Tahoma’s boys and girls swim teams went head to head Jan. 4 to raise money for cancer research, inspired by one of their own, Allie Duven, and her battle against Hodgkins lymphoma.

The bleachers at Covington Aquatic Center were full with fans and supporters whom turned out for the Meet to Beat Cancer.

Duven, a junior at Tahoma and co-captain of the 2012 girls team, was diagnosed last fall and is currently undergoing treatment.

Becky Foxworthy, a senior and one of Duven’s co-captains, planned and hosted the event as her senior project. Foxworthy was inspired by Duven and decided to do something for the senior project that could help make a difference.

“I was originally going to build a cat condo,” Foxworthy said. “My dad suggested it (the meet) and I thought it was cool that I could do it.”

Foxworthy approached the boys team about holding the meet during one of their regular practice times and rallied the girls swimmers to participate via Facebook.

“I just sent out a Facebook message and the girls started replying and saying they would do it,” Foxworthy said.

Two of the team’s 2013 captains, Kayla von Michalofski and Jessica Miller, said they were honored to be able to participate and support Duven.

“We’re a family and our team pulled together,” Miller said.

Foxworthy enlisted the help of a volunteer starter as well as volunteer timers for the races. She also acted as coach for the girls team, planning who would swim what events. Foxworthy swam on the girls team all four years but hadn’t realized how much work and planning goes into each meet.

“I was just trying to put everyone in events they would do well in,” Foxworthy said. “I give major props to the coaches, it’s a lot of planning.”

The event raised $800 which will be donated to ACA.

Reach Katherine Smith ksmith@maplevalleyreporter.com or 425-432-1209 ext. 5052.