Two FHS swimmers qualified for State with automatic qualifying times at the first meet of the year in a dual at Lincoln Northeast on Thursday, November 29. Mikwena Lierman ’21 qualified in the 50 Free and 200 Medley Relay while Mikasa Lierman ’19 also qualified in the 200 Medley Relay.
Mikasa, among these races, finished first in the 100 Fly, 200 Free, and 200 Free Relay. Additionally, Mikwena finished first in the 100 Free and 200 Free Relay. Mikwena credits her success to the time put in practice prior to the meet.
“I felt very confident going into the meet,” Mikwena said. “We’ve [the swim team] worked hard at practice in preparation for meets.”
This is the sophomore’s second year qualifying for the State swim meet at the end of the season. Knowing that she’s going this early in the season is a definite perk, according to Mikwena.
Camryn Wisnieski ’21 celebrates a new personal best in diving. Wisnieski improved 26.45 points from her previous best. Photo contributed by @fbyswim on Twitter
“[Qualifying] feels great,” she said. “Now there is less pressure on me for upcoming meets to qualify. I can focus on bettering my time and not be worried about qualifying.”
Other FHS swimmers that competed include RJ Suey ’19 (50 Free-6th, 500 Free-4th, 200 Free Relay-2nd, 200 Medley Relay-2nd), Colton Starck ’19 (100 Fly-2nd, 200 Individual Medley-2nd, 200 Free Relay-2nd, 200 Medley Relay-2nd), Josi Mans ’21 (50 Free-2nd, 200 Free Relay-1st, 400 Free Relay-1st), and Briaunna Knothe ’21 (200 Free Relay-3rd). Camryn Wisnieski ’21 placed 2nd in One-Meter Diving with a personal record of 135.45, improving from her previous best of 109.
“I could’ve done a little better, but it is something to build off of for the season,” Knothe said. “I hope we improve as a whole, whether that be more people going to State or times dropping for a personal best.”
Continuing on from this first meet, Mikwena has specific goals in mind she hopes to accomplish this season. With a guaranteed State run, she can focus her attention on other matters. The sophomore says she wants to break the school record in the 50 Free, which currently stands at a time of 24.89 and primary qualify in the 200 and 400 Free Relays
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