CHESTERTON | Even though Chesterton won its 14th consecutive girls swimming sectional Saturday, the team still found plenty of ways to surprise coach Kevin Kinel.
The state No. 4 Trojans set five sectional, three pool and two school records en route to the title.
"We exceeded our expectations," said Kinel, who was named the Sectional Coach of the Year. "That might have been the best sectional we've ever had."
Chesterton broke marks in the first three events: the 200 medley relay, 200 free and 200 individual medley.
Senior Kate Curley fueled the early charge by breaking the school, pool and sectional marks in the IM (2:05.71). Curley also swam a leg on the sectional-record breaking medley relay (1:4744.). Later on, she won the 100 back (57.95) and swam a leg on the winning 400 free relay (3:32.01).
"I'm so in shock," said Curley, who shaved over three seconds off her prelim time in the IM. "I had some goals, but that was not definitely in the plans."
Classmate Julia Campbell set a sectional record in the 200 free (1:51.66) and broke pool and sectional marks in the 500 free (4:58.37).
"It was kind of emotional," said Campbell of her last performance at the school's pool. "I love this pool. My mom cried when I left for the meet."
Campbell was also caught off guard with her times.
"I felt a lot slower than my 4:58," said Campbell, who also swam legs on the winning 200 and 400 free relay teams. "I felt fast (in the 200), but not that fast."
Freshman Vanessa Krause broke her sectional and school marks in the 100 fly (55.77) and also won the 50 free (23.72). Sophomore Brittany Borzych won the 100 breast (1:08.54); junior Madisyn Coudriet the 100 free (53.39) and freshman Kelly Craig broke the state cut with her seconds in both the 200 free (1:52.95) and 500 free (5:04.42) -- knocking 12-plus seconds off her prelim time in the latter race.
"Up and down, we swam really great," Kinel said. "They really came to play. I could see it when they walked in."
Valparaiso senior Khalela El-Naggar led a 1-2-3 Vikings sweep in diving, picking up her third consecutive crown in the process.
"This season has been rough for me," said El-Naggar, who won with 431.75 points. "If I wouldn't have done as well (Saturday), I don't think I would feel as good about (Tuesday's South Bend Riley Regional). I thought I had a pretty decent meet."
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