Eatonville’s Annika Howard pulls ahead of the competition in the breaststroke portion of the 200 IM, as she goes on to win the event as her fellow Cruisers teammates cheer her on from the end of her lane.
Courtesy Sarah Howard
The Eatonville Cruisers swim team had an impressive week, securing a decisive win against Clover Park on Thursday before hosting the first-ever “Queen of the Woods” meet Saturday afternoon.
On Thursday, Eatonville cruised past Clover Park with a 96-58 victory. The Cruisers’ depth and leadership showed as senior captains Kaylee Bernt and Gracie Forsman led multiple events.
“We had so many standout performances this week,” said head coach Andrea Stammen. “It was great to see our swimmers hitting their best times.”
Eatonville opened with a first-place finish in the Medley Relay, powered by juniors Nicole Tomyn and Annika Howard, and seniors Forsman and Bernt.
Bernt posted a lifetime best in the 200 IM and took first in the 500 freestyle, where she was followed by fellow captain Annika Howard in a 1-2 finish.
Forsman dominated the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, while Tomyn notched lifetime bests in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke.
The Cruisers closed out the meet with a win in the 400 free relay, sealing the 96-58 triumph.
On Saturday, Eatonville hosted the inaugural "Queen of the Woods" meet, with Bethel and Graham-Kapowsin in attendance. Although Spanaway Lake was unable to participate due to homecoming, the event saw packed stands and fierce competition.
“The atmosphere was electric,” said Stammen. “We had so many best times, and it was incredible to see such positive interactions between the teams.”
The meet, scored as a championship-style event, saw Eatonville finishing second overall with 181 points, just behind Graham-Kapowsin (207), but ahead of Bethel (103).
Bernt led a 1-2 finish in the 200 freestyle and secured a sweep in the distance events with a win in the 500 free.
Howard impressed with victories in the 200 IM and a thrilling come-from-behind win in the 100 butterfly.
Eatonville stayed competitive throughout the meet with second-place finishes in all three relays, along with individual runner-up finishes from Nicole Tomyn in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke, and Jane Morrish in the 100 breaststroke.
“We’re excited to make this meet an annual tradition and hope to have Spanaway Lake join us next year,” Stammen said. The day concluded with an all-team potluck, further fostering camaraderie among the teams.
Next up, Eatonville will host the Steilacoom Sentinels on Thursday, Oct. 17, for Senior Night, honoring the contributions of their graduating athletes.
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