This is one routine Central's swim team could get used to.

Once a remarkable accomplishment, the Indians made state-qualifying cuts in both the 400-yard freestyle and 400-yard medley relays a week and a half ago at the Park Hill Invitational. It marks the third consecutive year Central will send all three of its relays to St. Peter's, Mo. for the state meet.

"It helps a lot because making state is not so much the focus," Central senior Joe Smith said. "It's a huge relief because now we can focus on how many individuals we can get down there."

Smith, who swam at state during his sophomore and junior seasons, will take part in two of those events. But like several of his teammates, Smith isn't content with his return ticket.

Through Tuesday, senior Matt Zieger remains the only Indian to individually qualify for the state, though several of his teammates are mere seconds away from berths of their own. Juniors Mitch Evans (butterfly) and Brian Jungk (backstroke) are closing in on the necessary times to earn their first solo trips to state - as is senior Andrew Zeiler (breaststroke).

More than anything, though, the Indians hope to take the next step and swim well enough to make the finals in one of their relays for the first time in three seasons.

"I think we can manage it this year," Zeiler said. "It depends on the situation and how well other teams are doing, but I think it's doable, yeah."

At Tuesday's Central Invitational, the Indians finished second only to Blue Springs South by winning two relays and finishing first in three individual events. The team returns to action Friday at the Raytown Invitational and will host a six-team meet Oct. 6 at the Downtown YMCA.

Clean sweep

Kate Gallagher added another title to her incredible high school career Monday.

The Savannah senior waltzed away from the field with a 2-over 74 during the Midland Empire Conference Tournament at Mozingo Golf Course in Maryville, Mo. Gallagher bested second-place Lindsey Vest of Lafayette by 13 strokes.

In earning her fourth MEC title, Gallagher made the turn at 2-under 34 before shooting 4-over on the back, also leading Savannah to the team title.

Alex Steinkamp (3rd, 90), Anna Hurst (6th, 95) and Sydney Saunders (9th, 99) also earned all-conference distinction for the Savages, who shot a 358.

Chillicothe finished second with a 392 and boasted three medal-winners - Elizabeth Sivill (4th, 94), Maycee Hoover (7th, 97) and Chloie Allen (8th, 97). Maryville, third place as a team, matched Chillicothe's medallists with Amy Van de Ven placing fifth at 95 and Shannon McClellan and Jessica Pfost tying for 10th at 100.

Vest helped Lafayette to fourth place (440) and was the only player not from the top three teams to earn a medal.

No worries yet

Bishop LeBlond soccer dropped its record to 8-4 last Thursday with a humbling 10-0 loss to Pembroke Hill.

But don't be fooled by that score. LeBlond continues to factor into discussions of top regional teams.

The Golden Eagles came in just outside of the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association's Class 1 poll, released Sept. 18. They received 13 points but came up six points short of St. Pius X's 10th spot.

LeBlond beat St. Pius X on Sept. 15 on penalty kicks.

The Eagles are 1-2 since that comeback victory that saw LeBlond erase a three-goal deficit in the final 15 minutes. The loss came to a Pembroke Hill squad ranked No. 4 in Class 2 and Savannah in a shootout.

State time already

The 18th annual Missouri boys fastpitch state tournament starts Friday at Danner Park in

Chillicothe.

The tournament expands to 16 teams this season in single-elimination format. All games will be played Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.

Defending champion Jefferson plays Bosworth in the first round. The Eagles have won six of the past seven titles, dating to 2002. Pattonsburg is the only other team to win a title during that span.

Final farewell

Five Central seniors play their final home softball game tonight at Noyes Field against cross-town rival Benton.

At 4-15, Central plays one of its final two regular season games before starting Class 4 District 16 play, hosted by Staley High School. The Indians say goodbye to Summer Teed, Claire Busby, Marissa Wickham and Shelby Wilson - all four-year letterwinners - as well as Jessica Bennington.

First pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m.

n An article that appeared on Page D1 of Wednesday's sports section, "Central relays make splash," contained an error because of an editor's mistake. Central High School's softball team will play its final home game at 4:30 p.m. today at Noyes Field. It also will be the Indians' senior night as they face Benton.

The News-Press apologizes for the error.