Nothing against Sherwood, but under normal circumstances another win against the Dolphins would be nothing more than a side note. After all, the Kearney summer swim program has now defeated Sherwood in six consecutive seasons.

"It helps us a lot more team-wise," Purple Wave swimmer Emily White said. "We get excited together. We work together. We coach each other. We cheer each other on more. We celebrate together. We definitely get into it more."

The Purple Wave scored this latest victory, a 914-218 blowout Thursday, June 18 at Sherwood, in record fashion.

Kearney’s point total crushed the previous team record of 759, set two summers ago against Sherwood. The Purple Wave won all but six events all night long, and 88 of the 121 athletes who swam for the Purple Wave came home with at least one ribbon for placing among the top six in an individual event.

"There were kids who hadn’t placed in the top six before who had an opportunity to do that," Purple Wave coach Nancy Mabrey said. "This was their meet to get a ribbon and to feel pretty special about what they did, and to feel like they helped benefit the team in a team-effort situation. That was a big deal for some of those kids. Those young kiddos are improving, and they’re going to add something to the team at the end of the season when we really need it. It was a big, good first step for them."

Even the swimmers have come to recognize that. Sure, they want to see the winning ways continue, but they have their eyes focused on the ultimate goal of improving.

The Purple Wave has a bye week this week to do just that. The team will be back in action Thursday, July 2, at Park Hill Aquatic Center.

"Most of us are just working on our times," White said. "It is our goal to beat the other team but also be a better swim team. It’s always great to hear you win, but it’s also great to know you swam a great time."

Sports writer Chris Geinosky can be reached at 389-6654 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .