Lauren Whyte and Mary Hoffman are headed to the MSHSL state swim meet at the University of Minnesota.

Whyte, a sophomore, and Hoffman, a 9th grader, compose one half of the 4 x 100 team that earned a spot at the section finals in Rochester.  The other two members of the group are from Winona High, junior Alexa Lofgren and senior Emily Boettger.

The group new they were not the best team in the section, but had hopes of qualifying for State despite the odds.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge to make it to state, but we had a chance. We had to all swim out best and leave it all in the pool. I wasn’t going into sections knowing we were going to make it,” Whyte said.

The team qualified by surpassing the standard and are the 20th ranked team in the State.  This caused a moment of confusion at the end of the race.

“When our last girl finished and we looked at the time we didn’t know if we qualified. We couldn’t remember the exact time. We all stood there looking at our coaches waiting. When we realized we made it we all were so happy. We smiled and hugged each other,: Whyte said.

“After the race all the  girls were really happy and there were a lot of hugs exchanged,” Hoffman concurred.

One of the keys to success has been the ability to push each other in practice.

“We are actually a pretty good group together, we work quite hard together. My role was the person that needed to get a little ahead of the others so the other group members could pull ahead. I’m the first person in the relay,” Hoffman said.

“When your on a relay, you all have to work your hardest. It isn’t an individual event where is all on you. It is in every single person in that relay. We have to work together to achieve a goal. We all have a part and we all have our strength. My role was to use my strength to the best of my ability,” Whyte added.

“I think Lauren did really well at the Section Finals meet, she had a high 57 before and she got a mid 56 on the 4×100, ” Hoffman said.

The preparation for the State meet may not be as intense as previous workouts, but still poses challenges to the group.

“About 2 weeks before section we begin taper. Taper is when the practices get shorter and we have more rest so when the big meet comes up we are fully rested. This is the meet that we four girls have been training for all season,” Whyte said.

“Since there are only 5 girls right now, it’s quite boring. We are also on taper right now so practices are easier than what we usually have,”  Hoffman said.

Despite the rigor of the extended season the girls are looking forward to the event and experience of  the State meet in Minneapolis.

“Our goal for the state meet is to all get low 56’s and low 54 or 53 for Alexa.  I’m just looking forward to the experience of the trip, I think it’ll be very different and hopefully fun,” Hoffman said.

“My goal for the state meet is to have fun and if possible improve my time. I hope to go just as fast and maybe even faster. Making it to state is great and to do it with a relay is even better! We are like family and I can’t wait to experience my first state meet with amazing people.  I am looking forward to seeing all the amazing swimmers and being in a state of the art pool. This is an amazing opportunity,” Whyte said

Qualifying heats will be held on Thursday, November 17, and finals on Friday,  November 18.