Aquatics send 8 to divisional meet

Milan Aquatics sent eight of its top swimmers to Indianapolis this past weekend to compete against some of the best around as part of the Southeast Indiana ISI Divisional Meet at Center Grove High School.

Swimmers from local summer swim clubs such as Milan, East Central and Madison faced off against each other as well as individuals from Indianapolis-area schools such as host Center Grove, Avon, Brownsburg, Franklin and Greenfield.

Those participating in the meet qualified after achieving predetermined time cuts in various USA Swimming sponsored events throughout the course of the past few months. While several bigger clubs were in the pool, Milan found itself as a top competitor in multiple events and used multiple individuals to do so.

South Ripley senior Elizabeth McKittrick led that charge. McKittrick qualified in eight different events during the weekend and posted a third place finish in the Girls 18U 100 freestyle in a time of 57.23 seconds. She added to her accolades with a fourth place spot in the 50 freestyle and an eight place spot as part of the 100 backstroke. Ross Lieland, a student at St. Louis Schools in Batesville, was the top male for Milan. He competed in six events with a top finish of 12th in the Boys 12U 50 freestyle sprint while also placing 14th in the 200 freestyle and 15th in the 50 butterfly.

Another South Ripley student in Ashlyn DeWire swam 15th in the Girls 14U 50 freestyle and 26th in the 100 freestyle. Milan eighth grader Taylor Stock was 22nd in the Girls 14U 200 individual medley and another Lady Indian in freshman Lainey Stock finished 23rd in both the Girls 14U breaststroke and 100 backstroke.

One relay event resulted in a big finish for the Aquatics in attendance. Taylor Stock, Alice Austin, Ashlyn DeWire and Lainey Stock teamed up for an 11th place finish in the Girls 14U 200 freestyle relay.

Others competing for Milan over the weekend at the divisional meet were Brody Stock and Molly DeWire.

Swimming now takes a rather lengthy break and will resume in the winter when the Aquatics will feature youth and the middle school and high school swimmers take part in the official school season for swimming. The program is on the lookout to add more individuals during the break.

Those from any school district interested in competing with the Milan Aquatics can reach out to milanaquatics@gmail.com.