Great Bend’s streak of 17 consecutive Western Athletic Conference girls swimming titles is intact because of the canceled season by the Kansas State High School Activities Association due to the coronavirus.
“That was one of the hardest days of our lives when our school buildings were closed, meaning our swim season sadly ended,” said Great Bend coach KariCarper. “Coach Katy Jerke and I were excited for the season and the potential our group of girls had. We wish we had words of wisdom to make this easier, but we don’t.”
Great Bend’s Western Athletic Conference champions were Aubrey Snapp, 100 free, 200 free; Olivia Mull, 100 breaststroke; Ruth Williams, 100 butterfly, and the 200 free relay, 200 medley relay and 400 free relay.
The Panthers’ Mull (100 breaststroke, relays) was the lone senior who was a returning two-time state qualifier. Mull placed 13th (1:14.31) and 22nd (1:17.6) in the 5A 100 backstroke.
“Olivia Mull is our senior and our hearts are breaking for Olivia,” wrote Great Bend coach Kari Carper. “Keep your head up and shine like the beautiful person you are. You will do great things. Not only are you missing your final year in the pool, by she missed many other milestones every senior looks forward to.”
Two-time individual state qualifier Aubrey Snapp placed 19th (26.46, 50 free) and 24th (26.99, 50 free) and finished 15th (57.77, 100 free) and 15th (58.83, 100 free) the past two years. Williams earned a 16th-place finish (1:07.37) in the 100 butterfly.
Returnees from the 11th-place 200 medley relay (2:02.12) were Mull, Williams and Brynn Boxberger. Veterans from the 14th-place 200 relay (1:49.01) were Aubrey Snapp, Williams, Boxberger and Zoe Jerke. The 18th-place 400 relay (4:07.14) featured Aubrey Snapp, Jerke and Williams.
Carper believed the Panthers would’ve been on target to capture their record 18th consecutive WAC swimming championship.
“Our season was going to be great if we keep working as hard as we did that first week,” Carper said.
