In the melee of winter sports, the team deep in the water is the one breaking through the most.

Polson’s swimming team has become the underrated star of Lake County athletics, with a successful second-place team showing and a record-breaking swim at this year’s Montana High School Association State Swim Meet.

Among the stunning results that the Pirates earned, one stands out as Teague McElwee became the state champion in both the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter butterfly while breaking the all-class state record in the butterfly.

This record-breaking performance was followed by many successful teammates placing throughout the weekend. Among them: 

Squid Moore earned third in the 500-meter freestyle and fourth in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Hayden Ricks joined McElwee in the 100-meter butterfly with a fourth-place finish while also earning fourth in the 500-meter freestyle.

Truman Sawyer notched fourth in the 100-meter freestyle and fifth place in the 200-meter medley. The Kinnicks also scored promising results with Isaac getting fourth in the 50-meter freestyle and fifth in the 100-meter backstroke, while Thomas earned sixth in the 100-meter freestyle.

The boys team also earned second in Class A/B behind Billings Central.

The Polson girls saw one finisher with Amelia Stene earning both a second-place finish in the 50-meter freestyle and in the 100-meter butterfly.

The Leader will have continuing coverage of Polson's state swim meet run.