The Kemmerer High School boys’ swimming and diving team turned in a number of fine performances at last weekend’s Kemmerer Invitational — including a pair of record-breaking performances — placing fourth in their home invite.

“We had some great things happen, and then we had some swims that need a little bit of an improvement on, but that’s what it’s all about,” said KHS head coach Amanda Aimone. “Getting better each time.”

Malachi Villarreal and Bowman Sandall led the charge Saturday, with Villarreal winning both the 200 meter freestyle (2:02.34) and the 400 meter freestyle (4:23.46), the latter breaking his own school record; he also swam a leg in the 4x50 meter medley relay that finished second, as well as the 4x100 freestyle relay, that finished third.

“He [Malachi] looks tired, but right now with how we train for this sport, that is right where we need him,” Aimone said. “He continues to swim fast under exhaustion, and you can’t ask for more.”

Bowman Sandall continued to impress in the diving events, placing first with a score of 275.100, breaking the school record; he also finished second in the 100 meter breaststroke (1:22.56), and was a part of the 4x50 medley relay team and 4x100 freestyle relay team.

“I wouldn’t say Bowman has had a perfect season; however, it has been a good one so far and he’s not done yet,” Aimone explained. “Coach Willoughby has been doing some extra work with Bowman in morning practices, and that has helped a lot. The great thing about this sport is that you can always look for places to improve, and in the last few weeks Bowman has improved tremendously. It was so exciting to watch him dive this weekend. One of his goals this season was to get ‘close’ to the 6-dive record and wow! He smashed it by five points. Just a great set of six dives for him.”

Other notable performances at Saturday’s Evanston Invitational included 3. Jade Villarreal in the 100 breaststroke (3rd, 1:26.67), Jacob Platt in the 50 meter freestyle (4th, 29.30), Thomas Symons in the 100 meter butterfly (7th, 1:20.32) and KJ Walker in the 100 meter backstroke (9th, 1:31.94).

“Jacob Platt had a great 50 free for us this weekend, and looks strong this year,” Aimone said. “I have to acknowledge KJ Walker. He wasn’t feeling the best, but put a great showing in, especially in the 400 free relay. He fought through some sickness and swam his tail off. That’s a testament to how much he cares for his teammates, as well as being tough. We did not have any new qualifiers, but Jade Villarreal is very close in the 100 breaststroke and the 100 fly. Those are two swims we are hoping to get him qualified in before the state meet.”

In the relay events, the 4x50 medley relay team of Malachi Villarreal, Bowman Sandall, Thomas Symons and Jacob Platt 2:05.51 finished second (2:05.51), while KJ Walker, Jade Villarreal, Gabe Platt and Charlie Lozier placed fifth in the 4x50 freestyle relay (2:13.75).

The 4x100 meter freestyle relay team of Malachi Villarreal, Jacob Platt, Bowman Sandall and Thomas Symons finished third (4:29.16).

The KHS boys’ swimming and diving team will host the conference meet this weekend, and Aimone said she likes where the team is at, headed into the postseason.

“I feel really good about where we are,” she said. “Conference isn’t the meet we work for; state is. But it’s another fun meet where we can see some good performances. It is especially fun, since it is in our backyard. If everyone takes care of themselves — and continues to work hard — it should be a good meet.”

Kemmerer Invitational

Team Scores

1. Lyman 385, 2. Evanston 237, 3. Sublette County 168, 4. Kemmerer 160, 5. Jackson 110

4x50 Meter Medley Relay

2. Malachi Villarreal, Bowman Sandall, Thomas Symons, Jacob Platt 2:05.51

200 Meter Freestyle

1. Malachi Villarreal 2:02.34, 12. Thomas Symons 2:55.26

50 Meter Freestyle

4. Jacob Platt 29.30, 13. KJ Walker 31.20, 22. Charlie Lozier 36.85

1 Mtr Diving

1. Bowman Sandall 275.100

100 Meter Butterfly

7. Thomas Symons 1:20.32, 8. Jade Villarreal 1:24.48

100 Meter Freestyle

8. Jacob Platt 1:09.28, 17. Charlie Lozier 1:30.59

400 Meter Freestyle

1. Malachi Villarreal 4:23.46, 9. Gabe Platt 6:12.79

4x50 Meter Freestyle Relay

5. KJ Walker, Jade Villarreal, Gabe Platt, Charlie Lozier 2:13.75

100 Meter Backstroke

9. KJ Walker 1:31.94

100 Meter Breaststroke

2. Bowman Sandall 1:22.56, 3. Jade Villarreal 1:26.67

4x100 Meter Freestyle Relay

3. Malachi Villarreal, Jacob Platt, Bowman Sandall, Thomas Symons 4:29.16