Ishpeming's Sebastian DeWitt breaststokes during a relay race against Manistique High School on Monday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2017, at Negaunee High School. (Journal photo by Rachel Oakley)

NEGAUNEE — The weather may have still been cold on Monday night, but the Ishpeming-Negaunee and Manistique swimming and diving teams blistered the pool with fast times at Negaunee High School.

The teams split a dual meet with the I-N boys winning 85-45 and the Manistique girls coming out on top 93-73. I-N’s Ethan Wallner was the star of the night as he set a school record in the 200-yard freestyle while also winning the 500 free and joining a pair of victorious relay teams.

“The guys did really well,” I-N coach Gus Rydholm said.

“I’m really happy with our relays and we had a lot of personal bests.

“Ethan is a solid swimmer and has done really well this year. On Saturday, he broke two team records, the 50 free and 100 free, so we’re building up a good team.

“For the ladies, I’m very proud of Amanda Yunk and MaKenzee VanBuren. MaKenzee swam breaststroke for the first time and she managed to get through it OK.”

Rydholm also said that he has a good turnout this year and likes how his team gets along with each other.

“Every time that there is an Olympic year, sports like swimming gain a few people and it’s inspiring to see kids come out for the team,” he said.

“Our teams are small enough that it’s more of a family atmosphere and we like it that way.

“Everybody gets along well for a conglomeration of several schools. It’s nice that the schools can put the animosity behind and be good teammates.”

Other I-N winners included Owen Morton in the 50 and 100 free, Sebastian DeWitt in the 100 breast and George Lasko in the one-meter diving. I-N also swept all three relays, the 200 medley, 200 free and 400 free.

Manistique won three events as Joe Barr took the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke, while Darren Hicks won the 200 individual medley.

In the girls meet, the Emeralds won two of three relays — the 200 free and 400 free — and five of individual events. Abby Burnham won the 50 free and diving, while Anna VanDyck (200 free), Calli Ansell (200 IM) and Megan Espinoza (500 free) each won a race.

“Tonight went really well,” Manistique head coach Beth Aldrich said. “It was really hot in here, so the kids were nervous coming in, but we had a number of personal bests and we qualified one for U.P. Finals and another was really close, so that was a good confidence boost.

“Anna really did better with her times. She won the 200 and just missed out on qualifying in one of the races. Abby did well in her race and the dive, so she’s also getting better.

“We’re a young team and we’re continuing to build. We have four going to finals and three are almost there. We’re only halfway through the season, so … still hopefully we can get more to qualify.”

I-N won the 200 medley relay and had four individual winners, Yunk taking the 100 back, Delaney McLaughlin the 100 fly, Jessica Heroux the 100 free and Martha Adam the 100 breast.

Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 252. His email address is rstieg@miningjournal.net.