By Nathan Whalen

Special to the News-Times

Fifteen swimmers of Oak Harbor High School’s girls swim team are looking to compete in individual races and another eight in relays at the District 1, 3A swim meet.

“The girls have shown great gains this year in their technique and their camaraderie,” said Amber Craven, coach of Oak Harbor’s girls swim team.

Oak Harbor recently competed in the “B” championships Oct. 27 where the Wildcats placed first out of 13 teams. In addition, three swimmers also qualified for districts.

District 1 preliminaries take place Nov. 3 at the Snohomish Aquatic Center with swimming and diving finals on Nov. 4.

Craven said that senior Lola Chargulaf, who is competing in 100-yard back stroke and the 100-yard butterfly, is one of the swimmers who is “closest on making it to state.”

Chargulaf is seeded fifth in both events and the top four swimmers advance to state.

Fellow senior Kiersten Tyson is seeded sixth in the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke.

“Both of them have been to district all four years,” Craven said.

Craven mentioned that sophomore Taryn Lucero, who competes in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle, could also have a strong showing.

Oak Harbor’s girls swim team finished the season with an 8-2 record. Ten members of the swim team are seniors. “We had a really good mix,” Craven.

She noted the efforts of senior Sophia Kristoffersen, who is in her first year of swimming for the Wildcats and hasn’t really swam before. Her times have improved throughout the season in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, and 100 backstroke. “She’s always happy and always in a good mood.”

Craven has simple goals for the Wildcat swimmers at District.

“My goal is for the girls to improve their times and place in the top 16,” Craven said. She wants the swimmers to have fun and do their best.