Pulaski’s Schmidt tabbed top girls swim and dive athlete this fall

The fall season proved to be a good one to area girls swimmers and divers, with several getting to state to cap the season this past weekend.

There were high expectations on Pulaski High School senior Taya Schmidt coming into the season as a two-time state qualifier, and she backed it up with another strong season and state appearance. For her efforts, Schmidt was named the NEW Media Inc. Girls Swimmer and Diver of the Year.

“Some things that helped me enjoy this season were having good teammates,” said Schmidt. “I feel that we had a good time when we were all together and knew how to make it a fun setting for everyone.”

Before qualifying for state, Schmidt showed off her talents at the Fox River Classic Girls Swim and Dive Championships.

She placed first as a diver, helping her earn the Diver of the Year honor from the conference.

“Something that helped me improve and stay sharp as a diver was the push from my teammates and coach,” said Schmidt. “I know they were always pushing me to try harder dives during practice which helped me gain confidence in all my dives. I think because we hadn’t had as many dive meets as we did swim it pushed me to want to do my best because there wasn’t as many opportunities.”

Schmidt also placed fourth at the conference meet in the 50-yard freestyle. She was on the fourth-place finishing 200 freestyle and sixth-place finishing 200 medley relay teams.

Earlier in the season, she enjoyed her favorite individual moment after breaking the 6 dive school record score. Her mark of 269.15 topped the old mark of 251.6.

“This was a highlight of my season because it has been my goal of mine since starting dive to get it. I felt that I’ve worked hard to get it and I’ve had to overcome many mental challenges which I’m proud of,” said Schmidt.

Her favorite team moment wasn’t one that happened in or near a pool.

“My favorite team moment this year was eating at Pizza Ranch after a meet,” she said. “I think everyone had tons of fun just being around each other and lots of jokes were made and it overall was a high point in the season.”

At sectionals, she placed first in the diving event, winning by more than 35 points. That qualified her for state for the third time in her high school career.

She placed fifth at the state meet, which was her top state finish in three tries.

Honorable mentions

Wittenberg-Birnamwood had another memorable season despite limited roster numbers, sending three individuals and a relay team to state.

Reese Dickman made it to state in the 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke, tying for 10th and taking 12th outright, respectively. She was second in the Bay Conference in the 50 freestyle.

Faith Resch also advanced to state in the 50 freestyle, taking ninth. Earlier in the season, she placed second at the conference meet in the 100 freestyle. Annika Resch capped her career racing at state in the 200 IM, finishing 16th.

Dickman, Faith Resch and Annika Resch were joined by Olivia Bessette on a 200 freestyle relay team that made it to state and claimed 10th place.

Team of the Year

Witt-Birn earns the Team of the Year honor after its strong finish to the season.

The Chargers claimed fourth place at the Bay Conference Championships behind three second-place finishes.

The team then placed seventh at sectionals while having its three individuals and a relay team punch tickets to state.

Witt-Birn scored 35½ points at state to finish in 20th place in Division 2.

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