Anna Demonte and the Huron swimming and diving team aim to push local rivals
Anna DeMonte (left) reacts to setting a state record in the 200 individual medley at the 2009 Division 1 state finals. (Booth News Services file photo)
At the forefront of the River Rats’ swimmers is junior Anna DeMonte, who by now is used to being at the front of the pack. Not just on her team, but in the state. And even the nation.
DeMonte is the reigning AnnArbor.com Swimmer of the Year, the state coaches association’s Division 1 Swimmer of the Year, and a member of last year’s Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Dream Team.
All of that with one simple objective: “My focus is just to swim fast,” she said.
DeMonte swam faster than everyone in the 100-meter butterfly and 200 individual medley at last year’s state finals. Her 200 IM time of 2 minutes, 00.72 seconds set a D1 state finals record, eclipsing the old mark by nearly three seconds.
The junior, who trains with Ann Arbor’s Club Wolverine during the offseason, is seeking to cut that time - and the rest of her times - down even more in 2010.
And she leans on her coach, Jenni Wilkening, who enters her 10th year, for guidance.
“Coach Jenni really motivates our team,” said DeMonte. “Every time I go into the pool she gives me the mindset that there’s always room to improve.”
DeMonte, a four-time individual All-American, also holds Huron school records in the 100 fly, 200 IM and as a leg of the medley relay.
“I’m surprised every time I swim with how much (time) I’ve been able to drop,” DeMonte continued. “You don’t think you can drop that much, but it just keeps happening. (Wilkening) gives you a lot of confidence.”
That’s exactly what Huron needs to contend with Southeastern Conference Red Division rivals Saline and Pioneer, who placed first and second in the SEC Red, and first and fourth at states, respectively.
DeMonte and the River Rats, with the entire squad returning and promising additions in place, will likely be larger in the Hornets’ and Pioneers’ rearview mirrors this year.
“Sometimes we don’t have the depth like them,” admitted DeMonte. “We should be really strong this year. I think we can swim with them.”
Kaleb Roedel is a sportswriter for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2562 and e-mailed at kalebroedel@annarbor.com.