John Day Swim Team member Zoey Rookstool participates in Friday's lap-a-thon fundraiser at Gleason Pool in John Day.

John Day Swim Team youth had plenty of practice for this weekend’s home meet at Friday’s lap-a-thon fundraiser.

There were 54 athletes swimming a total of 2,555 laps.

Amelia Hall was one of the top performers of the day, completing 110 laps at Gleason Pool in John Day.

One observer said Hall was hardly out of breath after swimming a number of laps equal to three miles.

Fundraising coordinator Heather Rookstool said the lap-a-thon and a can-drive trailer are their only fundraisers this year.

For the lap-a-thon, donors could pledge money for each lap a swimmer would make or pay a flat rate.

Rookstool said the athletes worked hard, and the proceeds will be used to pay for the coaches’ insurance, the USA swim fees and supplies needed for the home meet.

Board president Haley Walker said it was exciting to see the kids set goals.

“I think all or most of them achieved their lap goal,” she said. “They encouraged each other and cheered each other on. The team atmosphere was great.”

The team hosts an invitational swim meet at Gleason Pool this weekend. Start times are 6:50 p.m. Friday, 8:15 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday.

Teams participating include The Dalles, Pendleton, La Grande and league opponents Prineville and Lakeview. There are four Burns swimmers on the John Day team this year.