This past Thursday, the Spartans dove into a fierce competition at the Class 6AA section meet, swimming their fastest in hopes of qualifying for the state meet.

Senior Adele Gjerde advanced to the section championship meet in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly, along with other Highland Park swimmers in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Additionally, sophomore Avital Coleman placed fourth in diving and will advance to the state championship.

Gjerde placed second in the section championship meet for the 100 butterfly and is now advancing to state. “I’m super, super excited and nervous, and I still can’t believe I made it,” Gjerde said. “I liked the energy at sections, and I had lots of fun… our team came together as a whole this season, and it was amazing to see that for the younger swimmers.”

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Lucy Thomas

DIVING IN. Highland Park swimmer Hazel Thrasher hits the water in the second heat of the second period.

SPA senior Alba Markowitz Mulet also competed in the section meet. “I was super excited to have the chance to swim at sections for my team,” Mulet said. “I dropped five seconds from my PR… it was just amazing to see all the pieces fall into place at the end of the season and feel the energy from the team and parents.”

Additionally, spartan fans came out to support their swimmers at the meet; Gjerde invited her friends to support the Sparks swim and dive team. “I’m here with Hadley Dobish and Liza Thomas,” senior Annie Painter said, “and we’re here for all the Spartans, cheering them on to do their best.”

As girls swim and dive makes their way to state, be sure to follow Painter’s example and support the team. Cheer on Coleman and Gjerde at the state meet on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center!