With a fairly young team, the 2012 summer season should be a learning experience for the Kentville Marlins swim team.
The Marlins saw their first real competition of the season at a meet hosted by the Waegwoltic Waves July 14 in Halifax. A total of 15 Kentville swimmers, all but four of them aged 11 and under, attended the meet and the team ended up 13th out of 15 participating teams with 80 points.
There were also noteworthy performances from some of the more veteran swimmers, led by Ethan Payne, 15, who was fourth in 100 butterfly, fifth in 50 backstroke and tenth in 50 freestyle for three top 10 finishes.
Isaac Payne, 13, had the top finish by a Kentville swimmer at the meet – a second in the 100 breaststroke – and was also 10th in 200 freestyle.
Kara Hartt-Wellwood, nine, also had a top five finish, placing fifth in 200 freestyle.
Other swimmers turning in good results included Lucas and Adam Dorrance and Madison Johnstone.
Lucas Dorrance, 11, was 12th in 200 free and 20th in 200 breast. Adam Dorrance, 14, was 14th in 200 free, tied for 14th in 50 free, and 17th in 100 breast. Johnstone, 15, was 15th in 50 back and 17th in 50 free.
