Hamilton Southeastern will compete in sectional 8 on February 7^th at 6 PM, at the Hamilton Southeastern natatorium. The Royals will compete against ten other rivaling schools that are traveling from all around the state of Indiana. The third-ranked in the state Royals have 23 of their 24 swimmers that have advanced to the A finals for tonight’s sectional final which were decided by the preliminary events. The preliminary events occurred the past Saturday. The top 16 finishers in those events will move on to the finals, while the top 8 will be in the A final and the other 8 will be placed in the B final. The Royals have 3 swimmers that are seeded first tonight in the A finals. Sectional 8 is well-known as one of the fastest sectionals in the state and will be sure to be extremely competitive.

“There is no doubt that this sectional is one of the fastest and most competitive in the state. We know we are going to have to be at our best to advance as many swimmers to state as we can and we are definitely up for the challenge,” said Katelyn Kertin, a junior HSE swimmer that will be competing in the 200 IM as well as the 100 free in the A finals.

There are a few Royals that have their biggest challenge yet, competing in their final sectional in their high school career. One of which is Kennedy Fisher, who is seeded first in the 100-yard breaststroke.

“Obviously I am very nervous, with this being my last sectional, but I am also definitely super excited,” said Kennedy Fisher.

Fisher will attempt to qualify for state for the fourth straight year in her high school career.

“My goal has been to get top 3 at state, and now I have the opportunity to start that path tonight, and I am ready for the challenge,” said Fisher.

The top 32 swimmers from across the state will advance to the IHSAA Girls Swimming State finals on February 11th and 12th at the IUPUI Natatorium.