By BUTCH HARMON
The training has wound down, the tapering is done, and now the fun starts for area swimmers and divers as the season comes down to the state finals. High School Sports Scene Magazine takes a look at area teams and how they shape up.
DIVISION 1
Rockford is ranked third in the state and is poised for a big splash at the state finals. It placed fifth last year and is poised to finish among the leaders this time. Rockford entered the month of November unbeaten in dual meets, and nine Rams have already qualified for the state meet. Senior Erin Hudson, who placed as an individual in a pair of events at last year’s finals, leads the way along with seniors Marissa Marion and Delayni Kornak-Kotarba, who are also veteran state placers. Sophomore Sydney McDowell was a member of a state-placing relay team last season and returns, along with fellow sophomore Hannah Raymond. Megan Schremp, Meegan Snyman, Sara Fredricks, and Peyton Reyburn have also qualified for this year’s state meet.
Grand Ledge has been swimming well at times this season, led by senior Elisabeth Mueller-Hayes, who is strong in the butterfly.
DIVISION II
Midland Dow has been ranked in the top 10 in the state this season and is looking for a strong showing at the state meet. It has a strong group of swimmers, led by Mary Noble, who has qualified for state as an individual in the 100 butterfly and 200 IM. A number of other Chargers have also qualified for state, including Julia Ahrns (50 and 100 free), Ellie Dean (200 and 500 free), and Jasmine Purtell (100 backstroke and 2000 IM). Dow’s depth is evident in its strong relay teams, as all three have qualified for the state meet.
Heritage has enjoyed one of its strongest swimming seasons in years. The Hawks have plenty of depth and are paced by Shelby Santos, who has qualified for state in the 100 backstroke, along with Jenny Santos, Michelle Smock, and Kyra Villalon. Heritage also boasts one of the top divers in mid Michigan in Paige Wiersma.
St. Johns captured the CAAC Blue this season and has a deep group of strong swimmers. Sophomore Rachel Ely is an individual state qualifier in four events, while senior Alexandra Davis has qualified in two events. Sophomores Emma Schaefer and Meg Pope have also qualified as individuals. All three of St. Johns’ relay teams have also qualified.
Okemos will be sending a group of swimmers to state, as all three of its relay teams qualified. Freyja Garbaccio and Sarah Williams also qualified in two events as individuals, and junior diver Alexis Alvarado is enjoying a big season.
Mason won the CAAC Red this season and boasts one of the premier divers in the area in senior Abby Johnstone. Brook Hedglen, Rebecca Rogers, and Kiana Namvansy have also turned in solid seasons for the Bulldogs.
Freshman Rita El Jbeily has made a huge impact at Waverly. She has qualified for state in two events and has turned in one of the best times in the area in the 50 freestyle.
DIVISION III
Sophomore Evelyn Vandemark has led the way for Alma this season. She has qualified for state in both the 100 butterfly and the 500 free. Alissa Adams has also turned in a solid season for Alma in the distance races.
Powers Catholic has a young squad this season but is still sending swimmers to state. Sophomore Natalie Siefert has qualified in the 100 butterfly, while sophomore Sarah Kirtek has qualified in the 100 butterfly and in the 200 IM. The 200 free relay team of Kirtek, Siefert, Morgan Goggins, and Allie Dasky has also qualified for state.
Although small in number, with just eight swimmers, Nouvel Catholic Central has performed well this season. It defeated Standish-Sterling Central for a dual win this season. Sophomore Makenna McCartney leads the way for Nouvel, as she has qualified for the state meet in the 100 butterfly, 200 free, and 200 IM. Last year, she placed sixth in the 500 free and ninth in the 200 free.
Williamston has turned in a solid season, led by junior Allie Heinemann, who has qualified for state in both the 50 and 100 free. Senior Taylor Dollar has qualified in the 100 breaststroke, and Natalie Crandell has enjoyed a big season on the diving board. The 200 free relay team has also qualified.
DeWitt has challenged in the CAAC Blue this season and will be sending a number of swimmers to state. Freshman Sydney Shipps (500 free) and junior Madison Dingeldey (100 breastroke) have qualified, and junior diver Sarah Stine is one of the top divers in the area. DeWitt’s 200 medley relay team also qualified.
Ionia will be represented at the state meet by senior Shyenne Fish, who has qualified for state in the 100 backstroke.