The Minnewaska-Morris Gators are set to compete at the Section 8A Swimming and Diving Meet, Nov. 10-11, at Detroit Lakes.   The top place finishers advance to the State Meet, set for Nov. 16-18 at the U of M. 

The Gators, coached by head coach Sam Oellien, Kathy Walker (diving coach), Shannon Dougherty, Summer Rydell and Ruth Hovel, have had a great season so far, going 5-3 overall in dual meets and 3-2 in the conference.  During the WCC Tourney, the Gators placed third behind champion Melrose Area and runner-up Sauk Centre.

At least five athletes earned All-Conference during the meet, while another four earned honorable mention.  Melena Longtin won the 50 and 100 freestyle events, while the team of Lyla and Soffia Stadtherr, Becca Femrite and Longtin also earned All-Conference with a first in the 200 yard freestyle relay.

In addition, Clare Barnstuble placed first in the diving portion of the meet to earn All-Conference, while Femrite was third in the 200 freestyle and third in the 500 freestyle, Lyla Stadtherr was third in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, and the 400 freestyle relay team of Lyla and Soffia Stadtherr, Femrite and Longtin also earned honorable mention by placing third.

Those five athletes are the leaders for the Gators and should have the best chance at earning a berth at state.

Last year, McKenzie Luetmer highlighted the season by earning a berth at the state meet in the 50-yard freestyle race.  Luetmer, a senior, placed second at the Section 6A Meet to earn the state berth. During the 50-yard freestyle Class A state prelims, Luetmer raced to a time of 25.86, which fell short of qualifying for the finals.

In high school swimming events, there are 3 relays (200 medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle), as well as 8 individual events and a diving competition.