Senior Ava Sealander brought home George Steven Academy’s first statle title in swimming February 19. Above, she swims in a January 26 meet in Ellsworth. By Franklin Brown
Blue Hill—George Stevens Academy senior Ava Sealander closed out her high school swimming career with a Class B State Championship victory in the 200 Individual Medley at the finals at Bowdoin College on February 19.
Sealander’s time of 2:09.85 earned her the first state title in swimming in GSA history.
She came close to a second state championship win during the meet, coming in second in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 56.50.
“Winning a state championship has always been a goal for me,” said Sealander.
Sealander said she has been training hard this season, swimming during practices with the team every day after school as well as doing solo swims “at least” three times a week.
Sealander’s times in both races were personal and school records, according to GSA swim coach Don Driscoll.
“It’s been a huge time commitment, but it’s worth it,” said Sealander.
“[Sealander] and GSA had an amazing day,” Driscoll said about the final meet of the season.
Freshman Henry Scheff was the only swimmer competing in the boys’ state championship on February 20. Scheff finished in 21st place in the 200 yard freestyle, and 30th in the 100 yard freestyle.