2015 girls’ swimming teams, swimmers to watch

TEAMS

C.R. Kennedy –

Even without junior Brooke Timmerman – who is focusing on club training this fall – the Cougars return nine state qualifiers and have the look of a top-10 team. Sprinters Kirsten Siebenga (50-yard freestyle) and Maddie Bagby (100 free) already own school records.

C.R. Washington –

Last year they were freshmen with a ton of potential. Now with a year of experience, sophomores Emily Nelson, Lauren Havertape, Caitlin Sievers and Jenny Hughes are poised to improve on last year's 19th-place finish at state.

I.C. West –

Twins Erica and Alison Hsu along with fellow senior Ariel Roghair will be counted on to provide leadership to a team high on talent but short on experience. If the Women of Troy are to stay in the top 15, they'll need breakout seasons from sophomores like Alleyna Thomas and Mae Grahs.

Linn-Mar –

After placing fifth at last year's state meet, the Lions are without four key contributors – Kelsey Drake, Jenn Jenks, Stephanie Jenks and Hailey Harms – who all elected not to swim high school this fall. As a result, there will be plenty of opportunities for sophomores Grace Ahlers (distance), Madison Renz (sprint), Emma Behrens (sprint and butterfly) and Brianna Bisgard (backstroke).

SWIMMERS

Maddie Bagby, jr., C.R. Kennedy –

School-record holder in the 100-yard freestyle (53.49), finished 16th at state. Swam second for ninth-place 200-yard freestyle relay team.

Logan Eckhardt, sr., C.R. Washington –

All-MVC anchor for Washington's seventh-place 200-yard medley relay team at state. All-MVC breaststroker who twice placed in the top 18 at state.

Lauren Havertape, so., C.R. Washington –

All-MVC butterfly swimmer who placed 20th at state and 23rd in the 50 free.

Erica Hsu, sr., Iowa City West –

10-event state qualifier with two top-7 finishes in the 500-yard freestyle. All-MVC in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard backstroke.

Kassidy Lovig, fr., C.R. Kennedy –

Distance swimmer whose current best times in the 200-yard freestyle and 500 would have placed her in the top 10 at the state meet.

MacKinzee Macho, so., C.R. Kennedy –

In her first appearance at the state meet, placed 18th in the 200 IM and 24th in the 100 butterfly.

Darby Manternach, so., C.R. Kennedy –

Started ninth-place 200 free relay and placed 19th in the 50 free.

Emily Nelson, so., C.R. Washington –

All-MVC in the 500 free and the 200 IM. Placed 14th in the 500 at state.

Kirsten Siebenga, sr., C.R. Kennedy –

Freestyle anchor for medley and school-record 200 free relay teams. School-record holder (24.36 seconds) and two-time Top-19 finisher at the state meet in the 50 free.

Jessica Williams, jr., C.R. Kennedy –

Highest Kennedy individual state placement last year with a 13th-place finish in the 100 backstroke.

Katelyn Yee, sr. Decorah –

Key freestyle swimmer for all three Viking relay teams, placed 21st in 50 free as an individual.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com