Saint turned Warrior

CEDAR RAPIDS - Swimming for another school may be intimidating, but freshman Lauren Havertape has not let it stop her from becoming a successful member of the Washington High School team.

'Swimming for a different school has been easier than I thought,” Havertape said. 'The Washington swimmers have been great, and I have enjoyed being a part of the team. I have not felt out of place one bit, and it really has been a great experience.”

Havertape has made her presence known on the Washington team by swimming the butterfly in the medley relay and competing in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays, 50 and 100 freestyle and the 100 butterfly.

'I really enjoy swimming all strokes and will swim wherever the team needs me,” Havertape said.

Havertape has placed high or won in different events, including first place in the 100 backstroke, the 50 free, the 100 butterfly, the 200 medley relay and the 200 and 400 free relays.

'I think that I did well at districts,” Havertape said, 'I got on the podium for two of my events. I placed top three overall in our medley relay. I believe we have a lot of potential this year, and I am excited for what is to come for our team.”

Washington placed fifth overall in the team race, first in its division.

The regional meet is today at Linn-Mar.