POULSBO — He did it before and he’s done it again.
North Kitsap sophomore Jeffrey Reeves swam the 100 yard backstroke 9/10ths of second faster than the state qualifying time versus Port Angeles Dec. 9, giving the swimmer an early entrance to the most prestigious high school meet.
Reeves, who had already hit the mark at a non-school meet in November in South Kitsap, took home a 57.10 time in the 100 back to qualify. He also earned a personal best and came close to a state time in the 100 freestyle, coming in with a 51.71 in an event which state participants need to earn a 50.20 in to qualify.
North Kitsap did lose the overall meet to the Roughriders by a 121-55 score. Port Angeles fielded a full team of divers, which automatically gives the team a 13-point advantage. North is also still working to get the entire roster of the 18-person squad eligible, and lost points due to a PA man advantage.
“We only had nine swimmers with enough practices to be eligible for competition,” said head coach Greg Braun, “But they did a fantastic job.”
Reeves’ brother, senior and team co-captain Mikal Reeves had his own best high school times ever in n the 200 individual medley and the 100 breastroke.
Team veteran Krister Seaberg picked up his best time ever in the 100 butterfly, as did another veteran Josh Jones, in the 50 freestyle. New NK swimmers Steve Nelson and Cory Ray made their varsity debuts in the meet; Nelson swam in both the individual and relay 200 freestyle events while Ray competed in the 50 and 100 freestyle events.
North Kitsap will host Central Kitsap at 3 p.m. Dec. 9.