Roster boasts 10 more participants than last season

Year 2 under Jill Herzig sees numbers on the rise and a change in the section that has swimmers and divers much more optimistic about postseason hopes.

Gone is Duluth East, who moved to Section 7AA, leaving behind numerous places up for grabs in the Section 7A tournament. The Greyhounds won the section last year and recorded 16 top five finishes in 12 events. They finished first in two of the three relays and added six first place, two second place, two third place, two fourth place and one fifth place finish in the nine individual events. Hibbing and Grand Rapids are still expected to be the toast of the section, but more opportunities are available for success.

“It’s looking a lot better,” junior captain Tamera Stouffer said Monday at practice.

The 2009 Broncos are also looking to be better after raising the roster size by 10 in the offseason. Junior Maggie West returns after a one-year hiatus and senior Grace Thorstad is back after running cross country last season. The four captains are senior Monica Hasbargen and juniors Paige Herzig, Sarah Manka and Stouffer.

“As second-year coaches, we look forward to improving upon the accomplishments we achieved last year,” coach Herzig said.

Sophomores Morgan Bruess and Rachel Adams and eighth-grader Keanna Carlson also return to give the Broncos some needed experience after each placed in the top 13 at last year’s section tournament. Carlson’s development in diving will be enhanced with Jesse Herges coming on board as an assistant coach.

The Broncos lost seniors Sara Lindberg, Erika Mitchell and Dorothy Johnson to graduation.

“Our varsity girls are looking strong and focused to lead our team this season,” coach Herzig said.

“The girls are challenging themselves to do more in practice and our returning JV girls are stepping up to vie for varsity positions.”

Herzig is also stepping up in her second year, and her swimmers and divers are taking notice.

“She’s probably the best coach we’ve ever had,” Hasbargen said. “She has us so in shape. I’m in the best shape of my life.”

The Broncos will have to be in the best shape of their lives to compete with Hibbing and Grand Rapids, but they’ll know that soon enough. The season opens today at home against Hibbing with the second meet Tuesday at home against Grand Rapids.

“I’m ready, bring it on,” Hasbargen said.

2009 Broncos Girls Swimming Schedule

Date Opponent Time

Sept. 3 HOME vs. Hibbing 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 8 HOME vs. Grand Rapids 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 10 at Eveleth-Gilbert 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 at Chisholm 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 HOME vs. Babbitt-Embarrass 5 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Hibbing Invitational 9 a.m.

Sept. 24 at Mesabi East 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Virginia 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Taconite Invitational (Mesabi East) 9 a.m.

Oct. 8 at Warroad 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 HOME vs. Roseau 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Babbitt-Embarrass 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Duluth East Invitational 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 29 HOME vs. Mesabi East 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Mesabi East 4 p.m.

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