Baker competes in state swimming championships
On Friday, Feb. 26, Barnesville High School freshman Christopher Baker became the first male, BHS swimmer to compete at the OHSAA Swimming Championships in Canton, Ohio. Baker joined two other Belmont County swimmers, Jamie Garbash from St. Clairsville and Megan Ebbert from Bellaire St. Johns.
"Ohio is known as having the second fastest high school championships in the country," coach Bobbi Jo Johnson said. "It's totally amazing to watch and I think somewhat nerve racking for a freshman."
Baker's event was the 500 freestyle. The 500 consists of 20 laps of freestyle. Baker had set the school record during the week before with a 5:08.08. With parents and friends watching and the snow flying outside, Baker did not break his own record, but was able to stay on course and swam a 5:09.52 and moved up a place from 24th to 23rd.
"I think the 5:09 was a great effort by Christopher, the ability to swim with some of the fastest swimmers in the state is an experience that no one can take away from him," Johnson said. "Hopefully, Christopher will make another trip to Canton over the next three years and use the experiences he had this past week end."
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