The Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears claimed the Alaska State Swimming and Diving Championship on Saturday, securing a 108.5-point victory that snapped Eagle River’s two-year title streak. The win was driven by an unprecedented level of senior experience, with head coach Amber Kelly noting that 16 seniors traveled from Juneau to Anchorage. This depth allowed the team to maintain consistent high-level performance throughout the meet, ultimately outscoring runner-up Eagle River, which finished with 98 points, and third-place Service, which tallied 75 points.
Senior depth powers Crimson Bears past Eagle River, ending two-year reign
The team title remained undecided until the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, where the Crimson Bears executed a decisive performance. Relay squad members Amy Liddle, Annabelle Woodruff, Kaelyn Szefler, and Katya Foy pulled away from strong challenges by Service and Eagle River to lock in the championship. Kelly praised the group’s season-long dedication, stating that the outcome was a direct result of their hard work translating into pool performance.
Individual accolades highlighted the team’s dominance, with Service’s Brooks capturing two event victories during the competition. Despite the individual success from the third-place team, the collective strength of Juneau-Douglas proved superior in the overall team standings. The result marks a significant milestone for the Crimson Bears, capping off a season defined by veteran leadership and strategic depth that secured their place at the top of the state swimming hierarchy.
Source: Yahoo Sports
