On May 16, Derby swimmers teamed up one last time for the season, but the main question still remained: could they win the AVCTL I title for the eighth time?

The answer is yes. The girls swim team won their eighth title with a total points of 553.5. Hutchinson placed second with 296.5 points.

“It’s nice having people around to support you, root for you and are just on your side. They’re always cheering me on and holding me accountable. My teammates push me to be better.“ freshman Rylee McFarren said.

Although this season is different due to having a new head coach — Sam Pinkerton took over for longtime coach Jimmy Adams – the Panthers still thrived.

At the AVCTL I meet in Salina, 29 out of 38 swims were personal bests.

Senior Michaela Blankenship, sophomore Hope Friedel, juniors Ridlee Parkhurst and Sophia Rogers all qualified for individual events at state – and all of the teams relays qualified, as well.

“I have put in a lot of effort this season. I doubled up on practices and just go all out every day,” Friedel said.

While swimming is more of an individual sport, it’s an individual-team sport. Everyone has to do good for the team to do good. The higher you place, the more points you get for your team. The team with the most points wins.

“I think being one of the team captains motivates me more to help motivate my teammates. I want to see them do good and be happy,” junior Abby Welk said.

The girls team has won the league title eight times in a row, but now they need to focus on state.

“I’m excited for state because it’s the best meet in the season. Getting to swim against girls from all over the state who are extremely fast is a lot of fun,” Parkhurst said. “I know we won’t win state, but that doesn’t mean we won’t do the best we can.”

State swim is Thursday-Saturday this week.