Seniors Prins, Wieser to lead Stingrays at state meet

WORTHINGTON — One has been a Stingray for 10 years.

The other is new this season.

But together, seniors Jessica Prins and Svenja Wieser have teamed up and qualified for two relays for Sunday’s state swimming meet in Minneapolis.

Prins, who has been swimming for 10 years, has had success in her career.

“A couple of years ago, I made it to second in the state in the butterfly,” Prins said.

While the butterfly is Prins’ speciality, Wieser, who just joined the Stingrays this season, prefers the breaststroke.

“It’s my favorite stroke,” Wieser said. “I’ve always liked it. I don’t know why.”

Wieser has seen her times get faster and faster each week.

“I was swimming for three or four years in Germany and I quit five years ago,” Wieser said. “So I just rejoined.

“I knew the techniques still, but I had to get faster. I could really see how I got better.”

The pair of seniors will join Nicole Janssen and Kari Engelkes in both the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard free relay.

“They go by age group, and we happen to have four girls that are in the 15-to-older age group,” Stingray coach Donna Damm said. “(Jessica’s) preference is butterfly, (Svenja’s) preference is breaststroke, and in the other two girls, one is a backstroke expert and the other is a freestyle expert. They fit perfect with the medley.”

Along with the two relays, Prins will also compete in the 100-yard butterfly.

In all, 17 swimmers will make the trip to the University of Minnesota Sunday, and Damm expects to do well.

“I would expect some hardware — the top eight get medals,” Damm said. “It’s always nice to come home with the bling. I’m hoping these girls can get in the top eight for sure in one of their relays.

“As far as the whole team, I would expect over half of our entries coming home in the top eight.”

For Wieser and Prins, their place will come down to their turns.

“I think a lot of it for these girls will be their turns and their relay switches,” Damm said. “Their strokes are pretty strong and adrenaline kicks in. It’s always nice to swim next to teams that push you a little more.”

While Wieser can concentrate solely on the relays, Prins will have to switch gears and prepare for her individual event as well.

“You don’t really compete,” Prins said. “It’s kind of like you go for your times. That’s what I go for. I don’t really care what place I get, I just work on times.”

Even days before the competition, the team is anxious to get in the pool.

“I’m excited and nervous,” Wieser said. “I’m really looking forward to going there to a big pool at the college.

“I’ve never been there, but I hope we’ll do well.”

Tags: sports, stingrays, worthingtonymca, swimming