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Saturday, December 1, 2007
Swimming preview: Local swimmers are making waves this season
Central Oklahoma, OK
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Simply the best
There has never been a swimmer in Oklahoma high school history as dominant as Edmond Memorial’s Samantha Woodward. Not only is the senior the state’s most accomplished swimmer ever, she is one of the most dominating high school athletes that has ever competed for the state.
She has never lost to anyone from Oklahoma in her high school career, she holds five state records, and has won a national championship in the 50-meter freestyle.
Additionally, Woodward won a gold and silver medal in the Pan American Games this past summer in Brazil; she has qualified for four events in the Olympic qualifying trials for Beijing next year; and she has the fastest 100 Butterfly time in the country (53.45 seconds).
“She has done a lot and she still has a lot she wants to accomplish,” Edmond Memorial coach Steve Riggs said. “In her final season, she wants to end her high school career without a loss to someone from Oklahoma, maybe add a couple more state records and get ready for a run to next year’s Olympics.’’
“I’ve never thought about what I’ve done,” Woodward said. “I just think about what I need to do every meet to win. I just want to do the best I can and hopefully, that’s enough.”
And she is going to cherish this season.
“I love competing in high school,” said Woodward, who has signed to swim at Stanford. “It’s fun swimming for your school and with and against your friends. I just want to have fun and end my senior season on a good note.”
No slouches either
While Woodward is the best, here are a couple of other swimmers who stand out:
Katie Whitbeck, Bishop McGuinness – Possibly the second best swimmer in the state behind Woodward. Her best event is the 200 Freestyle, where she is the three-time state champion. She is also talented in the 100 Butterfly. The senior, who is also a talented cross country runner, has signed with the University of Arkansas.
Ian McKenzie, Norman North – The sophomore is one of the best young sprinters in the state. He excels in the 50 and 100 Freestyle events.
Kayla Visor, Moore – The senior excels in the freestyle events – the 50 and 100 Freestyle competitions.
From the shadows
These swimmers are looking to have breakout seasons:
Typ Whinnery, Deer Creek – Starred as a freshman and looks to improve as a sophomore this year. He finished second in the 50 Freestyle a year ago.
Isaac McKnight, Chickasha – Dubbed by Riggs as the next great sprinter, this freshman is looking to make an impact in his first season. He swims with the talented Chesapeake Swim Club.
Nathan Bercaw, Edmond North – The senior is good in the long distance freestyle events. He is one of the top swimmers in the 200 and 500 Freestyle events. He has signed with Washita Baptist College in Arkansas.
Hiliary Riedmann, Moore – The senior is one of the top Freestyle and Butterfly swimmers in the state.
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