Carroll girls swim to best record in school history
Comet staff report

Carroll girls' swim team accomplished a feat this year that has them in the record books. They compiled the best season record, 14-5, in Carroll girls' swim history.

Their coach, Roger Nelson said his team had no real superstar, just a lot of depth with nearly 30 girls on the team.

"We did not win one event at conference, except diving, but won the conference meet with our depth," said Nelson.

The last time the girls won the conference meet was the 1998-99 season.

Nelson said his team did not break any records this year either, but still had some great individual performances.

The team's No. 1 diver, junior Heather DeLon won both conference and sectional, placed eighth in the regional, and placed 24 out of 32 divers at the state finals.

Senior Jennifer Hardyniec was the team's sprinter (50 and 100 freestyle events). Nelson said, "We could count on her to get a few points for us. She took first or second most of the time."

At No. 1 backstroke was senior Kristen Geheb. "We could count on her, too, for first or second place," said Nelson. "She also competed in the medley relay for us."

Senior Kyra Edging swam mostly distance races - 200 and 500 freestyle. "Even though she has been doing this for years, Kyra decided this year to try the backstroke and we used her in a couple of places," added Nelson.

Senior Lindsay Stiller was the team's No. 2 backstroke swimmer. "She swam some freestyle, but backstroke was her thing," he said.

The team's award banquet was held last week. Individual honors went to: Hardyniec for earning the most points; Sarah Wilkinson as most improved; and Emily Schneckloth for mental attitude.

Nelson presented two coaches awards to underclassmen, both sophomores - Sammy Meeks as most outstanding rookie and Lauren Wilkinson for accumulating the most best times.

Nelson has been coaching Carroll swim teams for 20 years. Assisting him this year with both the girls' and boys' teams were Grant Richardson, Chase Richardson, Carla Richardson and Dr. Mark Meyer.

Much of the girls' team returns next year with only Hardyniec, Geheb, Edging, and Stiller graduating. With the bar set high by this year's team, the underclassmen will have their work cut out for them if they are to meet or exceed the accomplishments of the 2006- 07 team.