Kent-Meridian's Matthew Bailey was a standout last year at Kentridge High. This winter, Bailey has delivered even better results a few miles down the road with the Royals. Photo by Shawn Skager.

State swimming: K-M’s Bailey looking to make state waves

By SHAWN SKAGER
Kent Reporter Sports reporter 

Coming into this season, Kent-Meridian sophomore Matthew Bailey was hoping to swim his way into the Class 4A boys championship. 

Bailey, who swam for Kentridge last season, said he was on the cusp of making it to state in the 200-yard individual medley as a freshman and thought he had a good chance of making it this year in that event or his other favorite, the 100 breaststroke. 

But the idea of qualifying in the grueling 500 freestyle didn’t even cross his mind. 

"I wasn’t (a distance swimmer) when I started out," Bailey said. "I was trying to make the 100 breast, but my 500 free started picking up and here I am."

Today, Bailey will compete in the 200 IM and the 500 free at the state meet, which began Thursday at Federal Way’s King County Aquatic Center. Bailey qualified for state two weeks ago at the district meet, where he posted state times of 2:04.73 in the 200 IM and 5:00.17 in the 500 free. Read more...