Published: June 28, 2009 11:13 pm      

Flippers perform well in Jukes Freestyle

By John Roark

john.roark@register-news.com



MT. VERNON — On a day fit for the pool, Mt. Vernon's King City Flippers performed quite well in hosting Saturday's Larry Jukes Freestyle Memorial at the city park.

"We had a great day," Flippers coach Laura Johnston said. "We set some records, and just missed a few others."

The meet attracted 10 other teams, and was conducted in an all-freestyle format.

No team scores were available at press time, but a pair of 9-year-old swimmers — Isabel Heitmeyer and Andrew Roberts — made quite a splash.

Heitmeyer picked up a pair of wins and two seconds, while Roberts won the 25-, 50- and 100-meter events.

Heitmeyer also joined in later to lead the Flippers to a new meet record in the graduated relay, which consisted of co-ed swimmers from each age group.

Also on the relay were 8-year-old Alyssa Walker, Cheyenna Rhine, Kole Cralley and Aaron Holt.

Rhine also had a big afternoon, winning all her events. Holt did the same, setting a new 16-18 mark in the 25-meter free.

"This was a good meet for us to get a good workout," Johnston said, "and we have several other big meets coming up."

The Flippers, who will host the Southern Illinois Swim championships July 25, will travel to Du Quoin July 7 before going to the July 11 Centralia Invitational.