TOPEKA — The Great Bend High School swim team finished in 15th place at the Class 5-1A state meet on Saturday at Hummer Park.
Justin Kuhlman was the top finisher with a time of 57.93 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke for seventh place.
Kuhlman, who was an all-state second-team selection, was also part of a 200 medley relay that took 10th place, combining with Michael Haines, Ky Heeke and Dylan Dreiling for a time of 1:47.75. He also finished in ninth place in the 200 freestyle.
“He swam really well,” GBHS head coach Steve Beaumont said. “Both days, he put together solid swims. He probably shaved about three seconds off of his 200 freestyle.”
Haines took 10th place in the 200 individual medley with a time of 1:54.71.
Beaumont was named Coach of the Year.
“I was kind of surprised by that,” Beaumont said. “The kids were very excited for me, and it was nice to be recognized by my peers.”
Beaumont was also named Coach of the Year in 2003.
                                                                        — Kevin Price

HIGH SCHOOL
SWIMMING
Class 5-1A state meet

GBHS results
200-yard medley relay
10. GBHS relay (Justin Kuhlman, Michael Haines, Ky Heeke, Dylan Dreiling), 1:47.75
200 freestyle
9. Justin Kuhlman, 1:54.71
200 I.M.
10. Michael Haines, 2:12.36
100 butterfly
13. Kade Cook (Hoisington), 58.88
200 freestyle relay
14. GBHS relay (Dylan Dreiling, Nick Moyers, Cory Merten, Michael Haines), 1:39.95
100 backstroke
7. Justin Kuhlman, 57.93
100 breaststroke
12. Michael Haines, 1:07.80
400 freestyle relay
12. GBHS (Ky Heeke, Dylan Dreiling, Nick Moyers, Justin Kuhlman), 3:25.20