Swimming is a curious sport.

Iowa City West set eight records at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet Saturday at the Linn-Mar Aquatic Center, yet Dubuque Senior claimed the championship despite winning only one event.

The Washington Warriors did not win any races Saturday, yet Coach Chris Cruise was all smiles after the event.

It's the nature of the sport as teams point toward the state meet in Marshalltown next month.

Iowa City West, with its glittering array of stars, will be the heavy favorite to win another state title despite finishing second in its own conference meet. And the Washington Warriors, with rich tradition on their side, are probably a lot stronger than their 13th spot in the power rankings would indicate.

Needless to say, Washington Coach Chris Cruise will not be happy if his team finishes 13th at state. "We're hoping not," he said after the splashing stopped Saturday.

Dubuque Senior won the MVC title with 321 points. Iowa City West finished second at 306.5, despite winning nine of 11 events (with eight meet records). Washington was third at 293, followed by Linn-Mar at 274. Kennedy finished sixth and Jefferson was seventh in the 11-team field.

Cruise liked what he saw Saturday, especially from several of his younger guys.

"Our kids had an amazing meet today," he exclaimed. "The way our kids performed was just absolutely unbelievable, from top to bottom."

The Warriors had significant time drops in the fast pool against fast competition.

"They've probably been one of the hardest-working teams I've ever had and today it finally paid off for them. And they really showed what they can do," said Cruise.

Jared Thorson, Nick Saulnier and Cameron Kelley continued their strong performances for Washington, but Cruise was especially happy to see freshman George Durin and Kaleb Donels have good meets.

"Those two kids really stepped up and had great meets for us today and gave us some real key swims in places where we needed them," said Cruise.

Several other of Washington's "second and third kids" scored important points for the Warriors as well.

Washington placed second at the state meet last year behind Iowa City West. The Warriors graduated a lot of depth off that squad, but Cruise anticipates his team finishing significantly higher than the current No. 13 power ranking would indicate.

"I think we'll do pretty well at that meet," he said. "Our kids took a big step forward today in terms of what they were able to do."

Thorson placed second in the 100 butterfly and took third in the 50 freestyle. Saulnier was second in the 200 IM and placed third in the 100 backstroke. Kelley took third in the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. The Warriors also finished second in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay.

Justin Arebaugh had a good day for Linn-Mar. He placed second in the 50 freestyle and took third in the 100 freestyle. Matt Peng finished third in the 100 butterfly for the Lions. Linn-Mar also placed third in the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay.

Stefan Kitsos of Kennedy was third in the 100 breaststroke.

Aidan Keen, Mark McGlaughlin and Will Scott won two individual events for Iowa City West and helped re-write the MVC record book.

TEAM STANDINGS

1. Dubuque Senior 321, 2. Iowa City West 306.5, 3. Washington 293, 4. Linn-Mar 274, 5. Hempstead 229, 6. Kennedy 176, 7. Jefferson 138, 8. Iowa City High 103, 9. Cedar Falls 83, 10. Waterloo West 78, 11. Waterloo East 66.5

WINNERS

200 medley relay - Dubuque Senior 1:39.35.
200 free - Aidan Keen, Iowa City West, 1:41.67
200 IM - Mark McGlaughlin, Iowa City West, 1:51.75
50 free - Will Scott, Iowa City West, 20.84
100 fly - Oliver Martin, Iowa City West, 52.18
100 free - Will Scott, Iowa City West, 46.33
500 free - Aidan Keen, Iowa City West, 4:39.14
200 free relay - Iowa City West 1:24.59
100 back - Mark McGlaughlin, Iowa City West, 50.52
100 breast - Charles Warren, Hempstead, 59.96
400 free relay - Iowa City West 3:15.14