Cook County swimmers get ready for the morning warm up before the start of the state YMCA swim meet in Minneapolis. Left to right, back row to front row: Shaelyn Hingos, Aurora Schelmeske, Ella Hedstrom, Henry DeArruda Wharton, Tanner DeBoer, Jack Willis, Tristan Surbaugh, Isaak Lien, Lexi Surbaugh, Martine Redshaw and Mary June DeArruda Wharton. Missing is Liv Hedstrom.
As is the custom each year, the state YMCA swim meet, which took place on Sunday, Feb. 19, was held at the University of Minnesota’s Aquatic Center. This venue offers our local swimmers the occasion to swim in a world-class natatorium and provides spectators the opportunity to watch the boys’ and girls’ events simultaneously.
On deck in this inspiring atmosphere were head coach Emily Breaker and 12 Cook County swimmers. They joined Duluth swimmers and coaches to form the Duluth/Cook County Northerns. While all the results were not in by press time, there were several highlights worth mentioning.
The Cook County middle school and high school girls rose to the challenge, competing against many girls who train in the fall high school league. Our three girls were able to cheer each other on as they joined together with a Duluth swimmer in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Aurora Schelmeske completed her 50-yard leg in 28 seconds flat!
We have a small but strong boys’ team, which swam several events, helping to rack up overall points for the Duluth/Cook County Northerns. Henry DeArruda Wharton participated in the 100-yard butterfly. He earned second place, strongly executing this difficult stroke.
Our youngest girls all participated in Cook County’s final event of the day, the 400-yard freestyle relay for 10-year-olds and younger. After waiting all day to swim their event, they were able to psych themselves up for some friendly competition. Martine Redshaw and Liv Hedstrom joined two Duluth swimmers in one lane while Lexi Surbaugh and Mary June DeArruda Wharton joined two Duluthians in an adjacent lane. Martine and Liv swam the third and fourth legs of their relay respectively and were able to pour it on for a second place finish in the first heat, helping their team drop 30 seconds.
While the local Cook County YMCA swim team offers participants the opportunity to compete at several meets during the season, the main goal of the program is to encourage a life-long commitment to physical activity and healthy living. Other swimmers who added strength, depth and encouragement to our team include Aurora Gallagher, Silas Ekstrom, Kajsa Ekstrom, Iris Works, Zoe Kacures, Olya Wright, Grace Blomberg, Amelia Brune, Olivia Nesgoda- Works, Chloe Blackburn and Will Surbaugh. Congratulations to the Cook County Northerns for a great season!
Leave a Reply