Posted: 6/12/02

Swanson sizzles on second day

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

Cold and soggy, Krista Swanson couldn't wait to get out of the rain, and return for day two of her fifth consecutive state tournament appearance.

She slugged out a 83 in the sloppy conditions at Bunker Hills, finding herself only seven shots back, and tied for sixth place.

Day two brought perfect golf weather, and Swanson took full advantage of the premier scoring conditions at the par-73 course.

Playing with the defending state champion, Amy Schmucker of Rocori, Swanson played solidly throughout the second day, highlighted by sinking a 50-foot birdie putt from the fringe at the par-3 17th hole.

Swanson would card a 75 and leapfrog into third place with a total of 158.

Meanwhile, Schmucker defended her title as state champion, strolling through the fairways and greens Bunker Hills for a second day 74 without many problems, for a two day total of 150.

Swanson's third place finish marks the best finish at the state tournament in her career. She was also the top scorer among high school juniors in the field.

ìAfter the first day I was further back than I wanted, but I knew I could get passed some of the girls in front of me. This is probably the best I felt I could do. I peaked at the right time, and it felt very good to beat some of the girls that were beating me this year,î Swanson said.

Minor errors in the Forest Lake junior's swing caused early season troubles. As with any golfer, time spent at the driving range and working with girls head coach Bill Loushine soon had Swanson fine-tuning her game in preparation for another run at the state tournament.

ìOver time, steady and slow improvement allowed her to peak right. Once she shot 74 at sections, I knew she was there.î Loushine said.

Swanson will be gunning for her sixth straight appearance at the state meet next spring. After gaining 30th in her first state tournament appearance, Swanson has steadily improved year by year, and is a favorite to become state champion in 2003.

ìNext year I want to take it all, and I'm going to take this team with me. We have a good chance, and we were so close this year,î Swanson added.

With two of 7AA Champion Grand Rapidsí team graduating, and a solid core led by Swanson and co-captain Christie Brink returning next year, Swanson and Loushine feel the team can win the section title next year.

ìEverything this year was a stepping stone. I give Krista and Christie credit. They really worked with the team to include all the girls. All the girls have made a commitment to improve, and to make it to state next year,î Loushine said.

With the veteran experience of several pressure-packed under her belt, Swanson is determined to pass as much knowledge as she can to her teammates.

Under the leadership of captains Swanson and Brink, the Forest Lake girls golf team plans to do something special next year. If Swanson's pattern of improvment continues, she has a great shot at gaining a title that has eluded her for five years -ñ state champion.

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