Intense MCC Invite for Girls Swim and Dive - by Abby Stimson

On Saturday morning at Kenneth Serier Memorial Pool, the Richland Girls Swim and Dive team competed in the Mid-Columbia Invite. This meet is one of the biggest of the season, with 25 teams from all across Washington State attending. Schools like Camas, Pullman, Kelso, Ellensburg, Cheney, and Moses Lake traveled to Kennewick to swim, bringing with them some of the region's most dominant talent. The atmosphere was electric. Energy abounded in the pool deck as swimmers and divers from all over the state came to compete. Despite the tough competition, Richland performed amazingly, coming in second place, just behind Camas. This effort was a demonstration of the depth and motivation of the team. The result bore witness to the team's outstanding depth and focus, demonstrating that Richland is not only talented but disciplined, well-rounded, and determined to establish itself as among the best in the state.

Before the meet, I had a chance to sit down with senior captain Marjorie Bunch, who offered some insight on what has made this team so successful. "Our team family and dynamic really make our team whole, and that's why we're so successful," said Bunch. Her leadership extends far beyond performance in the pool. She has been a significant contributor to building a support, encouragement, and accountability culture that has contributed to maintaining this program. She was beaten personally by Walla Walla last year. That loss translated and became motivation for her heading into this year's invite. "It was my duty to defeat them," she noted. That drive and competition worked out as Richland beat Walla Walla this time around. Her concentration, motivation, and will have translated and motivated her teammates during and outside of competition. As requested to name her most eagerly anticipated competitor rivals, Bunch didn't blink. "Hanford. We always like to beat Hanford. That is always a team goal." One of Richland's biggest and longest-standing rivals, Hanford is more than another win—it's tradition, pride, and a part of team identity. And the Bombers did just that, adding an extra feeling of satisfaction to an already good performance. 

Assistant coach Stephanie Monks echoed Bunch's excitement over this year's team. She praised the excellent combination of returning veterans and newcomers, which yielded a highly balanced and highly motivated team. Among the newcomers is freshman Annie Richardson, who has made her mark during her first year with the team. Monks referred to her as a "quiet leader," noting her steady work ethic and leadership by example. "While not necessarily always the loudest voice, her goodness of heart and strong work ethic make her a person teammates are drawn to," she stated. Richardson reinforced that commendation with a brilliant performance, tying for 8th in the grueling 500-yard freestyle, a gruesome event that probes physical stamina and willpower. To finish so high, even for a freshman, at such a highly competitive meet is an outstanding accomplishment and a good omen for what she can do down the road. Coach Monks also thought about the emotional side of coaching. "When swimmers feel that they can't do it and don't feel confident, we remind them that if we didn't have confidence in them, we wouldn't put them in the event," she said. "It's about having that trust so they'll have it for themselves too." Her own words are a reminder that coaching is every bit as much about developing self-belief and resilience as it is about technique and training.

Prettier than probably the medals or place finishes was the Richland team spirit that seemed to radiate from all parts of the pool deck. Team members were always cheering each other on with cheers, praise, high-fives, and congratulations after every event. A palpable, overall sense of pride in wearing green and gold filled the air. This tight-knit culture didn't happen overnight. It's the result of years of diligent effort on the part of players like Bunch and coaches like Monks, who have made unity, good culture, and commitment to team success a priority. While swimming may be an individual sport by tradition, the Richland Bombers are an example that proves the best teams are teams that put each other first.

Though Camas claimed the top spot, Richland's second-place finish among 25 elite teams was a bold statement: the Bombers are as good as the rest of them. With seniors determined to close out high school careers with a flourish and younger swimmers already showing they belong, Richland is gaining momentum and confidence throughout the season. The Mid-Columbia Invite wasn't just another meet; it was a turning point. It was a reminder to all who witnessed it that Richland is more than just a collection of fast swimmers. They are a cohesive, dedicated, and passionate collection of swimmers with a culture worth emulating. The Bombers this year are racing for more than medals; they're racing for each other. And that's just why they're a team to keep an eye on.