At this year’s Girls Swimming and Diving State Championship, the Colts put on a show. They were an underdog going into the meet but that didn’t scare the Colts as the team finished in second place and was the only team to finish top eight in all three relays in finals.

The girls state team was lead by seniors Abby Levine, Lily Eckenrode, and Sakura Gavin, who were big contributors to the outcome of the meet. Gavin wishes she could have done more but they know they did the best they could for their last meet. 

“Personally, my individuals could’ve gone better but I know I put in the effort and time so I shouldn’t be too down. Juliette and Abby did amazing in their events and scored points that helped us get 2nd overall. Everyone on the team contributed to our win, which makes it even better,” Gavin said.

“My goal going into the meet was to get a medal and leaving with a 4th place was great. Towards the middle of the meet, I threw some iffy dives which cost me 3rd place but all the divers had a great meet so I’m happy with 4th place,” Eckenrode said.

The girls say second place was bittersweet but still were very proud of what they accomplished together, as a team. Junior Grecia Escalante was ecstatic about the second-place finish.

“I personally feel amazing about getting second place. We got a plaque and showed how hard we worked this season. And I honestly feel happy for our seniors that they ended off their high school swimming career with a 2nd place plaque,” Escalante said.

Gavin was a little more upset about the second-place finish but nonetheless, very proud of the team and she is looking forward to seeing what the team can do next year. 

“We were disappointed that we were so close to getting first but I know the whole team did the best they could and put in the time and effort. I can’t wait to see them do even better next year,” Gavin said.

Eckenrode is not only proud of her own 4th place medal in the diving but also of how the other Colts divers did. 

“The dive team as a whole did amazing. Kate [Orso] had the flu the whole week leading up to state and seeing her out there competing without practicing for a week was awesome. Carissa [Bersche] did so well, especially for it being her first time at state and I’m so proud of my little divers,” Eckenrode said.

Next year the girls swim and dive state team will be losing three valuable seniors: Levine, Eckenrode, and Gavin.