Strong senior class gives Viking swimmers reason for hope
Parker’s schedule
AUGUST: 28—Beloit Memorial, 5 p.m.; 29—Parker Invitational, 11 a.m.
SEPTEMBER: 4—Madison East, 5 p.m.; 11—At Madison West, 5 p.m.; 12—At Elkhorn Invitational, 10 a.m.; 18—Verona, 5 p.m.; 25—Sun Prairie, 5 p.m.
OCTOBER: 2—Janesville Craig, 5 p.m.; 9—At Madison La Follette, 5 p.m.; 10—At Rockford Auburn Invitational, 11 a.m.; 16—Madison Memorial, 5 p.m.; 17—At Cougar Relays, 10 a.m.; 20—At Middleton, 5 p.m.; 31—At Big Eight Conference Meet (Middleton), TBA.
JANESVILLE — A strong senior class has Janesville Parker High School girls swim coach Andrea Nickel excited about the upcoming season.
The Vikings return 13 letter winners from last year’s team, which finished 2-7 in the Big Eight Conference.
“Based on the effort I’ve seen thus far, we’ve got a solid team,” Nickel said. “The dedication to the program is very strong, and it starts with our senior girls.
“Everyone is supporting everyone else. And we’re getting great leadership from the seniors.”
Parker opens the Big Eight season Friday at home against Beloit Memorial.
The Vikings host a 10-team invitational at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Heading the list of returnees are six seniors.
Samantha Jackson will likely swim the 500 freestyle, and she also could join Erin Jensen in the butterfly events.
Leah Letson will concentrate on the freestyle sprints, and Mindi Millis can compete in any of the freestyle distances—long or short.
“I just want to see improvement from the team from one meet to the next, and it starts with the seniors,” Nickel said of her third year as head coach.
“As for individual goals, each girl sets up a list that they hope to accomplish throughout the season.”
Senior Anna Jersild will compete in the backstroke and freestyle, while fellow senior Megan Olin will swim in the freestyle sprints.
Three juniors also are expected to make strong contributions.
Frankie Larson will swim the 50 and 100 freestyle events, Rachel Lancour is expected to compete in the individual medley, and Samantha Witek can be used in any event, depending on where Nickel needs her.
Sophomore Sara Gosline will compete in the backstroke and breaststroke and also is expected to swim in one or more of the relay events.
“I’ve asked the seniors to take on a strong leadership role, and that’s exactly what they are doing,” Nickel said.
“As long as we keep working hard, I think you’ll see an improvement from last year.”
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