The Swimming Belles ended their season on a high note, finishing 10th overall in the 6A State Swimming Championship held in Bentonville February 22-23. A total of six swimmers from the Belles swim team competed in individual and/or relay events at the meet.
Kate Goldtrap ’21 medaled in the 100 Yard Breaststroke, finishing sixth in the state with a time of 1:10. She also finished eighth in the 500 Yard Freestyle. Teammates Victoria Chan ’21 and Mia Patella ’22 competed in individual events, as well. Victoria finished 14th in the 200 Yard Individual Medley, and Mia finished ninth in the 100 Yard Butterfly and 12th in the 50 Yard Freestyle.
The Swimming Belles also competed in all three of the state tournament’s relay events. Kate G., Victoria, Mia and Kate Moellers ’20 finished 11th in the 200 Yard Medley Relay and eighth in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay. Kate M., Victoria, Cecelia Rech ’20 and Katelynn Parker ’22 finished 11th in the 200 Yard Freestyle.
Prior to competing in the state championship, the team also had a strong showing at the 6A Central Conference Championship in Conway on Thursday, February 7. The Belles finished sixth overall, and Kate G. placed third in the 500 Yard Freestyle.
The team’s coaches acknowledged the girls’ hard work and progress over the course of the season. “I’m so proud of everyone on the team this year,” coach Marissa Blair said. “There were swimmers of various skill levels who pushed themselves to achieve and surpass their goals. Many of them accomplished things they never thought possible.”
“We have had a lot of fun this year,” coach Lindann Blair Day added. “I’ve enjoyed watching these girls flourish, and was thrilled to bring 6 swimmers to the state meet for competition. We will miss everyone!”
This season represents the last one for Coaches Blair and Day. The two, who both attended Mount St. Mary and swam for the Belles, have served as volunteer coaches for the program for the past 12 seasons. Until she retired a few years ago, their mother had also been helping coach the swim team since 2001, and their oldest sister swam with the Belles, too. “We calculated it the other day, and I am pretty sure a Blair has been involved in MSM Swimming for 25 seasons, and coaching for 18 seasons,” Coach Day said.
Congrats to the Belles, and a big thanks to the Blair family for their years of participation in, and service to, Mount St. Mary Academy’s swimming program.
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.