Topeka ? The Free State High boys swimming team opened its 2006-07 season in strong fashion Tuesday, finishing third among eight teams at the Topeka West Relay Invite at Hummer Sports Park.

The Firebirds finished with 360 points, just 10 behind second-place Washburn Rural. Hutchinson won the meet with 436 points.

“We were real pleased with that showing,” said Free State coach Annette McDonald.

The Firebirds earned one victory in the meet, closing out the action with a first-place showing in the 200 freestyle relay. The quartet of Kendall Harris, Danny Wolff, Eric Gruber and Julian Spangler touched the wall in 1 minute, 38.17 seconds, just two-tenths of a second shy of a state qualifying mark.

The 200-medley relay team of Spangler, Harris, Wolff and Drew Schelar finished second in 1:50.38, also just two-tenths off an automatic state berth.

“It was fun,” McDonald said. “It was our first meet, and the guys just needed to get a meet in to see where they were so they could start personally setting some goals for the rest of the season.”