Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill High School Swim Team made waves on Thursday, Sept. 26, against Wisconsin Rapids winning 96-77. The Jays came out strong and won all 11 events for a second week straight, while Amber Winter breaks a MHS record.
“The team as a whole performed outstanding,” said Merrill had coach Kristie Winter. “Every single swimmer had at least 1 season best swim, with many having multiple bests. I am so proud of their hard work and dedication these last few weeks. I have really been working the team hard and their stamina last night was impressive. This meet was won as a full team effort and commitment.”
In the 100 Breaststroke, Amber Winter swam a time of 1:12.49, beating the previous school record in the event, which was set last season by Bailey Orzech with a swim of 1:13.00 at the Sectional meet. Winter would have a nice day for Merrill, also taking first place in the 200 IM, with a swim of 2:22.10.
Evelyn Blennert continued to show her worth on the team, taking first place in the 100 Freestyle, swimming a time of 54.85. Blennert then went on to take first place in the 50 Freestyle, with a swim of 25.52.
Trinity Kanitz showed off her dominance in distance swims, winning the 500 Freestyle with a swim of 5:39.03, nearly a whole minute faster than the second place finisher. Trinity’s cousin, Erin Kanitz would continue the success winning two events of her own. Erin’s first place swim in the 200 Freestyle would come out to be a six second victory, with a swim time of 2:10.44. Erin then took the gold in the 100 Backstroke, finishing the race in a time of 1:09.15.
The Jays will look to maintain their Wisconsin Valley Conference success on Thursday, Oct. 3, as they host Marshfield for their Parents and Senior Night, starting at 5:30 p.m.
“The girls will need to pull together against Marshfield again when we host them at home for our parents and senior night,” added coach Winter. “They are a tough team last year it came down to the final relay. I think this year will be close as well. Everyone will need to step up to help the team out.”