Keeping pace in the Western Conference South Division girls swimming race isn’t getting any easier for Shorewood.
The Thunderbirds finished third behind Kamiak and Jackson the past two years and the league powers are stronger than ever this season.
“We’ll be chasing them,” Shorewood coach Susie McDowell said. “We’d love to finish second. Everything would have to come together for us to do that.”
Three standout freshmen have helped the Thunderbirds overcome the loss of school record holder and four-time state qualifier Jackie Benson and Laura Hill.
Whitney Allen excels in the backstroke, individual medley and 500-yard freestyle and Julia Gentling gives Shorewood depth in the butterfly, backstroke and individual medley. Samantha Steuby swims the sprint freestyle races and butterfly.
McDowell anticipates state qualifying times from Allen and Gentling, who will also strengthen the relays along with sophomore Jennifer McCall.
The Thunderbirds return half of last year’s 200 medley relay team that placed fifth at state in junior Leanne Dull and senior Hannah DeMeritt. The pair also helped Shorewood to 11th in the 400 freestyle relay.
Dull qualified for state in the 100 freestyle and was the only sophomore to make the backstroke finals. She placed eighth behind five seniors and a pair of juniors.
“She’s really picked up her training over the past year,” McDowell said. “I’d like to see what she can do in the 200 free as well. Her stroke is long and smooth. She’s gained some confidence and I think she’s going to do really well.”
Senior diver Kelsey Wright has advanced to the state meet the past two years but has yet to reach the second day of competition.
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