INDIANAPOLIS – Bedford North Lawrence sophomore Emma Gabhart finished 14th in the 200-yard individual medley during the IHSAA state finals on Saturday afternoon at IUPUI.
Gabhart, seeded 14th in a school-record 2:07.66 after the prelim races on Friday, posted a time of 2:08.35 in the state consolation race. The top eight from the prelims qualified for the final, while places 9-16 competed in the consolation.
“I’m really excited about it,” Gabhart said. “I wasn’t expecting to place in the top 16, really, so to finish 14th was very exciting. I’m just looking forward to next year, and hopefully we’ll have a chance to practice this summer so I can get a head start and maybe place in the top 8 next season.”
Courtesy photo
“I’m hoping our younger swimmers see the opportunity they have and how realistic it is for our program to have a consistent presence at the state level and advancing to the finals,” BNL coach Adam Young said. “This is just the first step.
“Emma puts in the hard work and has the drive. That can be contagious. She is a great role model for younger swimmers. I’m really proud of her and we have much to accomplish over the next couple of years.”
Zionsville’s Devon Kitchel was the state champion in the event in 1:57.69.
Gabhart was the first BNL swimmer to reach the finals or consolation since Justine Jones finished 14th in the 100 freestyle in 2009.
