Last splash for state swimmers Ward, Stenberg

For Flathead senior Johanna Ward, this is the end.

But for Glacier senior Jessica Stenberg, the straight A student hopes this will lead to something bigger and better.

Both girls will be competing in four events — two relays and two individual swims — at the state meet today and Saturday in Hardin.

“Johanna Ward is one of the hardest workers on Flathead’s swim team,” Flathead/Glacier swim coach Dave Lillard said.

“She comes to practice every day with a great attitude; always ready to work. She made seven best times this season in the 50 and 100 freestyle. I am most proud of Johanna for her solid leadership and consistent improvement.”

Ward will be competing in her fourth state meet.

This is Stenberg’s first trip.

“I feel like this year I’m a little stronger and a little more into swimming,” Ward said.

“In previous years, it was just something to do. I took it seriously, but not as seriously as this year.”

Ward will compete in the 50 and 100 freestyle along with the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. She is swimming a second faster this year in the 100 freestyle (1:05.23) and a second and a half faster in the 50 (29.58).

“I think so,” she said of placing at state for the first time.

“I will at least try and get to the consolation finals.”

She’s confident that could happen.

“I want to make it a good year and have fun with it,” she said.

“I’ve been trying for 1:04 (in the 100). Hopefully I can get that at state.”

Swimmers with the top six times in all events make the championship finals. Swimmers with the next six best times qualify for the consolation finals.

Swimming is the only sport Ward has competed in during her prep career. It’s also something she has always done.

Ward lives within five miles of two Flathead Lake beaches in Lakeside.

“It’s a sport I can have fun with and enjoy at the same time while working out,” she said.

“Every time I come to swim, I feel like my stress is going away.”

Ward this year has concentrated on the sprints in the freestyle, rather than the distance events. The switch has paid off.

“My times (are) fairly good,” she said.

Stenberg is competing in her first high school season. She has swam unattached at meets during the offseason.

Stenberg has the sixth best time heading to state in the 500 freestyle (5:35.04). She has dropped her time in that event 14 seconds since the season opener.

Her top effort in the 200 freestyle is 2:07.62. That’s ninth best statewide.

“Hopefully swim in college (Pacific Lutheran University),” she said.

“My friends (teammates Jordan and Josh Loyda and Logan Streit) and also my mom encouraged me (to swim this year).”

A defensive specialist, Stenberg played volleyball four years for the Wolfpack.

She also played basketball her freshman and sophomore seasons.

“I wanted to find a way to stay in shape,” she said.

And she’s happy with her decision.

“I love it,” she said.

“It was really hard to get back into swimming. It’s a different kind of shape than any other sport. You have to constantly be working on your technique.”

She claims that was the hardest part.

“I had a lot of encouragement,” she said.

“Technique, I still have to work on it — sometimes my strokes will be too short as I cross over my body. I have to always focus on that.

“It’s really hard, but I like it better than any other sport. I really like basketball and volleyball, but swimming is my passion.

“You have to be pushing yourself the whole time. You have to keep your focus the whole time. It’s a challenge.”

Stenberg has also shaved two seconds off her time in the 200 freestyle as the season has progressed.

“She started her first and last year of high school swimming by setting a school record in the 500 freestyle,” Lillard said.

“She set it one more time since. Jessica played volleyball for Glacier in the fall and still swam at least three mornings a week. Her dedication is matched by her work ethic. I admire Jessica’s dedication and humility.”

Regarding the relays ...

“I’m hoping our girls relay can break a school record,” Stenberg said.

“A month ago, we were three seconds off (the 400 freestyle relay mark).”