By Amber Plumer
Picture of Katryn McKinney from MilliganBuffs.com
Thirteen Milligan swim team members qualified for the NAIA National Championship at the Appalachian Swimming Conference on Feb. 15.
“We saw many seasonal best times at ASC and I expect to return from Nationals with several new school records,” said Coach John E. Sutton.
The qualified swimmers are: Kelsey Achin, Laura Ault, Grant Callahan, Brent Crosby, Brandi Hay, Hannah Hubbard, Luke Falasca, Katryn McKinney, Kim Norton, Seth Moore, Adam Motter, Sarah Walsh and Zach Wright.
“It feels amazing to be with my friends and see what each of us have accomplished, “ said junior Laura Ault.
Ault, who recently broke Milligan’s 200 butterfly record, is proud of how much the team has improved and grown together throughout the season.
Sophomore Sarah Walsh said that qualifying for nationals “feels great” because it justifies her hard work and the intense practice schedule.
Walsh is excited to travel with the team and the “chance to drop more time” on their personal records.
“I hope to podium for the 200 butterfly again and to get the 200 individual medley (IM) record,” said Walsh. “I think that the entire women’s team has great potential and is striving to break several relay records.”
Junior Katryn McKinney shares this same hope that the five relays are all “able to make it back to the top 16 each night.”
“I am hoping to see new records in the women’s 50 freestyle, 200 IM, 200 backstroke and 100 freestyle,” said Sutton. “and for the men in the 100 freestyle, 100 and 200 butterfly.”
The Milligan community is a constant source of support and encouragement for the swimmers.
“I have a stronger desire to succeed when I know that I am swimming for my school and the students that support me throughout the entire season,” said Walsh.
“I love being part of this wonderful community because so many people care about you no matter what,” said McKinney.
Ault says that the team needs prayers for safe travel and good health so they can “swim to rock the pool and glorify God in doing so.”
The championship will be held on March 6-8 in Oklahoma City, OK.
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