Raiders return to state after 9 years

WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg competed in one event at last Saturday’s girls’ state swimming meet in Marshalltown, and while the team didn’t perform as well as it had hoped, heads should be held high for being the school’s first state participants since 2014.

Junior Selah Smith and seniors Olivia Kelting, Caitlyn Clark and Lauras Carrico posted a time of 1:46.95 in the 200-yard freestyle relay to place 32nd. T

hey came into the meet seeded 31st after setting a new school record at regionals in 1:45.32.

“What a great experience this trip to state was for the team,” said Williamsburg Coach Mindy Wuebker. “In a sport where there are no class divisions, it is an uphill battle for smaller schools to get to state and compete with the big power house schools. It was a huge feat to say we qualified.”

Wuebker said it took a team effort to get those four girls to state.

“It takes a whole team to practice, motivate, push, compete, encourage and uphold each other through a long and tough season,” Wuebker said. “I am so proud of each member of this team for the effort and results that were seen this season.”

Williamsburg has 10 seniors graduating this year, and their coach says they will be missed, not only as a strong group in the water but, more importantly, for their leadership.

“They have been great mentors for the younger members of our team and have left a lasting impact on them,” Wuebker said.

Wuebker hopes to keep the momentum of this successful season going.

“I hope to see the team put in the time and effort in the off-season to have another successful year in 2024,” Wuebker said.

“As a team, we are so thankful for our community and the outpouring of support they have shown us this year. They have rallied around us, cheered us on and pushed us to do our best. Thank you for that.”