Getting on the block and getting ready for the official to say, “take your mark”; the anxiety and the thrill of being on the block getting ready for the race that determines it all. The Utica Swim and Dive team knows this feeling all too well as they had to prepare from August through November for the biggest meet of the season. This year’s MAC White Division meet was from November 7th to the 9th. Diving preliminaries were on the first day with swimming preliminaries following on the 8th. Finals for both swimming and diving were on Saturday the 9th.
Going into this strenuous meet, the team’s record for the 2024-25 season was four wins and six losses. The girls have moved upwards in the ranks in recent years; jumping from MAC Blue to MAC White in 2023. Coming back from a tie for last place in the new league, the girls hoped for a better finish this year. The Utica Chieftains try to climb in front of other teams despite being ranked 4th prior to the meet.
“We prepare for divisions by constantly practicing, sprinting, and racing each day,” coach Joe Michol said. “I think the girls are going to do amazing on division day, we have worked so hard all year, and I have no doubt that they will present at the best of their ability.”
Preparing for divisions is the main point of the high school swim season. Putting the effort into every set and yard at practices and dual meets is done so these athletes can be ready for this one meet. The team was prepared to swim at divisions and continued to express enthusiasm both before and after the championship. The team motivated each other and that kept them swimming as strong as possible.
“I think about my teammates and how excited everyone will be at the meet,” junior Olivia Lobb said. “It is one of the best things that helps me to prepare for divisions.”
Utica High School placed 3rd overall at the division meet, placing above expectation. The team scored 219 points throughout the meet and towered over teams like Stevenson and Saint Clair. Point scorers for the team include Ella Sam, Alayna Collins, Mara Marian, Nataly Dempsey, Allison Rauchfleish, Olivia Lobb, Lillian Lee, Allison Vavruska, Paige Brinkey, Madeline Pittel, and Makayla Malmsten. Sophomore Ella Sam became a state qualifier in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:24.88 and attended the MHSAA Division 1 State Championship on November 22nd at the Holland Aquatic Center. Congratulations to the Chieftain Girls Swim and Dive team for ending the season on a high note!
(All photos courtesy of Utica swimmers’ parents and coaches)
