Shake it off, re-focus and come out stroking!

The Winona Winhawks (3-3-0) (2-1-0) coming off of a mentally conceded loss return to Big 9 action hosting the Owatonna Huskies (0-5-0), (0-5-0). 

The Huskies under new coach Isaiah Fuller are finding themselves in one battle after another this year. After losing in the final relay to Rochester Century two weeks ago, the Huskies travelled to the Lakeville Invite swimming against Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Roch JM, Roch Mayo and others.  The following week they had to take on Big 9 leader Rochester JM and then 2^nd in the Big 9 standings Rochester Mayo in dual meets just four days apart. 

Suffice it to say that the Huskies might be a little beaten up, but also assume that they might just be a little tired of being at the bottom end of the event results. I would look to see the Huskies come in ready to reassert themselves as they start the end of season drive to conference and sections. 

The 200 Medley Relay looks like a healthy Winona should be able to handle this. The best Owatonna a posted this season is a 2 minute mid, the Winhawks have bettered that every meet this season. 

The 200 Freestyle will be a great race to watch. Huskie leader Mattie Shaver and Winhawk Jr. Haley O’Neill match up identically here. Although Shaver is an all-around swimmer that Fuller can plug in anywhere he sees the need. Winona will definitely need a high finish from its 2^nd & 3^rd finishers.

The 200 IM will have a number of Huskies that swim 2:26 – 2:32, times that will get Coach Steve Burt’s attention. 

The 50 Freestyle may be the next place the Huskies’ Shaver appears, swimming 25 mids pretty consistently. The only Winhawk better than that is Co-Captain Alex Zuelke and she may have been spent in the 200IM. Another threat is Huskie Madelyn Thein swimming 26 lows. 

Diving – Winhawk Crystal Franzwa will go up against Owatonna’s Kalley Schwab in a great match-up, but the consistency edge and home board advantage goes to Franzwa. 

100 Butterfly - Another place where star Huskie swimmer Shaver could appear she has carded a 1:04 mid. If not Winhawk Reese Galewski will be in the front and Young Hanna O’Neill may follow her right to the wall for a big total. 

100 Freestyle – If he doesn’t save Shaver for this one, look for the Winhawks to score big.

500 Freestyle – The Huskies Madelyn Thein has posted a 5:53 and Hanna Roberts at 6:06 which puts the event into play. Winona will need to counter with someone to prevent a lopsided score.

The 200 Fr Relay – Here the Huskies do well, swimming 1:45 – 1:46, so the Winhawks will need to put the A team in AND watch their starts.

The 100 Backstroke – The Huskies have a pair in Thein and Lydia Anez carding 1:08 & 1:10 respectively. Winhawks Morgan Whyte and McKenna Marg will have their hands full and should be a great race as we go down to the end.

The 100 Breaststroke – The Huskies Maria Versteeg should be no match for Sr. Co-Captain Alex Zuelke. Who takes 2^nd & 3^rd could make the final event a much more calm affair.

The 400 Free Relay – If the Winhawks can summon up the kind of performance they threw at Faribault, then this should determine the meet. If not, it could be close and help bring Owatonna out of the Big 9 standings cellar. 

Winona vs Owatonna - WSHS Pool 6PM Thursday