The Minnesota State High School girls’ swimming and diving meet began Thursday, and Northland is well represented in Class A and AA.

For Duluth East senior Elise Westbrook, she will be making her first-ever appearance at a state competition. It’s been a dream come true for years.

“It’s incredible. I remember being a freshman, and we haven’t had a lot of people go to the States the last few years, but it was a dream of mine as a freshman just to go to the States. Even when participating in a single event. So it’s really awesome to be able to be a part of this incredible relay and team,” Westbrook said.

Westbrook will compete in not just one event, but two: the 200-meter relay and the 400-meter relay. Alongside her will be sophomore teammate Kendra Kush, in the 200 and 400 free relay, as well as the 100 and 200 free.

“Honestly, I think it’s a really supportive group. I think we all have our strengths and together we make a truly incredible team,” Kush said.

The Minnesota State Diving preliminary rounds began Thursday and the swimming preliminary rounds will take place Friday at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis. The swimming and diving finals will take place on Saturday, November 16.

Click here to view the full state tournament schedule. For results and heat sheets, Click here.

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