Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NAPPANEE -ÊIt's not very often that a team with a losing record is ranked in the state. However, there are exceptions.
The NorthWood girls swim team is one of those exceptions. The Panthers have been ranked in the top 20 all year, but their record is just 2-8.
How did this happen?
The Panthers earned several points at the state meet last year with strong performances from a freshman and a relay team.
Julia Warnken competed in the state finals last year as a freshman and placed third in the 100 butterfly and fifth in the 200 individual medley. The 400 freestyle relay team of Julia Warnken, Jess Warnken, Jessica Doriot, and Rachel Eaton competed in the state finals as well.
"A lot of the ranking is based on our performance at state," said Robertson. "We earned a lot of team points, and we were ranked 12th at the beginning of the season. I was as surprised as anyone."
But the Panthers do not take the rankings too seriously. They are concentrating on improving themselves and trying to get some individuals to the state meet.
"We're better than we've been at the top three or four swimmers," said Robertson. "We have more numbers. When the sectional is all over with, I think we may have six to eight swims left. Concord will probably have 20 swims or more when all is said and done."
Julia Warnken is one of the swimmers expected to advance to the state finals. She is seeded No. 1 in the butterfly.
"Julia is definitely stronger this year," said Robertson. "She has been to more morning workouts, and I really this it has helped her confidence along.
"As a freshman there was no pressure on her because she was not expected to do much. Once she won two events the sectional, there still was not much pressure on her at state for the same reason.
"This year, she puts the pressure on herself."
Jessica Doriot, a senior, is another NorthWood swimmer to watch at the sectional. She will compete in the 50 freestyle and the backstroke. Doriot is seeded No. 2 in the backstroke.
"This is her best season by far," said Robertson. "That's what you want to see when you have a senior. Sometimes seniors get to the point where they get burned out. That did not happen with Jessica.
"She is the most determined and competitive swimmer in practice and in meets this year."
The Panthers will hit the pool Thursday in the Penn Sectional, where they will compete against Angola, Concord, DeKalb, East Noble, Elkhart Central, Elkhart Memorial, Fremont, Goshen, Hamilton, Northridge and Penn. The sectional finals will take place Saturday.
AREA SWIM CAPSULES
WARSAW TIGERS
Coach: Eric Moehler
Record: 8-5
Swimmers to watch: Katie Beehler, Jaci Thallemer, Hillary Barlow, Claire Beckett, Laura Noggle
Coach's Quote: "Our sectional this year looks to be a lot faster overall than last year. This should be a lot better competition, but we are still looking to win. But it's not going to be an easy battle. It should be close between us and Plymouth for first place. Wawasee and Tippecanoe Valley will be right up there, too. Huntington North is improving, and Culver Girls Academy has come on strong, especially near the end this year."
WAWASEE WARRIORS
Coach: Roger Karns
Record: 6-6
Swimmer to watch: Laura Karns
Coach's Quote: "If you look down through our sectional, the competition is pretty tight. Warsaw and Plymouth are sitting in the driver's seat, and we want to make a splash in there, too. I think there will be some close races. Hopefully this will be a closely contested sectional and we can slip in there, too."
TIPPECANOE VALLEY
Coach: Steve Doerscher
Record: 7-3
Swimmers to watch: Amber Drudge, Hillary Vanlandingham, Kyleigh Gast, Angela Weller, Alyssa Anglin
Coach's Quote: "The sectional is going to be close. This is the toughest sectional we have seen in three or four years. I hope Amber does well, and I think our 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay teams can do well also."
NORTHWOOD PANTHERS (No. 20)
Coach: Mary Robertson
Record: 2-8
Swimmers to watch: Julia Warnken, Jessica Doriot
Coach's Quote: "Concord is the team to beat. They should win the sectional, but you can never count the Penn girls out."
