Posted: 4/13/05
Building on success at the state meet
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Joe Drennan
Sports Editor
Last season the Forest Lake High School synchronized swimming team sent one swimmer to the state meet. This yearís goal is to send another swimmer back to the state meet, but this time with a teammate or two.
ìWe have an excellent team,î Rangers co-head coach Laura Walcker said. ìWe did lose a few strong seniors from last yearís team, but our girls are really excited to be working hard this year.î
The Rangers lost All-State swimmer Jynelle Gorka, Alyse Howie, Katie Prudhomme and Ashley Tackes from last yearís squad.
Walcker says this yearís top eight performers will be senior Hannah McKenzie, sophomore Ann Husfeldt, sophomore Kate Harrison, sophomore Frances VanSloun, senior Nicole Duff, sophomore Heather Ristow, sophomore Alissa Moberg and sophomore Carrie Peterson.
McKenzie and Duff are the captains of this yearís squad.
ìThe girls are doing an excellent job so far,î Walcker said. ìUs coaches couldnít ask for anything more from them.î
Walcker says the Rangers should be atop the conference at seasons end right behind perennial state champion Stillwater.
ìAs far as I know Stillwater hasnít lost a dual meet ever,î Walcker said. ìTheyíre our top competitor.î
VanSloun says the team is headed down the right path as they hope to achieve their team goals of sending some swimmers to the state meet. Harrison agreed with VanSloun, adding that they gained valuable experience last year watching Gorka compete at the state meet.
With such a young team, the Rangers are ready to succeed now, but also know they have some time.
ìI expect a lot of maturing this year because weíre a young team,î Peterson said. ìIím excited about the years to come.î
While many people see synchronized swimming as simply dancing in the water, the swimmers are quick to defend what they do, calling it a contact sport.
ìItís a lot of hard work because you have to know where everybody is at all times,î Peterson said.
VanSloun added, ìThere is a lot of trust because you have to trust that everybody is going to be where theyíre supposed to be.î
In their third meet of the year Friday the Rangers defeated Osseo 25-4.
McKenzie took first place with VanSloun in second, Peterson third, Harrison fifth, Moberg sixth and Ann Husfeldt seventh.
The junior varsity team lost to Osseo 20-9. The Rangersí next meet is April 28 against Columbia Heights at 4:30 p.m.
On May 14, the Rangers will host their synchronized swimming show at 6 p.m. The swimmers will be in their costume suits, gel their hair and put on a show. The event is not a competition, but more a show of their talent and hard work theyíve put into the season.
Tickets for the event will be $3 for adults and $2 for students.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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