Though Clarkston’s swimmers did not come home with medals and narrowly missed having their 200 medley swimmers named All-State, the Wolves relished their first trip to the MHSAA Division I State finals, Nov. 17-18 at Eastern Michigan University.
‘It was exciting, I never really thought we’d get to states,? junior captain Amanda Hassett said.
At states, Hassett and her sister, sophomore Kaitlyn Hassett, swam on the Wolves 400 freestyle relay team and along with freshman Alyssa Vela and junior captain Kandice Keen broke the previous Clarkston school record by three seconds, finishing in 3:47.5.
In the 200 medley relay, Keen (butterfly) and Vela (freestyle) teamed with freshmen Christine Seiple (backstroke) and Molly Simpson (breaststroke) to set a school record with a time of 1:52.34. Over the course of the season, the 200 medley relay team shaved eight seconds off the school record.
The 200 medley relay team was unfortunately disqualified for a false start in the final heats. Before the disqualification, the Wolves looked to be heading for All State honors.
‘We learned a lesson, and we have the whole group coming back next year,? Clarkston Coach Kenwyn Chock said.
As individuals, Vela also set two school records on her own in the 50 (24.98) and 100 (55.14) freestyle events. Simpson also broke her own school record at states, posting a 1:09.44 in the 100 breaststroke.
‘We had a great first state meet,? Chock said.
Keen also qualified as an individual in the 500 free style and 200 individual medley. The Wolves 200 freestyle relay also swam at states this year.
The Wolves improved on the whole this year and won a share of the OAA DIII crown.
‘My freshman year, practices were a lot more relaxed and laid back. Now, we have realized we can achieve higher goals … Last year we didn’t really train year round. This year we are getting right back in the water after Thanksgiving.?
Chock backed Hassett’s sentiments promising that through the Sea Wolves, the girls swim team will be diligent in their training for next year’s season.
‘To be successful as a swimmer or at any sport you have to commit to that sport,? Chock said. ‘States taught them they need to swim year round.?
Clarkston will face stiffer competition throughout next season; according to Chock, the program will move up to compete in the OAA Division II next year.
‘We are moving up a division and our expectation is to win that division,? Chock said.
Pick up next week’s edition of The Clarkston News as the Wolves competitors at the MHSAA Division I State finals will be featured as Athletes of the Week.