The Hermantown Proctor Girls Swimming Team placed fifth out of 12 teams at the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Section 7A Tournament Saturday at Hibbing High School. Junior Norah Gunderson and senior Ava Niksich qualified individually for the MSHSL State Tournament November 16-18 at Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota.
Gunderson was named the Section Swimmer of the Year after placing first in the 200 IM with a team-record time of 2:17.80 and second in the 100 fly with a team-record time of 1:02.88. Niksich earned her trip to state after placing first in both the 200 free and 500 free with times of 2:02.97 and 5:34.25, respectively.
Hermantown Proctor had nine swimmers make it to Saturdays finals, with four placing in the top-eight. Junior Megan Gunderson finished sixth in the 500 free (5:50.15), while junior Sam Stevens earned a fifth-place finish.
Head coach Jon Nelson was named the Section Head Coach of the Year and the team was awarded the Section GPA Award, silver standard.