Eastview wants to swim lightning fast
by Andy Rogers
Thisweek Newspapers
The Lightning girls swim team is hoping to glide through the water faster than anyone else this season.
Given the talent returning to the pool this season, Eastview should be in the mix with Lakeville North and Prior Lake for the South Suburban Conference title, as well as the Section 3AA title.
Coach Mark Tollefson feels so confident that he thinks the team has the potential to break all three relay records as well as the school records in the backstroke, breaststroke and fly.
The Lightning have two returning swimmers with state tournament experience in Breanna Schlegel and Kayla Hutsell.
Hutsell finished third in the Class AA state tournament last year in the butterfly and sixth in the backstroke. Schlegel was part of the 200-yard medley that qualified for state last year as well.
Eastview also has Kristin Podratz, Emily Kilen, Kelsey Deinhammer, Leah Anderson and Katharine Hamand back swimming and diving with Eastview printed on their swim caps. Anderson and Podratz were part of the 200 freestyle relay that finished 13th at state.
“Many (members of our) team trained extensively over the past nine months and we are looking to improve upon our section and state meet performance from last year,” Tollefson said.
The team already defeated Burnsville in the season opener 91-78.
Rosemount
The Irish have a long list of swimmers this year with many underclassmen eager for a spot on varsity.
Several of those underclassmen already have state tournament experience.
Elyse Griffith, Beth Wenman and Claire Tolan were all members of the state-qualifying 400 freestyle relay last fall.
“They look very strong, and are capable of being state qualifiers,” coach Tami Carlson said.
Wenman was also part of the 200 freestyle relay along with returning swimmer Teija Normandeau.
Megan Jelinski is another key underclassman back swimming for the Irish along with diver Claire Judeh.
Carlson’s goal is to have a winning record in the team’s dual-meet schedule and qualify some individuals and two relays in the state meet.
Andy Rogers is at
andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com.






This article was boring and needs a little umf in it. Did you even attempt to show up at the last two meets. That’s what you should be reporting on.