BY BRIAN FEESSouthern Tier Sports Report
WEBSTER — For four Horseheads seniors they were able to end their high school careers at the biggest meet of the all, swimming at the NYSPHSAA Championships at the Webster Aquatic Center on Friday.
“I am really excited we got to be here,” Mia Carro said. “It’s a great opportunity. I know a couple of us have never been to states before, so I’m really glad all of us could win sectionals and make it to states in the first place.”
Carro, Karina Lapierre, Genevieve Carro and Ali Mosher all made it in the 200 free relay. The relay took 32nd Friday in 1:43.58. They are second alternates for the C final.
“I think it’s amazing we got to make states again,” Lapierre said.
For both Genevieve Carro and Mosher it’s their first time swimming at the state meet.
“I went a few years ago, I was an alternate,” Genevieve Carro said. “But, this time I finally got to swim in a relay and it was a great opportunity and a chance to have this expeirence swimming against such fast girls.
“It’s just surreal. I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy it’s my last meet with all my teammates. It’s very fun.”
Just making states was special.
“It’s just really so surreal being here, because we thought we didn’t have a chance when we first qualified and then 10 minutes later we found out we made it,” Mosher said. “It’s a great opportunity, I’m happy to be here.
“I don’t even know how to explain it. My freshmen year started so differently. Being here, I can see so much growth in myself and my teammates. It’s kind of a good end point to end it on a high.”
This was a special way for the seniors to end their careers.
“I am so grateful that I got a chance to swim with those girls,” Mia Carro said. “It’s a little bittersweet, because I know I’m not going to get a chance to swim another race with all of them at the same time again. I’m glad we got this chance.”
Lapierre swam in the 50 free as well, finishing 41st in 25.80. For the senior it was her first time swimming in an individual event at states.
“It was really special,” she said. “I know I didn’t do as good in the individuals, but it’s still amazing being able to swim against all these fast people.
“It was a little scary being up there along without my team, but it was pretty amazing too.”
DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
While the four seniors finished their swim careers, Makenzie Blauvelt got a chance to compete in state diving as a sophomore.
“It feels good, I’m really excited,” Blauvelt said. “It’s really crazy, I’ve never been to a meet this big. It’s pretty exciting.”
The sophomore did have some other divers she already knew going in.
“I know some of the people from camps and stuff,” she said.
And, she was excited to watch all the divers compete.
“I’m really excited to watch everyone,” she said.
Blauvelt was 37th in diving with a 168.80, being eliminated in the first cut.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES
PHOTO GALLERY FROM DAY 1 OF STATES:
