A friendly rivalry between friends can help any athlete.

But when that rivalry exists between one swimmer and an entire team, that is another story altogether.

Mercer Island resident and Eastside Catholic swimmer Ethan Hallowell has a healthy rivalry with many of the Mercer Island High School swimmers. That rivalry has helped to fuel some fast races, and Saturday’s district meet was no different.

The Islanders won the meet with a team score of 421 points, more than twice that of the next closest team. Hallowell had a hand in all 57 of his team’s points.

“I am friends with all the guys [on Mercer Island’s team]. I think we all push each other,” said Hallowell, during the meet held at Mary Wayte Pool. “I enjoy swimming here.”

Hallowell took first in the 50-yard freestyle, beating Islander Ian Fisk by .14 seconds. But Fisk got his revenge later in the meet.

The Islander beat the defending state champ in the 100-yard freestyle by less than a finger tip, breaking the 47-second mark for the first time and earning an All-American Consideration time of 46.85 seconds.

But Hallowell’s biggest rival is Murray Longbotham, who he upset for a state title last year.

“I like Murray and we both swim harder against each other,” said Hallowell.

The two swimmers will have to wait until Saturday at the state meet at the King County Aquatic Center to compete head-to-head, but thanks to Fisk’s victory, Longbotham won more individual events, taking the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard freestyle.

“They really do push each other,” said Mercer Island coach Jeff Lowell. “It’s always nice to have competition.”

One swimmer who had a competition of a different kind was Islander Tyler Benster, who was battling a cold.

“It is rough because the times you get aren’t representative of what you can do,” said Benster. “I am looking forward to next week and getting a chance to swim at full strength.”

Benster’s senior year has gone better than his district meet. He has been accepted to attend and swim for Brown University, an Ivy-league school.

Ivy-league schools do not give scholarships, but Benster was recruited by former Islander Grant Garcia, who also swam for Brown.

“I am super excited,” said Benster. “My priority has always been academics. But I have always wanted to swim for a Division I college. Grant was incredible; he really helped me a lot.”

Benster’s preparation for state at districts was like many of the top swimmers.

“They are really looking at the small things,” said Lowell.

Islander senior Kyle Schaeffer put his final meet at Mary Wayte the best: “This is a stepping stone to the big one. This is where you see what you need to do so you’re ready for your one shot at state.”