Marshall swimmers win four Topeka Beach Bash splashes

Christian Farris won the 50-meter freestyle for 9- and 10-year-old boys, among four blue ribbons taken by Marshall swimmers at a large meet in Topeka, Kan. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

TOPEKA, Kan. -- Swimmers from Marshall picked up four victories at a large regional meet over the weekend.

Mason Weber, a three-time all-stater for the Owls, won twice at the Beach Bash at Blaisdell, held Friday through Sunday at Topeka, Kan. He was first in the 200-meter backstroke (2:21.70) and 200 breaststroke (2:38.18) for 15-and-over boys.

Weber also placed second in three other events -- the 200 butterfly (2:25.52), 200 individual medley (2:21.84) and 400 free (4:31.82) -- was fourth out of 39 entries in the 100 back (1:08.34) and held a leg in three winning relay teams entered in the 13- and 14-year-old age group by the Tsunami Swim Team of Kansas City.

Marshall High teammate Khris Ward was in many of the same events as Weber, finishing in the top 14 four times -- including 12th in the 200 breast (3:07.15) and fly (2:44.86).

Tyler Nichols won the 13-14 boys' 50 freestyle (27.64 seconds) -- topping a field of 35 swimmers -- was second in the 100 free (1:01.05), third in the 200 breast (2:54.42) and fourth in the 100 fly (1:08.34) and 200 IM (2:32.94).

Another winner for the Salt Fork YMCA Swim Club was Christian Farris, first among 23 contestants in the 50 free (34.41) for 9- and 10-year-olds. Farris was third in the 100 fly (1:47.17) and placed fourth four times: in the 50 (51.27) and 100 (1:50.66) breast, 50 fly (42.70) and 100 free (1:17.61).

The Manta Rays didn't win any blue ribbons on the girls' side, but 8-year-old Allison Weber -- no relation to Mason -- came close with runner-up showings in the 50 free (46.75) and 100 back (2:01.52).

The four 9-10 age division entries -- Lauren Nichols, Olivia Quint, Kadie Williams and Cassie Farris -- teamed up for third place in the 200-meter freestyle relay (3:07.86). Individually, Nichols led the group with top-20 performances in all five of her events, including 10th in the 50 breast (51.22).

Quint took 10th in the 100 fly (1:53.82), Williams was 19th out of 52 entries in the 50 breast (54.83) and Farris' best finish was 31st in the 100 breast (2:23.04).

Allee Barton twice arrived in the top 20 among 13-14 girls: 15th in the 200 fly (3:05.85) and 19th out of 52 competitors in the 200 breast (3:17.59).

Salt Fork is scheduled to take part in a five-team Mid-Missouri Conference meet Thursday at Boonville.