OZ-PA-LOU wins ILC crown; captures seven individual league titles

Louisburg sophomore Colton Prettyman won the 100 breaststroke title Wednesday during the ILC in Osawatomie. Prettyman also earned a state qualification in the event. He was also a part of two league champion relays.

OSAWATOMIE — The Osawatomie-Paola-Louisburg boys swim team took the pool with just eight swimmers, but that didn’t stop it from achieving something great Wednesday in its home pool.

The Miami County team won the Independent League Championship at the Ozone in Osawatomie with 342 points. Bonner Springs was the next closest in the 8-team meet with 264.

On top of the championship, the group won seven individual league titles and earned four more state qualification times.

“These eight gentlemen have worked so hard this season top to bottom,” coach Mary Argeropoulos said. “They are a well rounded team that supports, pushes, and cheers for one another and it’s so great to see all that pay off with a league championship.”

Louisburg freshman Colin Brown led the way as he won two individual league titles, and two more as part of a relay, to go along with his third state qualification time of the season.

***Louisburg freshman Colin Brown won four events — two individual and two relays — during the ILC meet Wednesday in Osawatomie.***

Brown won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:53.16 and the 100 butterfly in 56.45 seconds. Brown, along with Brayton Brueggen, Colton Prettyman and Andrew Jamison won the 200 free relay in 1:36.14 and the 400 free relay in 3:40.28.

His leg in the 400 free relay was also fast enough to earn a state qualification time in the 100 freestyle.

Prettyman also had a big night as he was the league champion in the 100 breaststroke in 1:06.24, which was also a state qualification time. He also finished second in the 50 freestyle in 23.74 seconds.

“The atmosphere at the pool was special and it’s no surprise that those swimmers stepped up and laid down great races,” Argeropoulos said. “They’ve been inching closer and closer all season and they should be extremely proud of their swims at league.

**Louisburg freshman Andrew Jamison swims the butterfly stroke of the 200 IM on Wednesday. Jamison won the event and earned a state qualification time.**

“Colton Prettyman has been consistently dropping crazy amounts of times across the board this season. His relay legs have been a constant strong point for the team and it’s gratifying to see his individual success come through for him.”

Jamison also had a strong performance as he was the league champion in the 200 individual medley in 2:13.12, which was also a state qualification time — his second of the season. He also took second in the 100 breaststroke in 1:08.32.

Brueggen took runner-up honors in both of his races. The Louisburg senior was second in the 200 IM in 2:29.45 and second in the 100 backstroke in 1:05.78.

***Louisburg senior Brayton Brueggen finished as a league runner-up in two events and was also a member of two league champion relays.***

Paola’s Landen Terflinger finished second in the both the 100 and 200 freestyle, and also earned a state qualification time in the 200 freestyle in 1:55.39.

Osawatomie’s Luke Hebert was the league champion in the 500 freestyle in 6:21. He also took second in the 100 butterfly.

Now, the team will prepare for the Class 5-1A state meet that begins this Friday in Lenexa. The event will run through Saturday.

“State should be so much fun for our boys,” Argeropoulos said. “We are focusing on putting out the best swims possible and enjoying the ride. We expected to be there from the beginning of the season and we can’t wait to see it all play out.”