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CC swimmers earn PRs at Grinnell College meet

CC swimmers earn PRs at Grinnell College meet

Johnson: We’re seeing our best times at the end of the season

The Comets’ swimming team had one of its best meets at Grinnell on Saturday. Head coach Amy Johnson said nearly ever single swimmer earned a seasonal personal record (PR) at the meet.

Two freshmen swimmers, Madelyn Tjaden and Katlyn Marty earn personal bests in the 200-yard freestyle and 100yard breaststroke, respectively.

Tjaden’s time was a 2:42.20, just behind teammate Sandra Bontemps, who swam a 2:36.59. Marty swam a 1:14.78 in her 100-yard freestyle, good enough for a personal best.

Senior Sarah Berry was surprised to see how well she did in her 500-yard freestyle.

With a time of 6:58.13, Berry earned a PR and had a very surprised look on her face when she finished and looked at her time.

“When she climbed out of the pool, she looked up at the scoreboard, saw her time and said, ‘That can’t be right,’” Johnson said. “And, obviously it was right. She swam a 6:59 last Tuesday as well, then a 6:58 Saturday.”

One of the biggest accomplishments of the season for the Comets may not necessarily be in the pool. From where the team started in July, to where it is now, Johnson said the girls on the Charles City swim team have matured mentally as much as they have physically.

“We’ve come a long ways this year, not just in times, but in team chemistry,” Johnson said. “At the beginning of the season, our mental toughness just wasn’t there. But now, when there’s a problem, I can see these girls starting to really figure it out for themselves.”

The Comets are swimming their best races at the best time, Johnson said. Charles City will travel to Fort Dodge for the regional swim meet.

There, the Comets will by vying for an opportunity to swim at the state meet.

Johnson said Sierra Walker will have the best shot to be swimming at the state meet. Walker’s 100-yard breaststroke time — sitting at a 1:18.82 right now — would have to be cut down by a few seconds in order to make it, as the times stand now.

“But, you know, anything can happen at regionals,” Johnson said. “You don’t know who’s going to be swimming; there might be a (disqualification). You just never know.”

Walker said earlier this season, getting to a 1:18 time would be a big personal accomplishment.

Top first place finishers from all six regions automatically go to state, then the next 16 fastest swimmers.

Senior Ellen Wandro also made the academic, all-conference team for the Northeast Iowa Conference.

Staff report

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