Chesterton girls swimmers take 13th consecutive sectional crown

CHESTERTON | A 13th consecutive girls swimming sectional crown was almost a given for host Chesterton, but senior Maddie Miller's performance at the event was greatly unexpected.

Miller broke individual meet marks in the 200-yard individual medley (2:08.25) and 100 back (57.66), and also helped the Trojans break the mark in the 400 free relay (3:31.76). The fourth win was in the 200 medley relay, and that foursome missed the meet record by two hundredths (1:47.59).

"I felt like she had a chance at the state cut in the 200 IM (2:09.82) and 100 back (58.81)," Chesterton coach Kevin Kinel said. "I didn't realize she would obliterate those times.

"She's a big-meet swimmer. She was in her element today."

Miller individual wins broke previous marks by Trojans alums Jenni Anderson (six state titles, Indiana Hall of Famer) and Talor Whitaker (six state titles).

"I've looked up to Jenni and Talor; to be able to chase their records is incredible," Miller said.

"The 200 IM came as a shock. Fifty-seven (seconds) in the 100 back has been my goal for the last year. When I saw I did it, I started to cry."

Chesterton defeated 554-365 to keep the streak alive. Miller's teammate Olivia Kabacinski broke the sectional mark in the 50 free (23.64). Julia Campbell won the 200 free (1:52.61) and 500 free (5:02.85) plus and she swam a leg on the victorious 200 free relay (1:38.51).

"From start to finish, I cannot say enough about them," Kinel said. "We have some confidence going into the state meet."

Another unexpected result took place in the 100 fly, where Valparaiso junior Kaitlyn Steffus edged out defending champion Carly Jackson of LaPorte.

"I was very shocked," said Steffus, who swam a personal-best 58.36. "I hit the wall, looked up and said, 'Oh my gosh.' It's just unbelievable."

Other expected things also took place. Portage senior Sierra King won her fourth consecutive title in the 100 breast (1:08). 

Valparaiso junior diver Khalela El-Naggar repeated her title, winning with 419.75 points. She and the other top-four finishers qualify for Tuesday's Mishawaka Regional.

"It wasn't good," said El-Naggar, who qualified for state last season. "I haven't had my peak performance yet this year.

"I'm not nervous. This gives me the confidence that I'm still finding a way to advance. I still feel like I could be ready for state."