The Bonney Lake Panthers boys swim team delivered a strong performance on Tuesday, defeating the Rogers Rams in a competitive league meet. With standout swims and several postseason-qualifying times, the Panthers continued their impressive streak in the pool.
Setting the Tone
The meet opened with a decisive victory in the 200-yard Medley Relay. Bonney Lake’s A-team, comprised of sophomore Matthew McGinnis, freshman Andrew Siodina, junior Sullivan Wagner, and sophomore Ryder Pickering, posted a time of 1:51.88, comfortably meeting the West Central District (WCD3) qualifying standard. The relay team's smooth exchanges and explosive finishes set an early tone of dominance.
The Panthers’ B-team also impressed, finishing in 2:03.43 to edge out Rogers’ top relay squad. Anchored by seniors Keanu Chau, with support from sophomore Tristen Schilling and senior Donovan Goose, the B-team’s depth showcased Bonney Lake’s versatility.
Individual Highlights
Sophomore Matthew McGinnis continued his standout season with a commanding win in the 200-yard Freestyle, clocking a WCD3-qualifying time of 2:01.42. McGinnis returned later in the meet to dominate the 500-yard Freestyle, securing another first-place finish and reinforcing his reputation as one of the league's most versatile swimmers.
Freshman Andrew Siodina delivered a stellar performance in the 200-yard Individual Medley, finishing in 2:18.91 to claim first place and earn a WCD3 berth. His smooth transitions between strokes hinted at his potential to be a future leader for the Panthers.
Sophomore Ryder Pickering was a force in the sprints, winning the 50-yard Freestyle with a WCD3-qualifying time of 24.19. He followed up with another win in the 100-yard Freestyle, posting a time of 53.67. Pickering’s consistent speed and technical execution have made him a cornerstone of Bonney Lake’s lineup.
Junior Sullivan Wagner shone in the 100-yard Butterfly, breaking the minute mark with a WCD3-qualifying time of 59.76. His smooth stroke and strong finishes helped secure crucial points for the Panthers.
Depth Drives Success
Bonney Lake’s depth proved essential throughout the meet. Sophomore Tristen Schilling delivered a solid third-place finish in the 100-yard Freestyle with a time of 59.13, meeting the SPSL standard. Freshman Jackson Barker also contributed, finishing third in the 100-yard Butterfly with a time of 1:09.51, adding valuable points to the Panthers’ total.
Looking Ahead
After the meet, Coach Jay Paulson praised his team’s commitment and progress. “These guys are really showing the results of their hard work in practice,” Paulson said. “We’ve got a mix of experienced swimmers and younger talent stepping up, and that balance is making a big difference for us.”
With multiple swimmers already qualified for postseason competition, the Panthers are positioned for a strong run at the WCD3 championships. Paulson added, “Every meet is an opportunity to improve, and tonight we saw some great individual and team efforts. I’m excited to see how far this group can go.”
The Bonney Lake boys swim teams next home match will face the Sumner Spartans on January 14th, in a highly anticipated league matchup. With momentum on their side, the Panthers are primed to continue their winning ways in the SPSL.
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