The second meet of the season seems early for gut-check time, but that’s where the Free State High boys swimming team found itself Thursday.

After opening their 2005 campaign Wednesday at the Topeka West Relay Invitational, the Firebirds jumped back in the pool 24 hours later at a five-team competition at Lawrence High’s Knox Natatorium.

They didn’t exactly build on any momentum created by the first outing.

“Actually, it made us tired. The guys were a little bit slower today,” said Free State coach Annette McDonald, whose squad’s 379 points beat Blue Valley (350) in the team standings.

“The guys had to work hard … but they put out a big effort, especially at the end.”

The final three events included a Free State victory in the 100 backstroke (Spencer Flannigan in a time of 1 minute, 7.30 seconds), a 2-3 showing in the 100 breaststroke and a second-place finish in the final competition of the night, the 400 freestyle relay.

The Firebirds also enjoyed victories by Julian McCafferty in the 200 individual medley (2:31.79) and Todd Lee in the one-meter diving competition (154.65 points), and second-place showings in the two remaining relays.

“I was proud of all my relays. They all took second place, but they really put out an effort,” McDonald said.

• 6Sports video: Free State tops swim meet (12-01-05)

“We were just always right up there. … They competed with heart today.”

Lawrence High coach Ryan Adams learned plenty about his team during its third-place showing (262 points) in its first event of the season.

For starters, the Lions know they can count on Marcus Barnoskie for plenty of points. He opened the year with victories in the 200 freestyle (2:10.84) and 500 freestyle (6:08.03) and swam a leg in the Lions’ triumph in the 400 free relay (3:55.71).

“Marcus Barnoskie did a great job,” Adams said.

Otherwise, Adams thought the season opener answered questions about his lineup.

“We’re definitely going to make some changes that are going to improve the team real quickly,” Adams said.