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Show Swim tfeoETJ eracounflers fierce competition Six Olympic qualifing members of the Vernal Viper Swim Team discovered how competitive swimming is on the state level during the McDonald's Junior Olympics in Salt Lake City, March 17-19. All of the Vernal swimmers seated last in each race, but after the races, the swimmers moved up in the ratings. Cammie Burke moved up 20 positions in the state and Jessie Hodgkinson moved from 34th place to 13th. Cammie Burke and Mike Sonnie were scheduled to swim in two events, the 50 and 100 meter free style, but Mike Sonnie Son-nie had to scratch his last event because of illness. In the 50 meter free style, Macie Miller's time was 32.52; Cammie Burke raced at 31.61; Leah Halverson swam a 32.41; Justin Hodgkinson finished at 30.34; Jesse Hodgkinson swam a 33.45 and Mike Sonnie swam at 26.72. Several other teams in the state had swimmers with a hundredth of a second off world record for their respective age groups. One team's male members shaved shav-ed their bodies and heads to eliminate friction in the water and to promote spirit and unity among team members. The Vernal team refused such action. The team's morale was boosted with support by the community at the Harlem Clown benefit basketball game last Thursday. "The Vipers appreciate the support of all those who attended," said Susie Hodgkinson, assistant coach. "Gratitude is expressed especially to those who bought basketballs at the game." Purchasing basketballs were Glade Sowards, Dave Jolley, Alvin Kay, Kay Campbell, Larry Allred, Hank Bertoch, Venna Merrill, Larry Hacking, Verlie Stringham, Paul Merrell, H.D. Kidd, Dennis Kidwell, Rex Smuin, D.A. Shan-no Shan-no and Lon Seeley. Another boost to the team's morale was when Suzy Atwood, an Olympic medal winner in swimming, sent mat- ching racing suits to each of the six swim team members as she had promised last year when she met with the team. The Vernal Vipers agree that much work is needed and new goals have been set. "The swimmers competed and did well with the top athletes in the state," Mrs. Hodgkinson said. "They learned how serious competitors Derf pressure." per"rt; One more qualifyin June and every serioi,, made a pledged ebre'Sr The six which competed , p.cs have made goals metr p0Wer t0 meet'Jej |