Tridents make State podium with record-setting swims
Trident team members Mya Baselt, Madeline Bunton, Olivia Bunton and Brooke Lechleitner, all took to the pool at Waukesha South High School, Nov. 13. The swimmers were there to represent their team and the Lake Holcombe, Ladysmith, Flambeau and Bruce schools and communities, at the 2020 WIAA Division 2 State swim meet.
The girls all had personal best swims and enjoyed great success at the championship meet.
The meet started out with the four girls in the 200-yard medley relay.
“Each swam excellent times and as a team, took another .3 seconds off their Sectional time, for a 14th place finish,” said coach Matt Bunton. “All four of the girls swam extremely well tonight, dropping time in each of their events.”
Next up, Madeline Bunton competed in the 200-yard freestyle. The Ladysmith sophomore dropped another 1.45 seconds from her best time, setting a new team record, and earning fifth place and a trip to the podium.
Two events later, it was Lechleitner’s turn at the 50-yard freestyle. The Lake Holcombe junior lost another .29 seconds, to finish the race in third place overall and setting another new team record. She was back at it in the 100-yard freestyle, dropping an astonishing 1.53 seconds and posting a time of 53.52, earning another trip to the podium, with her fourth place finish.
Madeline Bunton was then was back on the starting block in the 500-yard freestyle race, where she dropped nearly 3 seconds, setting a new team record of 5:22.35 and earning a fifth place trip to the podium.
Finally, all four girls were back for the 4x100-yard freestyle relay. Lechleitner took the lead-off leg and finished with a 54.82. Ladysmith senior O. Bunton then hit the water, dropping time and finishing her leg in 58.95 seconds.
Next up was Flambeau senior Baselt, finishing in 59.31 seconds. Madeline Bunton had the anchor leg and hit the wall in 54.03 seconds, for a combined time of 3:47.11 and a 7th place finish for the relay team.
“I’m very happy for Madeline and Brooke – not just making it to State, but setting new team records and representing their team on the podium is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Matt Bunton. “And Olivia and Mya have really finished strong this year.”
Bunton says it was just a few weeks ago, the team was just trying to get that 4x100 freestyle relay under four minutes.
“…And now to see all four girls go under one minute, dropping over 13 seconds as a team and finishing the State meet in 7th place...,” said Matt Bunton. “What an achievement.”
He said it has been such a weird, stressful year, with everything going on, but that he is extremely proud of the four girls, every one of their teammates and the entire Trident team.
“They persevered, stayed focused on improving their form and fitness at every practice, and never lost sight of their goals, both individually and as a team,” said Matt Bunton. “Their success this year speaks volumes about the incredible character of these girls and their strength as a team. I am one very proud coach.”
