Sports
Lake Minnetonka Divers Shine at True Team State
Complementing the team's 8-2 overall record and 3-0 in conference, the Orono Mound Westonka co-op was the only team to have all four divers advance to finals at True Team State—with Tyler Jordahl placing first.
The Orono Mound Westonka (OMW) boys swim and dive team had a rigorous schedule last week—competing in three meets. They won two dual meets at home against Simley and Watertown-Mayer Waconia Delano to secure an 8-2 overall record and 3-0 in conference. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the team traveled to the University of Minnesota for the Class A Boys True Team State.
“The last three meets have exceeded all of my expectations,” said Mound Westonka High School senior captain Merv Moorhead. “We made it to True Team for the first time ever and everyone performed to the best of their ability.”
True Team State
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The OMW divers competed brilliantly at True Team State as the only team to have four divers advance to finals. Mound Westonka senior Tyler Jordahl took top honors with a season-best score of 378.85 for 52 points. MWHS junior Tanner Azeltine placed fourth in diving (331.03) and also swam in the 200-free relay for 49 points., Orono junior Beau Bordson took 10th (263.30) and contributed additional points in the 200 and 400 free relays for 43 points. Orono eighth-grader Alex Schrock finished in 12th (243.60), contributing 41 points.
True Team scoring allows all team members to contribute points. Each team can have up to four entries in each event. With 13 teams competing, first place earned 52 points. Relays score double points. With this format, OMW’s relatively small and inexperienced squad was at a disadvantage.
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The team earned 1,360 points to finish in 12th place. Saint Thomas Academy won for the ninth straight year with 2,520 points.
The top six point contributors were Orono senior captain Mitchell Miller (93 pts), MWHS senior captain Ryan Strother (90 pts), Moorhead (75 pts), Orono freshman Chase Olsen (73 points), Orono senior captain Spencer Cumming (58 pts) and MWHS senior Connor Anderson (58 points).
Simley Dual
Just five days prior, OMW hosted a dual meet at home against Simley.
While Simley finished sixth in True Team State with 1,570 points, OMW won the dual 100-86. OMW took first place in five events starting with the 200 medley relay with Moorhead, MWHS senior Damian Urwyler, Strother and Miller (1:47.91). Strother took first in the 50 free (22.85) and 100 free (52.08). Jordahl finished first in diving (237.93). The 200-free relay team with Moorhead, Urwyler, Anderson and Strother also took first (1:36.00).
“Beating Simley in a dual was a big victory for our team,” commented Cumming, “As for True Team, I think it was a great honor just to participate. The guys represented OMW well.”
Watertown-Mayer Waconia Delano
Two days later, OMW hosted its last dual home meet of the season with conference rival Watertown-Mayer Waconia Delano—winning 116-70. This win secured an undefeated conference record headed into the Wright County Conference Championships on Feb. 9 in Hutchinson.
It was also senior/parents night and fourteen seniors were recognized.
OMW took first place in 10 events. The 200-medley relay with Moorhead, Orono eighth-grader Andy Killen, Anderson and Miller finished first with 1:51.24. Cumming won the 200 free (1:56.64). Olsen took first in the 200 IM (2:20.13) and the 500 free (5:23.46). A pair of firsts also went to Strother (50 free, 23.00 and 100 fly, 59.82) and Miller (100 free, 51.77 and 100 back, 58.94). The 400 free relay with Miller, Orono sophomore AG Graham, Cumming and Strother won with 3:39.32. Divers went 1, 2, 3 with Jordahl (232.5), Azeltine (209.3) and Bordson (199.9).
“Every challenge we’ve encountered we’ve tackled as a group and really managed to accomplish some great things. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds,” said Moorhead.
