Kraken goes to Otter Invitational, sends one swimmer to state championship

For City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club had a busy weekend final week. Anna Gumz attended her first statewide competitors this week. Gumz and her household traveled to the Wisconsin Single Age State Swimming Championships, held on Dec. 13-14 on the Racine Aquatic Center. The remainder of the Kraken attended the Otter Invitational on the new Rice Lake Aquatic Center.
As a part of the Northern Lakes Aquatic Team, Gumz did an excellent job representing the Kraken.
“The Kraken is blessed to have Anna Gumz as a member of our team. She handled this weekend like a professional,” stated Head Coach Dave Kontz. “Anna’s efforts made a real difference in the relays representing Northern Wisconsin.”
The 100 yard Medley Relay completed in fourth place and the 100 yard Freestyle Relay completed in third place. Anna’s backstroke cut up within the Medley Relay was a private report for her in addition to her cut up within the Freestyle Relay. Anna additionally positioned twenty ninth within the 50 yard freestyle, thirty ninth within the 25 yard breaststroke, twenty sixth within the 25 yard backstroke and twenty third within the 25 yard freestyle.
The Otter Invitation was held on Saturday, Dec. 13 on the new Rice Lake Aquatic Center. Assistant Coach Sara Jennings represented the Kraken teaching employees. “I could not be prouder of these athletes,” stated Coach Jennings. “Every swimmer did an outstanding job, both in and out of the pool. What stood out the most was how they cheered for and supported one another, true teamwork at its best.”

Jay Bernette positioned first within the 50 yard breaststroke. Jay additionally completed third and set private data within the 100 yard Individual Medley, 100 yard freestyle and 100 yard breaststroke. Aubrey Knoll completed first and set a brand new membership report within the 100 yard backstroke. Aubrey additionally captured second place and a PR within the 50 yard backstroke. Janessa Rucinski positioned first within the 100 yard breaststroke.
Rucinski has the brand new membership report within the 50 yard freestyle swimming with a 3rd place and a fourth place within the 100 yard Individual Medley.
The second place winners began with Joey Doebereiner within the 100 yard freestyle. Joey additionally had third place within the 50 yard freestyle and 100 yard backstroke. Claira Jennings had a pair of second locations within the 100 yard Individual Medley and 50 yard butterfly, setting a brand new membership report. Claira additionally obtained a fourth place in her 100 yard breaststroke. Milo Jennings had a pair of second locations within the 50 yard freestyle and 25 yard breaststroke. Milo additionally positioned third within the 25 yard freestyle. Finally, Vivian Zacher positioned second within the 100 yard freestyle. Zacher additionally positioned third within the 50 yard freestyle.
The third place winners embrace Payton Kraklow within the 100 yard Individual Medley. Payton additionally positioned fourth within the 100 yard breaststroke and fifth within the 100 yard backstroke. Mackenzie Miloch positioned third within the 200 yardd Individual Medley. Miloch additionally positioned fifth within the 50 yard butterfly and sixth within the 50 yard freestyle.
Personal data have been set by Emily Beckett, Gavin Bernette, Kali Bernette, Noah Grosskopf and Kylah Ward. Beau Devine swam in his first swim meet.

The Kraken center college women positioned first within the 200 yard Freestyle Relay. Swimming for WRSC was Mackenzie Miloch, Kali Bernette, Mya Marquard and Vivian Zacher. Mackenzie Miloch, Payton Kraklow, Vivian Zacher and Claira Jennings completed second within the 200 yard Medley Relay. Finally, the women completed in second place within the 200 yard Medley Relay. Aubrey Knoll, Emma Kay, Janessa Rucinski and Kensi Lercher swam in that relay.
Coach Jennings closed out the day with the next feedback.
“Nearly every swimmer achieved personal record times in their races. This is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The Krakens showed heart, sportsmanship and determination. It is my honor to coach such an incredible team.”
The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club completed off the 2025 season swimming on the Merrill Invitational on Dec. 20.
For the entire meet schedule and different details about the Krakens, go to web site at www.rapidsswimclub.swimtopia.com. The Wisconsin Rapids Swim Club is a non-profit group open to the general public. The membership is a part of the Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Department. WRSC is designed solely for instructional, aggressive and leisure functions. The Krakens are geared for kids ages 5-18. Practices are on the Lincoln High School Community pool and at Witter Park in the summertime months.