Over spring break, the State High Swim Team exhibited an incredible performance at the PIAA State Championships at Bucknell University. There were many medalists, including freshman Evan Koehle; sophomores Luke Flickinger, Anne Horgas and Gabby Siekman; juniors Leo Garlicki, Emmi Gratz and Molly Workman; and seniors Sam Huggins and Madison Watschke.
Watschke is a senior at State High and broke a school record for the 100-meter breaststroke at States, with a time of 1:02.54. School records were also broken by Workman, who also set a state record for the 100m freestyle, Huggins, and the relay team of Huggins, Flickinger, Koehle and Garlicki.
“This record has been something that I’ve been wanting for a really long time, so to finally get it and then break it again at states was just like, a surreal feeling and it really made me realize how much the hard work was worth it and the patience and, you know, growing and learning and it made it all worth it in the end,” Watschke said.
“[Watschke is] someone you can count on, and especially this year, it didn’t matter what event it was, or what relay it was, she was ready to go and she was ready to give an amazing effort. So, super proud of that,” State High Swimming Head Coach Aaron Workman said.
Among her accolades, Watschke had a total of two individual silver medals, in the 200m IM (Individual Medley) and in the 100m Breaststroke.
“It really means a lot, especially [because] last year for me was a little bit rough. I had broken my hand, so it was a rough injury. But to come back this year and to [get to] the place where I did, it really means a lot to me, especially it being my last season,” Watschke said.
Watschke recently committed to continue her swimming career at Miami University of Ohio. She will major in business.
“I’m really excited. It’ll be nice to kind of get out of Pennsylvania and just like, be away from home for a little bit. And yeah, I have family nearby, too. So I feel better moving, that I’m moving away. But honestly, I’m just excited for this new chapter to be with new coaches, new people and just to have the college experience,” Watschke said.
Watschke’s first experience on a swim team was when she was six years old, joining SPRA (Science Park Recreation Association), which is a summer swim team. Along with the school team, Watschke currently swims for the NLAC (Nittany Lion Aquatic Club).
Her teams are very important to her.
“I mean besides, like the people and everything, I love our team traditions. And I love how when we go to meets, no matter how big or small, we’re always just standing up cheering for each other and there’s never a dull moment, and we’re always very high energy,” Watschke said.
Watschke also expressed the support the swim team provides. “[My teammates] are there to get you through your hard days and are there to celebrate you when you’re having your good days,” she said.
Over the years, the State High Swim Team has built a strong legacy, and they are hoping that persists in the future.
“I want to continue the success that we’ve had, and we’ve had a four or five year run here of being top five, top four, top three, so our goal obviously is to win a state championship. So, putting the pieces together and, and figuring out a way for them to achieve that. We have some great kids. Some new, there will be some freshmen, some eighth graders that are coming in, [they will] develop and help us out. So that’s exciting,” Aaron Workman said..
Workman described his swim team this year as energetic, determined and disciplined.
Coming off of gold medals from Huggins and Workman, the swim team will look to continue their success in future years. They will be boosted by their incredible mentality and successes this season.
