Berg ready for big finish

MARION - The fuse is lit, and Emilie Berg wants it to result in a bang.

After three near misses, the Linn-Mar senior swimmer is prepared to conclude her prep career on the awards stand at state.

Berg will take the first step toward her goal Saturday at an Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union regional swim meet hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Swim finals begin at noon for the 56 teams competing for state berths at six regional sites, including Cedar Rapids Washington.

Saturday could be a sign of things to come at state.

"I think the biggest thing is I just need to be confident and know that all my work is going to pay off," Berg said. "This is my senior year, I really want to close it off with the best ending yet."

Berg has been a state meet regular, qualifying in a maximum of 12 events her first three seasons. None, however, have resulted in taking a step on the awards stand for top-six finishers in each race. She has been extremely close in the 100 breaststroke, which is her best event.

Berg was ninth as a freshman, but just missed a medal by placing seventh and tying for seventh the last two state meets. She has transformed the disappointment into an asset, increasing her determination to reach her goal.

 "It has been frustrating, but on a positive note this year, because I have been so close, it made me work harder," Berg said. "It has really shown me how much I want it and how much I am not going to give it up this year."

Linn-Mar Coach Chad Derlein said Berg has always had fantastic effort in training. She has a the work ethic of someone deserving of making the state podium.

 "She does every yard," Derlein said. "That has never been an issue ever since I've coached her."

The issue may not have been physical or talent. Both Berg and Derlein noted that she has psyched herself out for the 100 breaststroke at state. The biggest change has been self-assurance before racing, and a focus on having fun in competition.

"She's more mentally ready and mentally trained to do what she wants to accomplish," said Derlein, calling Berg's state swims other than the 100 breaststroke amazing. "She seems to have her goal really set, achieving each step of that goal."

 Walking away from her final varsity competition with some hardware will make all the work the last four years worth it. It will also be a good springboard into college competition.

"That's what I've been working for so hopefully I can do it," Berg said. "Every practice and everything leading up to it would be worth it, knowing what it felt like to be up there and feeling happy for myself know that I did it."

Regional swim event champs and the next 18 best regional times from across the state advance to the state swim meet Saturday, Nov. 5, at Marshalltown YMCA.