Othello's Ruiz dominates state swim meet

Freshman swimmer breaks state record

FEDERAL WAY - Othello freshman swimmer Natalie Riuz returned home from her first Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 2A state championship swim meet with two first place finishes.

Ruiz won her first 2A state championship for Othello in the 50-yard freestyle event in 23.2 seconds. Her time was good enough to set a new WIAA 2A state record. Ruiz's time also was an automatic qualifying time for All-American considerations.

Ruiz was impressed by her individual performance.

"I think it went great," she said. "It's not everyday that you win a state championship."

While Ruiz dominated the 2A 50-yard freestyle event, her time in the event was the fastest 50-yard freestyle swim time in any of the WIAA classifications.

Ruiz was surprised she swam the fastest time at the event, she said.

"I was kind of shocked," she said. "I didn't expect it."

With one state championship-winning time behind her, Ruiz stepped up to the platform in the 100-yard backstroke event.

Ruiz continued her domination in the event with a state championship-winning 55.7 seconds and her second state title of the weekend. Her time in the 100-yard backstroke event also qualified for All-American considerations.

Even though Ruiz won two state championships, she was focused primarily on her times, she said.

"I never look to see if I won or not," she said. "My time is more important."

Following her two state championship-winning performances, Ruiz was voted the WIAA 2A swimmer of the year.

Ruiz still has three years to compete for Othello and wants to make the most of her swimming career.

"My main goal is to get a college scholarship," she said. "I have no idea (how) I will do over the next three years."