Derecho, pandemic doesn’t hinder Grinnell /BGM swim team efforts

Members of the Grinnell/BGM Diving Team are, from left: Trista Thompson, Mikayla Creech, Erin Hinshaw, Kenleigh Jack. Mikayla Creech and Kenleigh Jack attend Newton High School and practice with Grinnell/BGM.

by J.O. Parker
 
            “What a season to remember,” said Head Grinnell/BGM Swimming Coach Sarah Smith. “We started the season with a derecho in the middle of a pandemic and we made it to the end. I am so proud of each diver and swimmer this season.”
            Smith said, the team stayed positive and the athletes have encouraged each other to be better each day.
            “The amount of talent and experience on the team this season was refreshing and led to the amount of success they saw,” noted Smith.
            The swim and diving team wrapped up the 2020 season at the IGHSAU Regional Swimming and Diving Meet, Nov. 7 in Johnston.
            “The goals of this regional meet were to see new personal records and get our relays to the podium,” said Smith. “The team achieved those goals!”
            Following are the final results: Trista Thompson, 7th place in diving with a 357.60; Erin Hinshaw, 8th place in diving with a 241.10 The following relays made it to the podium: 200 Medley Relay (Hannah Gus, Hannah Behrens, Anna Key, Sydney Miller) 5th place; 400 Free Relay (Anna Key, Hannah Gus, Hannah Behrens, Sydney Miller) 6th place. Ten of the 12 individual events set new personal records. The following people set new personal records at the regional meet. Elyse Eisen, 200 Free (5 sec time drop) - 2:25.32 and 100 Free (7 sec time drop) - 1:04.69; Sydney Miller, 50 Free (1/2 sec time drop) - 27.81; Hannah Behrens, 50 Free (1/2 sec time drop) - 27.98; Hannah Gus, 50 Free (1 sec time drop) - 28.20; Anna Key,100 Fly (1 sec time drop) - 1:10.61; Della Pease, 100 Free (4 sec time drop), 1:06.60; Kalli Hart, 100 Free (3 sec time drop) - 1:13.49 and 100 Back (1/2 sec time drop) - 1:1:26.10; and Della Pease, 100 Back (1 sec time drop) - 1:22.21.
            Smith said a banquet would be held at a later date.

​Grinnell /BGM Swim Team - Members of the Grinnell/BGM Swim Team are, from left, front row: Hannah Behrens, Anna Key, Sydney Miller, Hannah Gus. Back row: Della Pease, Malynn Pavey, Kalli Hart, Elyse Eisen, Reese Madren.