Merrillville has big day, advances in nine events

There were multiple teams that took to the waters of the Chesterton Natatorium on Thursday evening for the sectional preliminaries, and there are going to be many faces that come Saturday’s finals. But among this group, especially those in the top eight, seeking a shot at the trip down to the state tournament in Indianapolis, includes an unusual success story: the Merrillville girls team. Sure the hosts Trojans again asserted their dominance throughout the meet, but the fact the Pirates remain in the conversation is impressive. After losing nine girls to graduation from 2013, and entering just seven girls to compete on the evening, the Duneland Conference team competed in every event but the 200 free relay. Merrillville goes forward with seven individuals and two relays for the weekend. “I told my girls that I was smiling ear to ear by the end of the meet,” Merrillville coach Ladd Downham said. “It was a real good night for us.” Not only will the Pirates partake in nearly 10 events, but they reached the finals in both the 200 medley (seventh place in a time of 2:05.29) and 400 free (sixth in a time of 4:11.42) relays and both of the sprints. Senior Maggie Connelly (swam both relays) took seventh in the 50 free (going 26.90) and junior Robin Townsend took fifth in the 100 free (57.98). “It takes a really immense amount of focus … fromthe instant the official says ‘your mark’ you’ve got to go,” Downham said of the fast nature of the sprints. Hot off of their DAC title, the Trojans persevered through some sicknesses on the team to set up for the weekend. Sophomore Vanessa Krause is seeded first in the fly and the 50 free. “We’ve been dealing with so much sickness and cancellations due to weather, so it was what it was,” Chesterton coach Kevin Kinel said.

“I told my girls that I was smiling ear to ear by the end of the meet. It was a real good night for us.” LADD DOWNHAM, Merrillville coach