OZ-PAO-LOU boys swim finishes runner-up in home opener

Louisburg freshman Andrew Jamison swims the freestyle on Dec. 12 during the team’s home meet in Osawatomie. Jamison posted state consideration times in the 200 and 500 freestyle.

OSAWATOMIE — For the first time this season, the Osawatomie-Paola-Louisburg boys swim team had a chance to hit their home waters on Dec. 12 and it didn’t disappoint.

Despite several having to leave early for a musical event, the Miami County team swam strong when it was in the pool as it finished second overall. OZ-PAO-LOU competed against Hayden, Fort Scott, Coffeyville-Field Kindley, Bonner Springs and Independence.

Three swimmers also posted state consideration times as well. Andrew Jamison (200-yard freestyle, 500 freestyle), Colin Brown (200 individual medley) and Landen Terflinger (50 freestyle) all got a little closer to to earning that state qualification time.

“It’s always nice to have that ‘home pool advantage,’” coach Mary Argeropoulos said. “The boys did a great job being flexible with the event schedule and had some really great swims. Our multi-talented student athletes were able to show off their swimming and musical abilities last Monday.”

Jamison led the Louisburg side with first place finishes in the 200 freestyle (1:59.31) and 500 freestyle (5:33.05). Jamison, along with Brown, Colton Prettyman and Brayton Brueggen also won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:42.57.

Brown won the 200 individual medley in 2:18.75, while Prettyman was second in the 200 freestyle and third in the 50 freestyle. Brueggen, Prettyman, Luke Hebert and Terflinger also won the 200 medley relay in 1:54.41.

Terflinger won the 100 breaststroke in 1:13.77 and was second in the 50 freestyle in 24.40. Hebert took first in the 100 butterfly (1:05.32) and third in the 200 IM (2:39.72).

In its final competition before the holidays, the Miami County team traveled to Blue Valley Southwest on Saturday and placed fourth out of 10 teams.

Terflinger, Jamison, Hebert and Prettyman posted a state qualifying time in the 200 medley relay, however the group will not be able to compete together at state as they are from different schools. 

“The posting time is still a great accomplishment,” Argeropoulos said. 

The same group also posted a state consideration time in the 400 freestyle relay. Jamison had another strong outing as he was second in the 100 breaststroke and seventh in the 100 freestyle.

Terflinger was second in the 100 backstroke and fourth in the 100 butterfly.

The swimmers return to action on Jan. 18 when it hosts another home meet in Osawatomie.

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