After graduating seven seniors and sending them off to Division I college swim programs, Hamilton Southeastern came back this year to score a satisfying top 10 finish.
The Royals placed ninth as a team at the state meet, picking up three medals along the way. Three of the four swimmers that earned medals are returning next year, so the future looks great for Southeastern swimming.
“A lot of our points today came from underclassmen, so we’re really, really looking forward to what this program can grow into,” said HSE coach Andy Pedersen.
The Royals’ top finish came from its medley relay, which took fifth. On that team were junior Madison Kertin, senior Sydney Knurek and two underclassmen: Abigail Harter and Hannah Pugh.
Pugh finished sixth in the butterfly, while Harter was seventh in the backstroke.
“Abby’s a freshman, Hannah’s a sophomore,” said Pedersen. “Emily Barnes had a great meet today. She’s a junior. Sydney Knurek was fantastic. Eight swims over two days, all really solid efforts.”
Barnes swam in three events: The 50 free, where she placed 15th, and the 200 and 400 freestyle relays; the former winning the consolation heat for an official ninth-place finish. Knurek was a part of all three relays and tied for 10th in the 50 free.
“It feels great,” said Pugh of her two-medal day. “It was a really great close to a great sophomore season.”
Pugh swam at state last year as a freshman, and having that extra year of experience was a great help.
“I feel like the experience has really helped me handle this meet better this year than I did last year. I’m definitely looking forward to the future,” said Pugh.
And just like her coach, she knows there are good things to come for the Royals in the coming years.
“I’m really excited for next year because I feel like we’ve set ourselves up to do well next year,” said Pugh. “There’s going to be a lot of incoming freshmen that I’m excited to be on the team with.”
VERBRUGGE 14TH IN BACKSTROKE
Erin Verbrugge finished 14th in the backstroke event at the state meet.
This is the second year in a row that Verbrugge has scored at state. She improved upon a 16th place finish in the backstroke from last year.
AKERS NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-STATE
Noblesville’s Alexa Akers was named to the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association’s Swimming Academic All-State list for 2016-17.
Two other Millers earned Academic All-State Honorable Mention: Kelsey Lovitt and Jordan Wolfred.