Individuals, relays shone at preliminary sections

After successful performances at sectional preliminaries, the swim team will compete in the class 6A section finals at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at St. Catherine University.

Despite competing in one of the toughest sections in the state, the team has 10 swimmers who advanced to the sectional finals in both relays and individual events

Senior captain Kathryn Ostrom said she was pleased with the team’s performance at the preliminary meet, but said there was room for improvement.

“We had some really good swims, but we also had some to improve for Friday,” Ostrom said.

Coach Jake Schwietering said the team is in a very tough section but hopes to finish first among public schools.

“We’re in a very difficult section. Those teams are top five in state: Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Breck and Blake,” Schwietering said. “Realistically, we’re hoping for 4th.”

Ostrom said the team is looking to send some events to state.

“We really want to get two relays to state,” Ostrom said.

The team’s 200 yard medley relay came in first at preliminaries, while its 200 and 400 yard freestyle relays came in four and fifth respectively. All three relays qualified for Friday’s finals.

Eighth-grader Sydney Hall said she believes this year’s team has benefited from new talent.

“This year we still have a very strong team and we have some great new swimmers,” Hall said.

Hall, despite being in Junior High, qualified for finals in all four of her events. She finished with the second fastest time in 50 yard freestyle.

Overall, Schwietering said he was happy with the team’s performance.

“I was very proud of the girls,” Schwietering said. “We did very well.”