Swimming: Season review and a season preview for Federal Way boys

Girls swim and dive began in the fall, and following the state championship conclusion on Nov. 12, the boys swim season will begin soon. Their state tournament will be Feb. 16-18, 2023, at the King County Aquatic Center.

At their home state tournament, the Federal Way schools were well represented at the 3A and 4A classification.

Decatur only had one swimmer compete last season in two events. Senior Jack Springer participated in the 500-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. In both events, Springer placed inside the top five, and he finished 2nd in the 500 free and 4th in the 100 back. Springer alone got the Gators to 22nd place in state. It was Decatur’s best finish since 2011, when the Gators finished 11th.

Thomas Jefferson and Todd Beamer didn’t finish with any points in state last season, but did have representation. TJ had swimmers compete in four of the 12 events, and their best finisher was the 200-yard freestyle relay team that finished in 19th place. Beamer competed in three events. The best Titan result was in the 200-freestyle, finishing in 21st.

Federal Way did not have a swimmer at the season-ending tournament.

Decatur’s first home meet was also Todd Beamer’s first home meet at 3 p.m. Dec. 8 (after press time) when the two schools faced off at the King County Aquatic Center. Federal Way also has their first home swim meet this season against crosstown rival Thomas Jefferson at Federal Way Community Center at 2 p.m. Dec. 15. The Raiders opened the season at home on Dec. 8 (after press time) when they took on Auburn at KCAC.