It was a best-ever finish for the Becker Swimming and Diving team at last week’s MSHSL State Swimming and Diving Championships.

“Overall, it was the best showing we’ve had at the state meet,” Coach Tina Tamm said.  “Five medal winners, two relays, and 12th place as a team - all things we haven’t done before.”

In the preliminary rounds, Maggie Graning performed great on her first eight dives to advance to the final round in fifth place.

In Saturday’s finals, Graning was again stellar in her final three dives and secured a spot on the podium with a fifth place finish in state.

In another Thursday prelim performance, the 200 medley relay team of Laila Cook, Izza Mork, Grace Mork, and Mia Suelter finished in 17th place, just missing the chance to swim in the consolation heat on Saturday by .60 seconds. 

Grace Mork also had a great prelim round in the 200 free, swimming another personal best time and bettering her Section record to earn a place in the finals.  

Grace also swam the prelims in the 500 free, earning a spot next to the top seed where she finished just one second behind to place second and earn a spot in the finals.

On Saturday, Grace faced off against the top swimmers in the state and performed admirably, earning an eighth place finish in the 200 free race.

Next, Grace was up for the finals in the 500 free, and Tamm had high praise for her performance.

“Grace left everything she had in the pool for that race,” Tamm said.  “She held her second place spot but she made the girl in first work for her medal.”

Another preliminary round performer was Izza Mork, who swam in the 200 IM and she achieved a notable commendation from her coach.

 “One of her goals has been to break the record for this event,” Tamm said.  “She has put a lot of effort into this and achieved that goal during the prelims on Friday by eclipsing Kelly Schwantz’s record from 1996.”

With the effort, Izza advanced to the finals on Saturday where she placed eighth in the 200 IM and received a podium appearance.

Izza also swam the prelims for the 100 breaststroke and fell just short of the school record by less than one second, earning herself a place in the finals where she went on to finish fifth.

“She got closer to the record but didn’t break it this time,” Tamm said.  “We have no doubt that she will do it next season.”

The last event of the weekend was the 400 free relay and Izza Mork, Laila Cook, Kandell Hagen, and Grace Mork finished in 15th place .

Overall, Tamm was elated with her team’s performance.

“It was a great end to a great season,” Tamm concluded.