Armstrong H.S. Swimmers to Compete in State Meet

This weekend, countless hard practices, unwavering dedication and the perfect taper will pay off when girls compete in the Minnesota State High School League Girls Swimming and Diving State Tournament.

Beginning Friday, swimmers from Robbinsdale Armstrong High School will take to the water with the best high school swimmers in the state.

Last year, Armstrong High School finished 8th at the girls state meet and Hopkins High School came in 20th.

"I’m hoping we can be in the top 10 again," Armstrong Head Coach Julie Kent said. "Our hope is for us to come back and qualify in finals in all of our individual events."

This year, both teams will compete in relay events. Hopkins will compete in the 200 freestyle relay with the addition of Andrea Sanabria and Kate Seager. Rachael Peterson will help Armstrong in the 200 and 400 yard freestyle.

Individually, here's who you can root for:

For Armstrong:

• Courtney Evensen, 10th grade: Entered in the 200 yard freestyle with a time of 1:51.10 and the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 4:58.17. Evensen placed third in both events last year.
• Emma Ruehle, 9th grade: Entered in the 200 yard freestyle with a time of  1:56.66 and the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:11.76.
• Brooke Evensen, 12th grade: Entered in the 100 yard freestyle with a time of  52.35 and the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 58.74.

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Want to cheer on the athletes? Class 2AA swimming prelims start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16. Finals start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. The event is at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center and tickets are $8.