2013 SWC Conference Champs!!!

Guest Writer: Rich Vanslambrouck
Photo: Wendy Gauthier

Ranked in the top 10 in the state, the lady Trojans entered the Allegan Aquatic Center for the SWC league championship confident in their abilities, but knowing the outcome was still in doubt.  After all, this was a team who lost 8 all-state competitors.  This was a team that struggled with illness and injuries in the very heart of the season. This was a team with just two seniors for leadership. So, it only stood that this conference championship, if achieved, would be special.

Throughout the season the lady Trojans showed their determination in gutting out victories over very good Division 2 teams and going undefeated in the league for an 11^th straight season. But, Alma brought some great swimmers capable of top podium spots.  Allegan was strong with highly improved divers on the board. And Otsego was as skilled and determined as they have ever been.

So then, did these other teams sense weakness? If so, their senses betrayed them. The lady Trojans left weakness like road kill on M89. The moment they took the deck, it was nothing but a show of strength and depth.  Plainwell brought 2 or 3 contenders in almost every championship event.

Aaryn Jewell was the “Jewel of the Pool” with a qualifying state time for the 50 free in the first leg of the 200 free on Friday. Then Aaryn really took over Saturday with a first place in the 200 free and a third place in the 500 free, both at state qualifying times. Her anchor leg in the 400 free secured another state qualifying time rewarding the efforts of her team mates Laura Jones, Jessica Nyberg and Karalyn VanSlambrouck.

Plainwell flashed their depth in many races with Karlayn VanSlambrouck and Kari Havennaar finishing 5^th and 8^th respectively in the 200 free, behind Aaryn’s first. The 200 IM was similiar with Abby Ernst taking 2^nd, Veronica Klein 5^th and Karlee Gathier 8^th. Laura Jones just out touched her teammate Emma Seiler in the 50 free to a 5th and 6^th position. Kaitlin Oakes soaked up the top of the podium in 9^th spot in the 50 free.

Angel Liceaga took 8^th in the 500 with a very strong 6:11.73. Karalyn Vanslambrouck, after fighting through mono was an unlikely contender in this most grueling event. However, through perseverance, she placed 4^th on the podium to help the Trojan team.

Abby Ernst looked smooth as silk taking first in the 100 backstroke. Jessica Nyberg finished 5^th and freshman surprise Jacqueline (Jax) Brignall finished 7^th. Emma Varley, battling back from illness finished 12^th. Kylee Hillman made a very nice showing in the 100 breast with championship round places by Veronica Klein (3^rd ) and Karlee Gauthier (5^th).

And when it came time for the lady Trojans to flex their muscle on the diving boards, they did it with style. Solid as ever, Kim Jones scored a 508.80 to take first place. Emily Zimmer had some super dives and finished 4^th with 329.50 and Rachel Moore 6^th with 179.50. These two freshman continue to improve under the tutelage of Coach Lyne. They, with returning state champ, Kim Jones are poised to be awesome next year.

And after the computer tallied the numbers, and the inflections of Greg Cornell’s announcements quieted, the scores sunk in.  The Lady Trojans realized with much excitement that they were the champions. And this year, it was special. One will never fully know what hall of fame coach John Duboise thought of this teams possibilities in the face of graduations, illness and injuries, but I suspect he is very pleased with the results. Plainwell is returning 8 girls to the  state.  The team gained strength and did not weaken through the season. They persevered.

Good luck to the seniors and captains, Karalyn VanSlambrouck and Cara Loftus. May the lessons and habits of champions and leaders perfected in four years of Plainwell swimming under coach John Duboise be with you your whole life and in everything you do.

And finally, as the other teams vacated the pool, losing by nearly 100 points at best, were they thinking about the SWC tradition of recognizing the seniors when only these two Plainwell women stepped out in front?  So, what is to come in 2014 must make them nervous. Indeed, for the Plainwell Lady Trojans, the future is bright. And that must be why they wore shades.

Plainwell out lasts Allegan and finishes season with a WIN!

Plainwell finished the regular season by hosting conference rival Allegan last week. The Tigers came in looking strong in both swimming and diving but in the end were no match for our well prepared Lady Trojans. You could say it was mentor against mentee with Allegan’s coach just a few years removed from assistant coaching at Plainwell. Coach Dubois’ wisdom and experience along with our team’s depth and determination proved too much for Allegan.   

Plainwell swim and dive ended the season strong and if you are keeping track-undefeated in conference matchups. However, our Trojans still have some unfinished business as they prepare for conference finals scheduled for Saturday Nov 9^th at Allegan High School. Although Plainwell looks to be the favorite going into the weekend the outcome is far from determined. Strong competition along with the fact that coach has his eye not only on our 11^th straight championship but is also preparing several of our girls for state competition later in the month. Be sure to attend and cheer our Lady Trojans to #11! Prelims start at 3pm Friday, Finals are noon Saturday.

   Medley                                                               200 Free

  1)Gauthier,Jones,Seiler, Oakes         2)A.Ernstl 2:13.68

  2)Klein,Nyberg,Liceaga,K. Jones        3)K.Vanslambrouck 2:18.4

  4)Brignall,Breuer,Havenaar,Hillman    6)C Loftus 2:28.37 

  200 IM                                                                50 Free

 

  1)A Jewell 2:27.62                                            2)L. Jones 27.44

  3)V. Klein 2:32.64                                             5)K.Oakes 29.71

  4)K. Gauthier 2:40.80                                      6)E. Varley 30.24 

  Diving                                                                  100 Fly

  1)K. Jones 301.00                                             2)A. Liceaga 1:14.35

  4)E. Zimmer 184.40                                         4)J. Nyberg 1:15.59

  5)R. Moore 106.00                                           6)J.Brignall 1:20.51  

  100 Free                                                              500 Free

   2)E.Seiler 1:00.18                                             1)A. Ernst 5:52.37

   3)L. Jones 1:00.34                                             2)A. Jewell 5:52.00

   5)K. Vanslambrouck 1:03.80                           4)K. Oakes 6:25.26 

   200 Fr Relay                                                       100 Back

   2)Gauthier,L.Jones,Ernst,Jewell                    1)E. Seiler 1:06.80

   3)K.Jones,Liceaga,Vanslanbrouck,Klein       5)J. Nyberg 1:07.33

   5)Havenaar,Varley,Loftus,Hillmann             6)J. Brignall 1:15.95 

  100 Breast                                                400 Relay

   1)V.Klein 1:18.20                                 2) Nyberg,Seiler,Ernst,Jewell

   4)K.Gauthier 1:21.81                          3) Loftus,Liceaga,Oakes,Vanslambrouck

 5)H. Breuer 1:26.00                            5)Varley, Hillman,Havenaar,Brignall

Plainwell competes in Tri meet with Otsego and Alma

Plainwell went on the road to take on conference contenders Otsego and Alma.  The Lady Trojans were prepared to bring their best having just come off important wins earlier in the week.

Diving kicked off the meet in the morning with a strong showing by all 3 Plainwell divers; Kim Jones, Emily Zimmer and Rachel Moore. The girls got the team off to a great start and a solid points lead by placing in the top 3 spots overall.  Also noteworthy was the performance of our exchange student Helen Breuer. Coach had her swim one of her favorite events this week and she repaid him by putting up a personal best time in the 100 breaststroke (1:27.03). Another high point of the night had to be the state qualifying time for the 400 free relay team of Aaryn Jewell, Laura Jones, Jessica Nyberg and Emma Seiler with a time of 3:56.60.  The list of Plainwell STATE swimmers and events qualified is growing fast. Great Job Ladies!!! 

Medley                                                                  200 Free

1)Ernst,Gauthier,Liceaga,Nyberg                      1)A.Jewell 2:08.93
4)Oakes,Klein,Brignall,K. Jones                          3)K.Vanslambrouck 2:16.65
6)Vanderhoff,Sighn,Varley,Brignall                   9)K.Havenaar 2:31.90

200 IM                                                                   50 Free

3)V.Klein 2:34.40                                                 3)L. Jones 27.29
4)A. Ernst 2:34.64                                                4)E.Seiler 27.68
6)K. Gauthier 2:41.24                                         6)K. Oakes 29.55

 Diving                                                                     100 Fly

1)K. Jones 267.05                                                4) J. Nyberg 1:16.17
2)E. Zimmer 163.80                                             5)A. Liceaga 1:16.42
4)R. Moore 94.70                                                6)J.Brignall 1:22.11*

  100 Free                                                                  500 Free

  4)L. Jones 1:01.31                                                2)A. Jewell 5:48.37
  5)E. Seiler 1:01.51                                                4)K. Oakes 6:17.37
  7)K. Vanslambrouck 1:03.74                              7)A. Liceaga 6:22.69

  200 Fr Relay                                                           100 Back

  1)Gauthier,L.Jones,Seiler,Jewell                        1)A. Ernst 1:03.18
  3)K.Jones,Oakes,Vanslanbrouck,Kleing             5)J. Nyberg 1:13.60
  6)Havenaar,Brignall,Breuer,Burkey                   6)J. Brignall 1:19.28*

  100 Breast                                    400 Relay

  1)V.Klein 1:20.78                         1)Nyberg,Seiler,Jones,Jewell
  2)K.Gauthier 1:20.92                   4)Havenaar,Liceaga,Ernst,Vanslambrouck
  6)K. Hillman 1:33.98*                                             

 

                                                * personal best

 

 

 

Busy week for Plainwell as they top
Otsego and St Joe.

Plainwell began the week with a convincing win over crosstown rival Otsego. The talented Bulldogs had no answer for the depth of Plainwell as the Lady Trojans won the meet 114 to 71 Tuesday night. Thursday’s meet against St Joe would not be decided until the last event of the night with Plainwell getting the win in the nail biter 95 to 91. Both victories included some very good performances from all of our girls. Some diving highlights throughout the week included Kim Jones taking 1^st, Emily Zimmer 2^nd and Rachel Moore 4^th.  In swimming Abby Ernst continued her winning ways dominating the 100 back stroke, Emma Seiler won the 100 free, Veronica Klein the 100 breast and Aaryn Jewell would sweep the distance events.  Against Otsego: Abby, Veronica and Karlee would go 2,3,4 in the IM while Emma, Laura and Kaitlin would finish 2,3,5 in the 50 free.  Jessica, Angel and Jacqueline took 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th in the 100 fly. Laura and Karalyn went 2,4 in the 100 free and Angel and Kaitlin finished 3,4 in the 500 free. Jessica placed 3^rd in the 100 back and Karlee and Jacqueline finished 2,5 in the 100 breast.

                                                                          Relays

Emma Varley got her opportunity early in the night helping the team of Ristau, Breuer, Brignall and Varley taking 3^rd place in the 200 Medley Relay. Shaking things up a little coach Dubois would add diver (yes I said diver) Kim Jones to the 200 free relay team of Breuer, K. Jones, Havenaar and Loftus. They would go on to finish 4th in the event. For those who did not know Kim swims and Kim swims well. Expect to see more of her in a swim cap and goggles. Great Team Work!

 

 

 

 

 

Plainwell comes up short to visiting division 2 BC Lakeview

It was sure to be a tough night for Plainwell entering Thursdays meet down on numbers with several girls out for the night. To be competitive against such a strong program like Lakeview, Plainwell would need to be running on all cylinders with every one healthy and in attendance.  It was not to be this evening but not all was lost on the scoreboard alone.  Plainwell competed and competed well. The diving was fantastic. The swims were full of heart and the team represented with class. Great Job Girls!  Now just get healthy!

Highlights for the night were the outstanding diving of Kim Jones taking 1^st and Emily Zimmer 3^rd. Newcomer to the state qualifying line up for the medley relay was Jessica Nyberg as the team of Ernst, Seiler, Jones and Nyberg swam a 2:01.32 to qualify for state. Aaryn Jewell had a great swim in her 200 free qualifying for state with a time of 2:04.70. Later in the night she would take 1^st in the 500 free event. Emma Seiler and Laura Jones had strong showings in the 50 free taking 2^nd and 4^th respectively. Abby Ernst outclassed the field taking 1^st in the 100 back and Veronica Klein swam one of her best 100 breast swims of the year swimming a 1:18.70 for a 2^nd place finish. Karlee Gauthier also swam strong leading off the 200 free relay to a 2^nd place finish. After being out of the water for more than two weeks and down on strength due to illness Karalyn Vanslambrouck helped our 400 free relay to a 3^rd place finish. Gutsy swim Karalyn!

 Other strong showings for Plainwell were the 200 Medley Relay 4^th place finish of Ristau, Gauthier, Brignall and Havenaar. Cara Loftus swam for 5^th in her 500 free while Kylee Hillmann finished 6^th in the 100 Breast. 

 200 Med Relay State Qualifying Team at Holland       Gauthier, Jewell, Jones and Ernst

 

Plainwell gets the win over South Haven 142 to 43

Plainwell traveled west last week to take on the South Haven Rams to open up their conference meet schedule. With South Haven in rebuild mode this year and down on swimmers the outcome was never in question with Plainwell prevailing. Meets like this can be a great learning experience and beneficial to the team.  It is a chance to give our girls the opportunity to swim events they would not normally swim.  I would surmise that Coach Dubois expected our swimmers to step up and surprise him with great swims. In my opinion they did not disappoint for when the meet came to a close we had several notable first place finishes from: Kaitlin Oakes(200free, 500Free), Emma Seiler(200IM,100Breast), Cameron Vanderhoff(50free), Veronica Klein(100fly), Angel Liceaga(100free) and Karlee Gauthier(100back). GREAT JOB LADIES!

Be sure to come out and support the team as they take on Division 2 rival BC Lakeview Thursday the 10^th at Plainwell.

   Plainwell vs South Haven Results:

200 Medley                                                                        200 Free
1^st Klein,Gauthier,Liceaga,Ernst                                 1^st K. Oakes 2:26
2^nd Breuer, Seiler,Nyberg,Jewell                               2^nd C. Loftus 2:23.17
4^th Vanderhoff,Hillmann,Brignall,Ristau                  3^rd K. Havenaar 2:35.46

200 IM                                                                                  50 Free

1^st E. Seiler 2:34.52                                                           1^st C. Vanderhoff 31.46

2^nd J. Nyberg 2:42.08                                                       2^nd J. Brignall 31.87
5^th Kylee Hillmann 3:01.59                                             4^th H. Breuer 33.69

Diving                                                                                   100 Fly

1^st K.Jones 259.40                                                             1^st V. Klein 1:10.30
2^nd E.Zimmer 147.90                                                        3^rd J. Nyberg 1:18.44
4^th R. Moore 89.70                                                           4^th K. Gauthier 1:22.63

100 Free                                                                               500 Free              

1^st A. Liceaga 1:06.13                                                       1^st K. Oakes 6:26.10

 2^nd K. Ristau 1:08.40                                                        3^rd C. Loftus 6:48.18
3^rd C. Vanderhoff 1:10.78                                                4^th K. Havenaar 6:53.07

 200 Free Relay                                                                  100 Back

1^st Nyberg,Vanderhoff,Oakes,Liceaga                          1^st K. Gauthier 1:18.36

3^rd Brignall,Hillmann,Havenaar,Loftus                         2^nd K.Ristau
                                                                                            3^rd H. Breuer
100 Breast                                                                           400 Free Relay

1^st E. Seiler 1:17.40                                                           1^st Oakes,Loftus,Ristau,Klein

2^nd A. Jewell 1:22.39                                                        2^nd Breuer,Havenaar,Brignall,Hillmann
4^th A. Ernst 1:25.72

This blog, originally started in 2009 by a dedicated swim parent is back after being on hiatus for the 2012 season. We are excited and will do our best to report some of the latest news for the Plainwell swim & dive program.

We have just approached the mid-way point to the season and all the girls have done fabulous. They all have come a long way since mid-August two a day workouts. Plainwell will travel to South Haven this week to start off conference play and are looking forward to a strong showing. Coach is sure to mix things up some this week having girls swim events outside their comfort zone. This week is also the much anticipated road rally (another long standing tradition) that the girls and parents look forward to every year. Sure to be a good time for all…   

After 4 dual meets and 2 invitational meets the score card shows Plainwell with an outstanding dual meet record of 4-0 while finishing 5th and 8^th place at the two invitational meets. The Holland invitational over the weekend was a mid-season tune up attended by many of the best D3 teams in the state. Although this meet can be intimidating for some of our younger swimmers it is great experience for all. It certainly gives us a taste of the level of competition we will see at state this year. All the girls rose to the occasion and represented Plainwell well. Everyone should be proud.

Season Highlights

Plainwell v. Kalamazoo Central                     W  

Plainwell v.Wayland                                        W           115-69

Plainwell v. Mattawan                                    W             95-91

Plainwell v. Marshall                                       W            110.5-74.5

 

The meet of the season to date has to be the Plainwell vs Mattawan nail biter. On 9/12 Plainwell traveled to Division 2 Mattawan to take on the vastly improved Mattawan Wildcats. At over 30 swimmers strong this was sure to be a battle to the end. A coaching chess match for sure and when the water calmed, in the end Plainwell would prevail. It took every swimmer, every diver, every event and every point to secure the win. Only after the last relay touched the wall would we know the winner…True team effort. Great job women!

Plainwell Finishes vs Mattawan                                                 

Medley                                                                 200 Free

2)Seiler, Gauthier,Liceaga,Jones                1) A. Jewell 2:07.07          

3)Nyberg,Klein,Oakes,Ristau                      4) K. Vanslambrouck 2:17.20

6)Vanderhoff,Sighn,Varley,Brignall          6)K.Havenaar 3:33.96                                    

 

200 IM                                                                  50 Free

2)A.Ernst 2:30.57                                              4)L.Jones 27.11

3)V.Klein 2:33.39                                              5)K.Oakes 29.81

4)K.Gauthier 2:35.40                                       6)K.Ristau 30.95

 

Diving                                                                   100Fly

1)K.Jones 225.45                                              2)A.Ernst 1:10.39

2)E.Zimmer 141.50                                           3)L.Jones 1:11.94

5)R.Moore 90.40                                              4)A.Liceaga 1:12.96

100 Free                                                               500Free

4)E.Seiler 1:00.97                                              1)A.Jewell 5:46.99

5)J.Nyberg 1:01.99                                           4)K.Vanslambrouck 6:12.88

6)A.Sighn 1:09.33                                             5)A.Liceaga 6:19.42

 

200 Fr Relay                                                        100Back

1)Gauthier,Jones,Ernst,Jewell                   1)E.Seiler1:06.06

3)Varley,Ristau,Oakes,Vanslanbrouck    2)J.Nyberg 1:08.24

6)Havenaar,Brignall,Breuer,Burkey          5)C.Vanderhoff 1:20.05

 

100 Breast                                                 400 Relay

1)V.Klein 1:17.90                              2) Ernst,Nyberg,Seiler,Jewell

2)K.Gauthier 1:19.62                       4) Ristau,Liceaga,Oakes,Vanslambrouck

4)A.Singh 1:25.60                            6) Varley,Hillman,Havenaar,Breuer

 

 

Plainwell Finishes vs Marshall                               

Medley                                                                200 Free

2)Seiler, Gauthier,Varley,Jones                 1)K.Vanslambrouck 2:18.48

3)Nyberg,Singh,Oakes,Jewell                     2)V. Klein 2:20.24

5)Vanderhoff,Hillman,Brignall,Ristau      4)C. Loftus 2:28.61

 

200IM                                                                   50 Free

1)A.Ernst 2:31.79                                              1)A. Jewell 26.49

3)K.Gauthier 2:38.28                                       2)L. Jones 27.29

4)A. Singh 2:49.66                                            4)K. Oakes 29.83

 

Diving                                                                   100 Fly 

1)K.Jones 256.55                                              1)A.Jewell 1:07.11

2)E.Zimmer 150.85                                           2)L.Jones 1:11.83

5)R.Moore 98.70

 

100 Free                                                               500 Free

1)E.Seiler 1:00.16                                          1)A.Ernst 5:56.55

3)J.Nyberg 1:03.91                                        2)K.Vanslambrouck 6:08.79

4)K Oakes 1:05.45                                         5)C. Loftus 6:38.75

 

200 Fr Relay                                                        100 Back

1)Varley,Vanslambrouck,Ernst,Jewell     1)J Nyberg 1:07.68

2)Gauthier,Ristau,Oakes,Jones                 3)V. Klein 1:16.28

5)Havenaar,Singh,Breuer,Loftus              5)C.Vanderhoff 1:19.04

 

100 Breast                                                400 Relay

3)A.Singh 1:25.17                        3) Breuer,Klein,Brignall,Vanderhoff

5)K. Hillman 1:34.60

6)E. Varley 1:35.56