Keep focused.  This was the goal of the women’s “B” conference swimming team as they took second place at championships at UMBC. 

Freshman Carrie Dukes came in first place in the 50 free, with a time of 25.72 seconds, and second in the 100 fly.  Junior Elaina Kohles also took first in the 200 free and second in the 500 free, with a time of 5:24.  Senior Kristen Dukes took fifth in the 50 free, with a time of 26.82 seconds, and third in the 100 free, with a time of 59.84 seconds.

The swimming team has worked extremely hard this year to be the ‘B’ Conference runner ups.  “[Coach Larry Dukes] tells me to focus from the start of the race all the way to the finish.  He tells me to concentrate on my stroke, kick, and turns,” said Carrie. 

Carrie’s second place finish in the 100 fly was the event that put JC in second place. However, Carrie was not the only important competitor.

“Elaina Kohles, Kristen Dukes, and Colleen Walls helped us get medals in the relays and helped us get points in their individual meets,” said Carrie.  Walls finished in sixth place in the 100 breast and was the anchor for the 200 free relay team.

The same girls competed in the 400 relay and came in third.  With a total score of 337 points, the girls finished as the runner ups to St. Paul’s, who scored 424 points total.  Close behind JC, the third place finishers, Severn, scored 313 points.

Katelynn Colgain can be reached for comment at [email protected]