Otter girls tread to state tourney

Published 10:15 p.m., November 19, 2009

By Josh Julius

Daily Journal

Following a long season of hard work, strategy and countless hours in the pool, the Fergus Falls girls swimming team’s philosophy heading into this weekend’s MSHSL state meet is rather simple.

Just have fun.

“It really doesn’t matter so much if we don’t come away with first or second place, we just want to swim the best we can and enjoy the experience,” said Otters’ senior Ariel Schuelke, who will be swimming in the 400 free relay along with teammates Susie Kitzman, Taylor Monk, and Heidi Busack.

However, the Otters did show in last Saturday’s Section meet that they can hold their own in the pool against stiff competition, taking home a second place team finish behind only champion Park Rapids.

The Otters broke three Section records, one as a team in the 200 medley relay with a time of 1:51.34, and two individual marks both set by Busack in the 50 (:24.39) and 100 freestyle (:52.95).

With times like that Busack, a junior, will have a shot at capturing All-American consideration, possibly an automatic bid depending on the times she registers this weekend in the 50 and 100 freestyle.

Even if Busack doesn’t receive All-American honors, Otters’ coach Tom Uvaas believes that this weekend’s goals include a state title in at least one of eight event the Otters compete in.

“We would really like at least one individual title and I think we have a real great opportunity in one of the two relays were swimming in,” said Uvass.

Although the Otters have been tapering in preparation for the state meet to ensure their bodies are at full strength, Uvaas personally doesn’t believe that anything done this week will give the Otters any added advantage this weekend.

“Some of the girls have been preparing for this moment since May,” Uvaas said. “It has nothing to do with what we eat or all these other little fragment things, it’s about preparing all season long for that one moment.”

The Otters are also aware just how much of an honor a state invitation is.

“It means a lot that were swimming in state, it’s exciting for everyone,” said Otters’ senior Emma Van Valkenburg. “Swimming is a little different than most sports where not everyone makes the playoffs, it’s more individual.”

“I tell the girls to enjoy it, it’s a wonderful moment of their lives,” Uvaas said. “See what you can do in that moment and either rejoice in it, or if it’s not what you expected, then learn from it and move forward.”

Uvaas sees the state meet as an opportunity to continue Fergus’ rich swimming tradition.

“We’ve been very fortunate here since Fergus has produced a lot of talent, so we’ve made the trip to state several times prior to this,” Uvaas said. “But you always have to look at this opportunity has a privilege. It’s a real blessing to be able to perform in the state venue, one should never take it for granted.”

Swimmers from 60 schools state wide will be competing in the meet. The top 16 in each event from Friday will advance to Saturday with the top eight finishers eligible for a state crown.

“For us seniors, this is it,” said Kelsey Appert. “This is our last chance to give it all we’ve got and just go for it. Being invited to state sums up everything we were able to accomplish this season.”

The state meet begins Friday at noon at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center in Minneapolis.

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