The Kemmerer High School boys’ swimming and diving team competed at the 3A South Conference Meet in Pinedale over the weekend, placing fourth as a team, with six podium finishes.

Lander won the team title with 303 points, followed by Evanston in second with 286 and Green River in third, with 198. Lyman was fourth, with 165 points, while Kemmerer and Rawlins tied for fifth, with 113 points.

“I think, overall, it was a good meet for us,” said KHS head coach Amanda Aimone. “We had some ups and downs, but overall a wonderful effort by all the guys.”

Ranger sophomore Malachi Villarreal placed second in both of his individual events, finishing runner-up in the 200 individual medley (2:10.12) and the 500 freestyle (5:11.05).

“Malachi did a great job for his team,” Aimone said. “He works so hard through the season, and he deserves those two second place finishes. He is still young, and has a little bit still to learn, but I think he will be prepared and ready to go at the state meet.”

Camden Killian — the Rangers’ lone senior — also made a pair of trips to the podium, placing fourth in the 100 butterfly (1:02.91) and fifth in the 100 breaststroke (1:10.31).

“I was so excited for him,” Aimone said. “He had the best conference meet he has ever had. Great way to go out as a senior. I believe that Camden has a great chance at getting into the top 12 in both of his individual events, and, as always, he gives us great effort for our relays, so you can expect him to be an integral part of two of the three relays at state.”

Joining Killian on the podium in the 100 breaststroke was sophomore Colter Krell, who placed sixth (1:10.84); Krell also earned a spot in the finals in the 100 freestyle, placing 11th (56.77).

“Colter loves to compete and race, and I think we really saw that this weekend,” Aimone said. “I have been really happy with the attitude that Colter has brought to this season. He is willing to learn by watching a lot of video, and asking great questions. Those things have helped him a lot this season. I was also very proud of him in our last relay [the 400 freestyle]. He was our anchor and, wow, he turned it on. He swam his fastest split ever in that relay, but what was really great is he did that for his team, and that’s what we are all about.”

Bowman Sandall finished fourth in diving, posting a score of 388.25; he also

“Bowman was truly a competitor, and Coach Willoughby has really done a great job with him,” Aimone said. “We are very excited, because Bowman was only five points away from third, and five points away from an athlete who, at the beginning of the season, no one would have even thought Bowman would be close to beating. That is really a testament to what Bowman has done through the season, and the coaching by Coach Willoughby.

“Our sophomore class is really a strong class for us, and they definitely showed that over the weekend,” Aimone added.

In the relay events, the 200 medley team of Malachi Villarreal, Colter Krell, Camden Killian and Bowman Sandall placed fourth (1:51.85), while the 400 freestyle team of Villarreal, Jacob Platt, Killian and Krell placed fifth (3:48.26).

The Rangers will have a Last Chance Meet in Pinedale on Thursday, then travel to Laramie Feb. 16-17 for the 3A State Swimming and Diving Championships.

“We have two guys that are so close to qualifying,” Aimone said, “Jacob and Gabe Platt. I think if they keep their attitudes in check and keep working like they have, they will have a great shot, so keep an eye out for them.”

3A South Conference Meet

Team Scores

1. Lander 303, 2. Evanston 286, 3. Green River 198, 4. Lyman 165, 5. Rawlins and Kemmerer 113, 6. Sublette County 98.

200 Medley Relay

4. Malachi Villarreal, Colter Krell, Camden Killian, Bowman Sandall 1:51.85

200 Freestyle

23. Thomas Symons 2:33.00

200 IM

2. Malachi Villarreal 2:10.12, 19. Gabe Platt 2:43.30

50 Freestyle

26. Jacob Platt 27.78

Boys 1 Mtr Diving

4. Bowman Sandall 388.25

100 Butterfly

4. Camden Killian 1:02.91, 17. Thomas Symons 1:11.10, 22. Gabe Platt 1:16.96

100 Freestyle

11. Colter Krell 56.77

500 Freestyle

2. Malachi Villarreal 5:11.05

100 Backstroke

15. Jacob Platt 1:14.46

100 Breaststroke

5. Camden Killian 1:10.31, 6. Colter Krell 1:10.84

400 Freestyle Relay

5. Malachi Villarreal, Jacob Platt, Camden Killian