in diving with a score of 194.05 at a quad meet in Powell Friday, qualifying for State, and Rocky Mountain junior Will Fuller won the 100 backstroke in 1 minute, 3.59 seconds, and second in the 50 free in a time of 24.88, qualifying for State in both events.

Conner Mayes of Lovell qualified for State in the 100 fly, placing fourth in 1:07.77. Mayes also qualified in the 200 IM, placing fourth in 2:30.53.

Also swimming Friday was Gabe Buchholz, who placed fourth in the 100 back in 1:17.87.

Competing at the Terry Bartlett Pentathlon in Cody Saturday, Taggart improved his score from the previous day, scoring 198.85 to place third.

“He picked up right where he left off,” coach Stephanie Warren told the Tribune. “He’s had a great two weeks of practice leading into a great performance. It’s good for him, too, because he’s like, ‘Man, I can be in the 200s quite frequently.’ So he’s excited about what’s to come.”

The Panthers will swim at an invitational in Riverton this weekend.