The 2005 Girl's State Swim Meet was one for the record books, literally! As another state meet goes into the books, every swimming fan at the Marshalltown Community YMCA had something to cheer about.The IHSSCA welcomed two new members to the Hall of Fame. Nicole (Widmyer) Perkins of Dubuque Wahlert was remembered for her outstanding career. Coach Gary Winkler was also inducted for 25 years of service as a coach in Fort Dodge. Gary's teams achieved many successes under his leadership, and Coach Winkler has been an outstanding ambassador of swimming in the state of Iowa.The meet produced nine automatic All-American times (up from two a year ago), and six All-American consideration times. Fans also saw two state records fall as Alexa Meheson swam the 50 yard freestyle in a blazing 23.69. West Des Moines Valley's 400 yard freestyle relay team of Alexa Meheson, Lisa Nathanson, McKensie Carr, and Ella Doerge set the new state standard in a time of 3:32.69. Iowa City West's Ashley Lawler completed an outstanding high school career in being a double winner in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle events. Alexa Meheson was the other double winner of the day adding the 100 yard freestyle title after her record setting swim in the 50 yard freestyle.
West Des Moines Valley captured the team title with 287.5 points. This is the first state title for the Valley Tigers since 1975. It also marked the first team other than Cedar Falls or Bettendorf to win the team title since 1989. Cedar Falls was second with 270.5 points. This year's runner-up showing marked the 13th time in the last 15 years the Cedar Falls Tigers have finished in the top two in the state meet. Ankeny remained in the top three in state standings, placing third with 165 team points. Congratulations go to coach Josh Mathis of West Des Moines Valley and his staff on being selected the Coaching Staff of the Year. With her performance, sophomore Alexa Meheson was selected the State Athlete of the Year.The competition was outstanding, the times were fast, and the atmosphere was exciting. This year's state meet was one of the most exciting in recent years. With the many high placing under classmen, next year's meet promises to be another to look forward to.
Mike Loupee
President, IHSSCA