Lady Wildcats’ season ends in All America fashion in Indy

Peyton O’Daniel gets a jump out of the blocks. Photo by Garry Beeson

Special to the News

The Mount Vernon Wildcat Girls Swimming and Diving season came to an end in the Indiana High School Athletic Association State Swim Finals on Saturday as Peyton McDaniel finished third in the 50 freestyle and ninth in the 100 butterfly. In doing so, she broke two of her own school records.

The 50 freestyle swim time was an automatic All American swim and placed her in the top 100 nationally.

“Cracking the 23 mark in the 50 is a huge milestone in a swim career,” Mount Vernon High School Swim Coach Erin Jankowski said. “Her 100 butterfly result is a consideration time and likely to place her as an All American in that event as well.”

McDaniel and her coach agreed that having the Mount Vernon High School’s two relay teammates by her side at the state championships was a huge encouragement. The girls have had a fabulous season.

“Congratulations on all that you achieved, ladies,” Jankowski concluded

The Wildcats wrapped up the State prelims with solid swims, advancing Peyton McDaniel on to the finals in both her individual events. The medley relay team of Victoria Poling, Peyton McDaniel, Isabella Benthall and Ella Wells finished in 27th place, and the 200 freestyle relay team of Peyton McDaniel, Isabella Benthall, Ella Wells, and Madison Cooper finished in 19th place.

Freshman Madison Cooper and sophomore Isabella Benthall set personal best times, showing up and showing out at their first State meet.

“This was one of the Wildcats’ best showings at the State meet, with five events represented,” Jankowski said proudly. “This is a well-deserved finale to a team that has stuck together and supported one another all season.”