State Prelims in the books

State Prelims for both Class A and AA wrapped up today with the Winhawks swimming AA.


For Class A I got to work the bulkhead, the section between the two pools at the U. I was judging turns for Lanes 1-2-3, which meant I had to center myself, in the middle of Lane 2. The flip turns all afternoon were sending waves over my feet. I had to wring out my socks when the session was over.


Class AA saw the arrival of the Winhawks and their date with the 2009 MSHSL Championships. After a crowed pool warm-up, they had to wait for the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free and 200 IM, before they could finally get involved in the swimming. Winona Cotter SO McKenzie Brosnahan was in the final heat of the 50 Free. Seeded at her 24.56 from Sections, she is seeded 10 out of 21 swimmers. The quick romp down the pool and back has McKenzie finish in 11th good for the Consolation Round Saturday night.

Two events later, and McKenzie was back at it in the 100 Freestyle. McKenzie is seeded 11th, with her Sections time of 53.42. There is some jockeying of position above her, but after the last heat goes she remains in 11th place, another place in the Saturday Evening Consolation Finals.

Two events later, the 200 Freestyle Relay calls more Winhawks to the starting area. Coach Burt shakes up the order of swims a little, hoping to break the girls free early and get them into clean water. Lead-off will be Winona Cotter Fr. Alexandra Zuelke, second is Winona Cotter So MacKEnzie Brosnahan. Third off will be Winhawk Jr. Bridget Bawek and the anchor falls to Sr. Winhawk Co-Captain Aimee Peterson. The Winhawks are seeded 7th, swimming in Lane 3. The team from Maple Grove in Lane 2 goes out gangbusters spoiling the clean water plan. While Maple Grove, seeded 13th, drops 5 seconds, the Winhawks swim a 1:40.45 good for 10th place and a swim in Saturday’s Consolation Finals. Matching their seed time would have landed a Championship berth, but having tapered for Sections to get here, it is hard to hold that taper for 10 days.

Lastly comes the 400 Free Relay. The Winhawks are seeded 22nd and will swim the same order of Winona Cotter Fr. Alexandra Zuelke, second is Winona Cotter So MacKEnzie Brosnahan. Third off will be Winhawk Jr. Bridget Bawek and the anchor falls to Sr. Winhawk Co-Captain Aimee Peterson. They ahev their work cut out for them if they want to swim a final time on Saturday having to move up seven spots. The Winhawks swim uninspired and finish up 21st, he 400 Free Relay is done for the Season.

More tomorrow night after Finals.