Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Lady Warrior Elena Gunderson (middle) is mobbed by her teammates after qualifiying in the 100-yard freestyle during a dual vs. Cody on Oct. 8 at the Worland Aquatic Center.
WORLAND - While they lost their Oct. 8 dual to the Cody Fillies, 102-82, the Worland Lady Warriors swimming and diving team continued to put up some of their best times in the pool or scores on the board.
"I was just thinking about when I first moved here and began coaching it was a bit of a culture shock for me to see so many invitationals and so few dual meets, compared to what I grew up with in Michigan," said WHS girls swimming and diving coach Mike Blissett. "I have enjoyed having the opportunity to open the girls' eyes to the value of dual meets and different kind of competition that they bring. Also, I think the dual meets have put the emphasis on the team, rather than the individual this season. The girls understand that not only is every race important, but every place in every race also matters. I know the duals changed the trajectory of our team this season, as well as the competitiveness of some of our girls."
The Lady Warriors had another swimmer automatically qualify for the 3A State meet, which is in Laramie on Nov. 6-7, bringing their total to nine. Freshman Elena Gunderson qualified in two events; in the dual vs. Cody, she AQ'd in the 100-freestyle (1:02.19), setting a new personal record by two seconds; in the triangular vs. Powell and Green River, she swam a 6:29.26, a nine-second PR, in the 500-yard freestyle to AQ.
"Elena has a solid work ethic in practice. She understands that hard work will translate into big payoffs in meets, rewarding times, and accomplishing goals. She's also highly motivated and seems to have a competitive drive that may have benefited from the dual meets," said Blissett. "We had a feeling this week might be her week to hit a state time, it was just a matter of which one it would be. It's thrilling that she got two, and we're all really excited for her."
The Lady Warriors have meets on Friday and Saturday, both in Green River. This is the final week of the regular season, and a lot rides on this week as it is the final chance to AQ for state. This week also has an impact on positioning for next week's 3A East conference meet in Worland.
Blissett wants his swimmers to take full advantage of Green River's fast pool and build some momentum heading into the postseason.
"The girls who are close to state times know who they are, and they're getting a couple great chances this weekend in a fast pool in Green River. Everyone else on our team knows how important this weekend is as far as positioning for the conference meet," said Blissett. "We're settling our relays, finalizing our individual events, making sure everything is just right as we head into conference week."
