Swim Team Secures Third Consecutive Conference Championship
/The Kearney Bulldogs girls swim team made a splash this past weekend, capturing their third straight conference championship to close out the regular season. The Bulldogs showcased their talent and determination from the very first race on Friday night through the final events on Saturday afternoon, ultimately winning 9 out of 11 events and clinching the conference title by an outstanding 230-point margin.
Head Coach Trevor Woehrman expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, noting, “The team did not shy away from the moment.” The Bulldogs demonstrated remarkable poise and confidence, rising to the occasion in every event and backing it up with impressive results in the pool.
The secret to this remarkable run lies in the steady growth and development fostered within the team. Coach Woehrman and his staff praised the swimmers not only for their athletic achievements but also for their progress “both in and out of the pool.” Throughout the championship weekend, the Bulldogs posted numerous personal and season bests and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most, underscoring the program’s commitment to excellence and teamwork.
Highlights from a dominant championship weekend include:
200 Medley Relay: Emma Cox, Izzy Fowler, Kaylie Gerber, Olivia Burgard - CHAMPIONS
200 Freestyle: Jillian Schauwecker - CHAMPION (plus a new PR and her first state consideration cut), with strong finishes and PRs from Jaycie Davis, Emelyn Kane and Grace Thurston
200 IM: Kaylie Gerber - CHAMPION, Izzy Fowler (2nd and state consideration cut), Eden Roling (3rd), and Halle Wright (5th) all dropping time
500 Freestyle: Eden Roling - CHAMPION (10-second PR and first state consideration cut), with big drops from Jillian Schauwecker and Emelyn Kane
200 Freestyle Relay: Halle Wright, Eva Cox, Eden Roling, Olivia Burgard - CHAMPIONS
100 Backstroke: Emma Cox - CHAMPION, Avreigh James (3rd place finish and a new PR), Dani Elliott (6th place finish and a new PR), Ella Reese (new PR)
100 Breaststroke: Izzy Fowler - CHAMPION, Maggie Rinehart (4th place finish and a new PR), Anne Saegesser (6th place finish and a new PR), Grace Thurston (new PR)
400 Freestyle Relay: Kaylie Gerber, Eva Cox, Emma Cox, Izzy Fowler - CHAMPIONS
100 Butterfly - Kaylie Gerber - CHAMPION; Eva Cox had 2nd place finish and a season best; Halle Wright finished in 4th place finish and earned a new PR
50 Freestyle: Eva Cox (2nd place finish and a new PR), Olivia Burgard (3rd place finish and a new PR), Emery Wells (5th place finish and a new PR), Dani Elliott (new PR)
100 Freestyle: Emma Cox (2nd place finish and a new PR), Emery Wells (3rd place finish and a new PR), Avreigh James (4th place finish and a new PR), Maggie Rinehart (6th place finish and a new PR)
The team’s outstanding performances continue to fuel their drive for success. As Coach Woehrman explained, the girls will soon compete in a “Last Chance” meet—an important opportunity for the state roster to sharpen their times and rankings before heading into the State Championships. With their momentum building, anticipation is high for what these athletes will accomplish at the season’s biggest stage.
KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.
