Jefferson swimmers top Federal Way

"While the Jefferson versus Federal Way swim meet is a chance for old friends from club swim teams to catch up outside the pool, the swimmers don't let friendships get in the way of competition once they hit the water. When the competition level goes up, my adrenaline really kicks in, said Federal Way's Colin Hunter. That's when I'm strongest. Hunter used his added strength to qualify for state in the 100-yard freestyle, although Jefferson won the meet 114-71.It's the strongest swim I've felt I've had this year, Hunter said. Today is a good day for swimming. Everything felt like it was going good. I got a good night's sleep - that's the main thing. That and the adrenaline of the Jefferson meet. In the closest race of the day, Federal Way's Greg Hiett edged Jefferson's Jason Hesla as both were attempting to qualify for state in the 100 breaststroke. Hiett won the race by 0.17 of a second, but both were a little more than a second shy of a state qualifying time. I felt weaker at the end because I went out harder at first, Hiett said. Jason helped motivate me. But I'm disappointed I didn't qualify. I don't really care about places right now, I care about getting to state. I already know I can get it.I'm shaving for districts. I'll shave my head. Every little bit counts. Jefferson's Pete Friedhoff has already qualified for state in the 500 free and will compete on Jefferson's 200 and 400 free relay teams that qualified for state.Other state qualifiers so far this season include Federal Way's Hunter in the 50 and 100 free, Jefferson's Andrew Jung in the 100 backstroke, Jefferson's Tom Jung in the 200 free Jefferson's Nick Hawkins in the 100 breaststroke, Decatur's Joon Youm in the 200 IM, 100 fly and 100 breaststroke, and Decatur's Garrett McCaffrey in the 50 and 100 free. Swimmers can compete in two individual events and two relays at state. "

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