Patriots take 19 of 24 events in opener

MUNCIE — The Patriots opened their season with a bang on Monday, and five swimmers started off even stronger with a pair of victories.

The Jay County Junior High swim team started off the season with a pair of victories over the Delta Eagles as Jay County claimed victories in 19 of the 24 events in Monday’s meet.

Maria Laux and Brooklynn Byrum led the girls with a pair of victories to help the Patriots (1-0) knock off the Eagles 122-62.

Laux dominated the 100-yard freestyle, finishing in 1 minute, 4.21 seconds. That time was 17.7 seconds faster than Delta’s Sophia Riley-Vannatta in second place.

Laux also won the 200 freestyle with a 2:20.15 swim.

Byrum claimed the 100 backstroke by over seven seconds, as she earned a 1:18.25 time. Her other victory came in the 50 butterfly (30.02 seconds).

Three boys ended as double-event winners for the Patriots (1-0). Cooper Glentzer had victories in the 200 and 400 freestyle events, Carson Westgerdes claimed the 200 individual medley and 100 freestyle and Raif Beiswanger handled the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.

Glentzer demolished the opposition, winning by an average time of 31.56 seconds. Westgerdes took both of his events by over four seconds, while Beiswanger swam in the sprint events to earn a 2.21 second average margin of victory.

Other swimmers to win events include Kaitlyn Fisher (200 individual medley), Elly Byrum (50 freestyle), Jordyn Champ (1-meter diving), Grady Warvel (50 butterfly) and Rockland Beiswanger (100 backstroke).

Both the boys and girls took first place in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay, but neither took the 400 freestyle relay.