Seahorses splash into Western Regionals

Owen swims away with conference championship, dives into postseason

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 5, 2021

Dennis Luchinin dives into the pool at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatic Center on Feb. 4, as the Owen High School swim team holds its final practice before the Western Regional Championship in Huntersville. Photo by Fred McCormick

When the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A/2A Western Regionals get underway this afternoon in Huntersville, 10 swimmers from Owen High School will be in the pool. 

The 2020-21 Western Highlands Conference Champion Seahorses, under first-year head coach Beth Dalton Rathbone, will be one of 33 teams represented in the meet, while three individual Owen swimmers will swim for a trip to the State Championship. 

The Seahorses, an aquatic adaptation of the Warhorse mascot, competed in seven meets during the abbreviated season that began in November. Rathbone, who revived the Black Mountain Stingrays youth swim team in 2014, took over the head coaching role in October. 

Owen Seahorses head coach Beth Dalton Rathbone works with Sam Hey as the senior swimmer hits the pool for his final practice before competing in two events in the Feb. 5, Western Regional Championship in Huntersville. Photo by Fred McCormick

“We had our first meet Dec. 7,” she said. “It’s been a challenging season for sure, but we’re excited about the direction of this team.”

Dalton coached 14 of the 15 athletes on the Owen roster as members of the Stingrays, and the familiarity helped prepare the Seahorses for a unique campaign. 

“In a normal year the team gets in the water in October to prepare for the season,” the coach said. “This year, we were able to do some dry land work in October and early November to focus on cardio so we could be ready to give it all we had when the season started.” 

Abby Carter dives into the pool in the Buncombe County Schools Aquatic Center, Feb. 4, as Isabella White looks on. The two swimmers are among 10 Owen Seahorses set to participate in regional competition, Feb. 5. Photo by Fred McCormick

The Seahorses were buoyed to a conference championship this season by the performances of several athletes, including senior Sam Hey, who will compete in the 100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard individual medley events in the regional competition. Senior Emma Whitley qualified to represent the team in the 100 yard backstroke and sophomore Chloe Little will fill a lane to compete in the 100 yard breaststroke. 

Seven more Seahorses will be in the pool for in the 200 yard medley relays and 400 yard freestyle relays. The girls meet will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the boys will start swimming at 7 p.m. 

“Typically, the top 24 qualifying times earn a spot in regionals,” Rathbone said. “This year, because of COVID-19 regulations, they are taking the top 12 per region.”

Owen swimming head coach Beth Dalton Rathbone sets the timer as Natasha Luchinina prepares for a practice lap in the pool at the Buncombe County Schools Aquatic Center. Photo by Fred McCormick

The top six performers in each event advance to the State Championship, which will be held Feb. 12, in Cary. 

“I’m very proud of how these athletes adapted to the challenges they faced this season,” Rathbone said. “Right now, my expectation for them is to go out there and give 100%, that’s all anyone can ask.”