Seven St. Teresa’s Academy swimmers qualify for State

Seven STA swimmers have qualified for State, some in multiple events, and there is still almost half the season to come. According to coach Andy Wilcox, the talented underclassmen and the impressive team unity led to the seasons’ successful start.

“We’re a young team,” said Wilcox. “[The underclassmen] have shown what they’re made of, and they’ve amazed their teammates, me and even themselves.”

Six of the seven swimmers who qualified for State are underclassmen: freshmen Rosie Hutchison, Jane Evans and Peyton Gajan and sophomores Caitlin Nelson, Meka Kelly and Jacqueline Kerr. Junior Rachel Edmonds also qualified.

How do swimmers qualify for State?

A swimmer must beat standard times determined by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). Each event has a different set time. Also, if a swimmer participates in a qualifying relay, that swimmer does not automatically participate at State in that relay. The coach has the ability to put the fastest swimmers on the relay, regardless of who qualified the relay for State.

Source: www.mshsaa.org

The other aspect to the exceptional season thus far is the closeness of the team, according to Wilcox. Captains, seniors Kylie Hornbeck and Nicole Twaddle, encourage the team to spend as much time as possible together through team lunches and bonding during meets, where cell phone use is forbidden.

“The girls are really swimming for each other, which is all I wanted,” said Wilcox.

According to Wilcox, the team has already qualified more girls for State than in past seasons even with so much of the season left.

“We are miles and miles ahead of last year,” said Wilcox.

Other contributing factors to the success of this season compared to other seasons are the facilities and the organization, according to Hornbeck. In past years, practices would be held late at night in inadequate facilities and at far away locations.

“Things are much more organized and run much more smoothly,” said Hornbeck.

Name: Rachel Edmonds

Year: Junior

Stroke qualified in: 200 Medley Relay

Time to beat: 2:00.99

Time achieved: 1:59.06

Name: Jane Evans

Year: Freshman

Stroke qualified in: 200 Freestyle Relay

Time to beat: 1:48.69

Time achieved: 1:48.02

Name: Caitlin Nelson

Year: Sophomore

Stroke qualified in: 200 Medley Relay; 400 Freestyle Relay

Time to beat: 2:00.99; 3:59.99

Time achieved: 1:59.06; 3:58.26

Name: Peyton Gajan

Year: Freshman

Stroke qualified in: 100 Freestyle; 100 Backstroke; ; 200 Individual Medley; 200 Freestyle; 200 Freestyle Relay; 200 Medley Relay; 400 Freestyle Relay; 500 Freestyle

Time to beat: 57.49; 1:06.29; 2:23.19; 2:05.59; 1:48.69; 2:00.99; 3:59.99; 5:39.59

Time achieved: 56.20; 1:05.30; 2:21.17; 2:04.47; 1:48.02; 1:59.06; 3:58.26; 5:34.86

Name: Rosie Hutchison

Year: Freshman

Stroke qualified in: 100 Freestyle; 100 Butterfly; 200 Freestyle; 200 Freestyle Relay; 200 Medley Relay; 400 Freestyle Relay; 500 Freestyle

Time to beat: 57.49; 1:04.49; 2:05.59; 1:48.69; 2:00.99; 3:59.99; 5:39.59

Time achieved: 57.13; 1:01:97; 2:04.29; 1:48.02; 1:59.06; 3:58.26; 5:35.49