MHS swimming: Nichols wins, sets new MHS record

Marshall senior Khris Ward has now qualified for state in two individual events. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

SPRINGFIELD -- The Marshall boys' swim team had a line-up geared to add state qualifiers more than tally team points Saturday at the Springfield Invitational.

That's why, for the first time this season, the Owls' three all-staters were all entered in the same individual events -- not just once, but twice. To some degree it worked, too, as senior Khris Ward (57.02 seconds) and junior Brock Musick (57.83) added the 100-yard butterfly to their state event list.

Even with Ward's seventh-place showing and Musick's personal record while coming in 10th, it was sophomore Tyler Nichols who stole the show. Although Nichols finished third, his time of 53.55 seconds broke Mason Weber's year-old school record in the event by .06 seconds.

Nichols would pick up Marshall's only win in the power-packed 18-school meet, dominated by Rockhurst (610.5 points) of Kansas City. Nichols improved upon his time in the 100 breaststroke (1:01.47) by nearly two seconds while winning in back-to-back attempts.

Ward (1:07.41) came in seventh and Musick (1:07.62) ninth as Nichols nipped junior Aaron Dennis of Springfield-Greenwood by .52 seconds.

That trio, along with senior Eden Elfrink, placed third in both the 200 medley (1:44.65) and freestyle (1:32.80) relays -- helping Marshall tie Cape Girardeau-Central for seventh place with 140 points.

The Owls had only one other top-20 performance, Elfrink notching a personal-best mark of 54.68 seconds in the 100 freestyle. Junior Luke Milliron also lowered his time in the 100 backstroke (1:18.80).

Marshall has only one more meet before the MSHSAA Championships, the Tom Horn Invitational, Wednesday and Thursday at the Kansas City-Central pool.