The Cheney girls’ swimming team delved right into the water at a jamboree Saturday, Sept. 13 in Ephrata, Wash., against nine other teams.
Sophomore McKenzie Norman had a great start to her season, placing first in the 100-yard freestyle in 56.86 seconds. She also placed in the top five of the 100-yard backstroke, where she finished in 1 minute and 5.52 seconds. Not only does Norman qualify for state in both events, but she also broke the current Cheney High School record for the 100-yard backstroke.
“She was close last year,” head coach Jennifer Hochwalt said. “She made two state times right off the bat. Hopefully we can add one or two more state times so we can have some flexibility at state.”
Sophomore Alexis Schmidt swam the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:17.00. Hochwalt said this is a new event for Schmidt.
Norman, Schmidt, freshman Tenley Nelson and senior Kaylie Greschke placed first in the 200medley relay in 2:05.15, barely missing the state-qualifying time of 2:03.00.
“This meet went really well,” Hochwalt said. “I don’t think we’ve had a good season opener like this as far as times went. With the newer girls, it’s good to see where they’re at and what we need to work on.”
Cheney will host Ellensburg, Saturday, Sept. 20, in their first home meet of the season. Last year the Blackhawks lost to Ellensburg in their second meet on the road.
Norman won the 50 freestyle in 25.73 and placed second in the 100 freestyle in 57.17.
Schmidt took first place in the 100 butterfly with a time of 1:04.34.
This time Cheney comes in with a more experienced team against Ellensburg.
“It will be nice to be at home for the first meet,” Hochwalt said. “It’s nice for the girls because they won’t be so freaked out from competing away from home. I’m looking forward to it.”
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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