Two Trojans finish in top eight at state, which hasn't happened in 16 years

Wauwatosa West senior Lexi Utech and freshman Anna Larson did something no athlete has done in 16 years at the WIAA girls swimming and diving state meet Saturday at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium.

The two new milestones came when Utech finished fourth in the 100-yard backstroke, and Larson placed eighth in the 100 freestyle. The last time a swimmer from Tosa West finished in the top eight in the state meet was more than 16 years ago.

That streak officially ended on Friday when Utech medaled and advanced to the podium with her fourth-place finish in the 100 back in 58.72 seconds.

Larson finished the 100 free with a lifetime-best effort of 53.88. She also placed ninth in the 200 free in 1 minute, 58.63 seconds.

Utech rounded out the scoring in the individual events with an 11th place in the 200 individual medley (2:15.05).

The 400 free relay finished with a 3:40.77 and came within 0.89 seconds of also making the top eight spots, as Rachel Stuberg and Alli Welsh pooled their talents with Larson and Utech for a ninth-place score in that event.

Utech accounted for 21 team points - 15 in the 100 back and six in the 200 individual medley. Larson accounted for 20 points - 11 in the 100 free and nine in the 200 free.

The 400 free relay accounted for 18 team points, and the Trojans finished with 59 points.

Milton won the D2 title with 236 points, well ahead of Shorewood, who finished with 193. Tosa West finished 15th out of 37 teams. The Trojans finished two points behind Brown Deer/University School of Milwaukee (61) and five points ahead of Catholic Memorial (54).

Tosa West coach Dale Schrank was very pleased with the entire season.

"We had a season with four new school records, three major invite wins and an undefeated dual meet season within our division and even had fan support at the Woodland Conference meet.

"Our entire conference was very well represented as no fewer than five schools from the Woodland all placed within the top 15 team totals at Madison.

"All things considered, a great year to be a Trojan, and a great year for the entire Woodland Conference."

With only four seniors graduating, the future for Wauwatosa West looks bright.