The Cook County Northerns had a great time at the YMCA Northern Sectional Meet in Grand Rapids on January 30. Some of the swimmers were (L-R) Shaelyn Hingos, Livi Nesgoda Works, Ella Hedstrom, Louise Ramberg, and Malin Anderson.
The YMCA Northern Sectional Swim Meet was held in Grand Rapids on January 30, 2016. Seventeen swimmers from Cook County—members of the Cook County Northerns—were among hundreds of swimmers competing to advance on to the Minnesota State Swim Meet.
Over 500 youth ages 5-18 came from Cook County, Superior, Duluth, Grand Rapids, and Brainerd. The fastest three swimmers or relays in each event automatically advance to the State meet where they will be joined by the fastest individuals and relays from the other three sections in Minnesota.
“We saw some major drops in time from swimmers like Malin Anderson, Louise Ramberg, Henry DeArruda Weaver, Tanner DeBoer, and Grace Blomberg. The biggest surprise of the meet was Ole Sorenson who dropped five seconds in the 50-yard freestyle and qualified for the Regional Swim Meet in March,” said Coach Emily Marshall.
Sorenson took 1st in the 13-14 200-yard Freestyle; 2nd in the 50 Freestyle; and 3rd in the 100 Freestyle. Sorenson was also part of the 2nd place 400-yard freestyle relay, along with Dylan Manchester and Travis Elling.
Chloe Blackburn advances to State as part of the 200 Freestyle Relay, but also as a wild card swimmer in the 100 Butterfly race.
Tanner DeBoer swam to 2nd in two events, the 13-14 200 Yard IM and the 200 Backstroke. He was also a member of the 400- year Freestyle Relay with Sorenson, helping win 2nd in that race.
Henry DeArruda Weaver took first in both the 13-14 200-yard IM and the 100 Butterfly. He also participated in the 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Freestyle Relay team, which took 1st. Also in the 200 Medley Relay were Ezra Schomberg and Beau Giddings.
Also helping that 200 Freestyle team claim 1st was Will Surbaugh, along with Ezra Schomberg and Beau Gidding. Will also swam on the 1st place 200 Medley Relay; in the 13-14 100 IM taking 1st; and the 100 Breaststroke taking 1st.
Ella Hedstrom was a member of the 12 & U 200 Medley Relay which took 3rd. Her teammates were Elaina Yoon, Elle Westrum and Josie Fay. Ella also took 2nd in the 50 Breaststroke.
Chloe Blackburn and Aurora Schelmeske were members of the 13-14 200 Freestyle Relay which took 3rd. Also on that team were Caroline Flaig and Elaina Yoon.
Tristan Surbaugh was on the 10 & U 200 Medley Relay with Zach Harris, Noah Westrum and Austin Johnson.
“There were also some heartbreaking moments with some swimmers missing cut times by just tenths of a second, some 4th and 5th place finishes, relay team members becoming ill, and a few unexpected disqualifications.
“Despite the set-backs, the kids were in good spirits, cheered hard for one another and after a really long day, we brought home a few wins!” said Coach Marshall.
Swimmers who placed 4th and 5th were not necessarily excluded from the State meet. After the meet, the Minnesota Swim League compiled the meet line-up for State to fill 16 lanes with competitors in each event. Because only the top 12 advance automatically from around that state, the next 4 fastest swimmers will get what is called a “wild card” and advance. Coach Marshall said the Northern section is one of the fastest sections and she expected several wild card slots.
At press time, Marshall reported that swimmers getting wild cards are Olivia Nesgoda-Works (12&U 200 Medley Relay); Aurora Schelmeske (500 Free and 100 IM); Louise Ramberg (12&U 200 Medley Relay); Will Surbaugh (13-14 50 freestyle), Chloe Blackburn (100 Fly); Isaak Lein (25 Breast Stroke); Lexi Surbaugh (200 Free Relay); and Martine Redshaw (400 Free Relay).
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