By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
Over the years, several fantastic siblings have graced the Hamilton Southeastern swim teams.
Now, here come the Harter sisters.
Sophomore Abby and freshman Olivia both competed at the IHSAA state swim meet for the Royals on Feb. 9 and 10 at the IU Natatorium. Not only did both girls swim for HSE, they swam in the same events: The individual medley and the backstroke.
The sisters didn’t swim at the same time in the Friday, Feb. 9 preliminaries – they were in different heats in both events. Still, it was a fun experience for them both.
“I thought it was fun,” said Abby. “I really liked the competitiveness of it.”
“We already know Abby’s going to win every time,” said Olivia. “It’s still fun.”
Abby Harter finished in the top 16 in both events on Friday, so she came back to swim each one in the Saturday, Feb. 10 finals. Abby placed third in the backstroke and 10th in the IM.
“I’m really excited and I think next year I can do even better,” said Abby.
Olivia placed 18th in the IM prelims and 21st in the backstroke, just missing the finals. But she is a freshman, so there are still three more years to go. Abby said her younger sister “did really well” and would “be back next year better.”
And of course, Olivia was on deck during the finals, cheering her sister and all of the HSE swimmers on.
“It was really fun and it was just fun for the experience, and just being with our team is really fun,” said Olivia.
Both girls are already gearing up for next season. While there were several seniors providing leadership for the Royals this year, Southeastern also had many swimmers who will be back next year, and the Harter sisters can’t wait to see what’s next for their team.
“I’m really excited,” said Abby. “We have some people coming up as freshman too, so I think we can only go up.”
“We have some really good rising freshmen and it’s going to be really fun to see how we do with them,” said Olivia.
Sisters Abby and Olivia Harter are the latest siblings to make it to state for the Hamilton Southeastern swim program. Sophomore Abby placed third in the backstroke and 10th in the individual medley at state, while freshman Olivia also competed in those two events at the state meet. (Photo provided)