Girls swim and dive has an excellent showing at the OK White Conference meet
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On Friday, November 5, the girls swim and dive team competed in its most crucial meet of the season. In this year’s conference meet, the girls placed fifth while having many swimmers qualify for the state meet.
Starting off, junior Olivia Thornley got fourth overall in the diving competition. Sophomore Racheal Yeager also performed very well, placing ninth overall. Senior Jessica Doyel showed out as well, placing second in the 100-meter breaststroke and fourth overall in the 50-meter freestyle. In addition to that, senior Maggie Hier also did well in the 50-meter freestyle, placing second in her heat and first in her heat in the 100-meter freestyle. It was another spectacular meet from junior superstar Sydney VanLente, as she placed fourth in the 200-meter freestyle and third overall in the 100-meter fly. Finally, freshman Nora Magers placed first in her 100-meter backstroke heat.
Although the Rangers did not win the conference, the team performed very well, with over 20 personal best races.
Ranger swimmers Jessica Doyel, Maggie Hier, and Sydney VanLente, all qualified individually for the state meet. Along with multiple relay teams, these girls will be headed to compete in one more meet this season. For some girls, this will be their first time competing in a competition of this caliber, but for others, it’s a rerun from previous years.
Jessica was in this position last year, as she was competing with a relay team. This year, she will compete in a bunch of individual heats, which means that all of the pressure will be on her shoulder.
“I’m going to continue to practice but also begin tapering to work more on the technical skills,” Jessica said.
Along with competing in states, Sydney VanLente and Jessica were nominated as all-conference swimmers.
“All the early mornings at the pool and all the hard work has paid off,” Sydney said. “The work that the team has put into the sport is being recognized.”
The girls will be making the trip to Oakland University on Friday, November 19, to compete for a prestigious state championship.
Noah Moore is a senior at FHC and is in his first year on staff. Noah plays tennis for the Rangers. His favorite sports include basketball and football;...