The Skyline Girls’ Swim and Dive Team defeated the Bedford Kicking Mules on Thursday, October 14th, 133-55. “I was pleasantly surprised with the team’s performance,” said Skyline Coach Maureen Murrett.
The Eagles won all events except the 400 freestyle relay. The meet was highlighted by a new pool and school record from Lily Cleason (‘23) in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 53.00 seconds. “Everyone in the Bird Bath was tuned in to the swim so there was a lot of cheering and support,” said Murrett.
The weekend prior, Cleason neared her personal best of 54.18 with a state-leading time of 54.22 at the Girls MISCA Meet. “Lily planned to wear a [technical racing] suit in order to pursue the pool record (55.10),” said Murrett. “I didn’t think about the school record (53.91) because she just went 54.1 [sic] at MISCA which was a breakthrough swim and I thought we would need more rest to go faster.”
“I didn’t expect a 53 just because l’ve only gone a 54 twice in my life,” said Cleason. “I was very surprised seeing the time and I didn’t believe it at first.”
Although Cleason’s name will go on Skyline’s record board, that will have to wait until after SEC Red Conference Championships and MHSAA State Championships in November, where she could lower her best time again. “I definitely am more excited for states now,” stated Cleason.
“My goal was to get Lily on the record board this year to join her brother and sister and I was very confident that would happen,” said Murrett. “I also told her that I wanted to go after the overall state record which would be a worthy challenge. Now that is a little more real.”
While Cleason’s swim made a big splash, there were several other impressive swims from Sofia Torres (‘25) and Allie Deininger (‘24).
Torres won the 200 Freestyle in 2:02.13. “She continues to improve and learn race strategy,” said Murrett. “After that race, I felt good about her freestyle and talked to her about going after the 100 Free state cut.”
Deininger won the 200 Individual Medley with a 2:21.90. “Allie Deininger swam a beautiful 200 IM and really got her on track for this season,” commented Murrett. “After that I changed the line-up so that she too could swim the 100 Freestyle because I thought she had a shot at a good swim.”
Torres and Deininger later finished 1st and 2nd in the 100 Freestyle with times of 55.40 and 55.68 respectively. “Both swimmers got the state cut in the 100 Freestyle,” said Murrett. “That was not even on my radar at the beginning of the meet.”
The team has home dual meets against Saline (October 20th) and Adrian (October 27th) followed by SEC Red Conference Championships (November 4-5th) and MHSAA Division 2 State Championship (November 18-19th).
