Merrill High School (MHS) graduate and standout swimmer and 2022 WIAA Division 2 State champion in the 100 breaststroke Amber Winter had a very successful season swimming for UW-Eau Claire this past fall/winter. At the recent WIAC Championships held in Brown Deer, Wis., Feb. 14-17, 2024, Amber finished 5th in the 200 yard individual medley with a time of 2:11.44 She also finished second in both the 100 yard breaststroke (1:04.97) and 200 yard breaststroke (2:24.35), scoring a total of 48 points for the Blugolds helping them to secure a back-to-back conference win. Amber was also named female newcomer of the meet for her performance.