VW swimmers lauded

The Van Wert High School swim team recently held their annual end of the season awards program. Head Coach Megan Hurless and assistant coaches Martha Martin and Keith Rydell honored two seniors – Bri Bebout and Katie McVaigh. Overall, the Cougar boys were 11-6, while the girls finished 10-8. At the sectional tournament, 98 percent of Van Wert swimmers achieved personal best times in their respective events, and the boys 200-free relay, boys 200-medley relay, Jayden Welker (200 Individual Medley and 100 yard Butterfly) and Ian Rex (100 yard backstroke) advanced to the district tournament. Out of 16 total swimmers, 14 swimmers maintained a 3.0 grade point average during the season and received Scholar Athlete awards: Bri Bebout, Katie McVaigh, Jamie Burenga, Allie Etter, Becky Rigdon, Jaryn Pierce, Ian Rex, Anna Wasson, Jacob Sealscott, Gage Wannemacher, Travis Francis, Tyra McClain, Gracie Mull and Jayden Welker. Varsity letters were also presented. Bri Bebout, Katie McVaigh, Jamie Burenga, Allie Etter, Octavius Tucker, Becky Rigdon, Ian Rex, Anna Wasson, Gage Wannemacher, Travis Francis, Tyra McClain, Gracie Mull and Jayden Welker were recognized for earning a varsity letter during the 2019-20 season. Participation awards were given to Jaryn Pierce, Jacob Sealscott and Abram Price. Photos submitted