HASA swims first long-course meet

Hudson Area Swim Association (HASA) swimmers recently participated in their first long-course meet of the season at the Eau Claire Fairfax outdoor pool. Rachel Baker, 11, was named Swimmer of the Meet due to her outstanding performance. Baker had personal best times in all six of her events, shaving nearly 15 seconds off her previous best in the 200 individual medley, nine seconds in her 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle, three seconds in her 50 freestyle, and one second in her 50 butterfly. She also swam the 400 freestyle for the first time, with a time of 5 minutes 55.54 seconds.

Other participating HASA athletes were Ethan Alwin, Hannah Alwin, Matt Baker, Cale Blinkman, Maria Blinkman, Shane Blinkman, Karina Gilson, Cole Groehler, Even Groehler, Frances Holmstadt, Harvey Holmstadt, Grace Johnson, Kate Johnson, Violet Penman, John Cooper Ramthun, Alex Weaver, Jasmine White and Kira Young, all of Hudson. Brothers Jake and Kyle Miller of Menomonie, Katie Etzold of Lake Elmo, Minn., and Spencer Whyte of North St. Paul also competed.

Long-course refers to the pool size, which is Olympic size, 50 meters long. In the fall, winter and spring, USA Swimming meets are short-course, which is the size of the Hudson Middle School Pool, 25 yards in length.

HASA swimmers train at the Hudson Middle School Pool year round and compete at various meets throughout the Twin Cities. Registration for the fall/winter session will be open within the next few weeks. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.hudsonswimteam.org or on Facebook.

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