JM’s Kidney Splashes Way To State Championship
Senior Wins 100 Backstroke Title For Second Time
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MORGANTOWN -- It's been quite a year for John Marshall's Victoria Kidney.
First, she announced her intentions to attend West Virginia University and swim for the Mountaineers at the NCAA Division I level.
Friday night, she splashed her way to a West Virginia state championship in the 100-meter backstroke in the very same pool she will continue her career in. The Monarchs' senior standout clocked in at 56.29 seconds, which beat out Parkersburg South's Jordan Claypool's 57.45.
"Winning the 100 backstroke, in what will be my home pool next year, was incredibly special," Kidney said. "I couldn't have asked for a better way to end my high school career."
This is Kidney's second trip atop the podium in her career, as she also won the 100 backstroke as a freshman. She was runnerup last year and fourth as a sophomore. She has also earned all-state three times in the 200-meter medley relay, which she anchored to a fourth-place finish along with team members senior Sierra Taylor, senior Sydney Hess and sophomore Maitlyn Miller.
"Reflecting on my high school swimming career, I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of this team, had the opportunities I've had, and had such a vast support system to push me to be my best," Kidney said.
John Marshall head coach Tim Martin couldn't be more proud.
"Victoria swam with the heart of a champion! We are thrilled with her performance in all of her events, but are especially in her second backstroke state title.
"It was emotional for my assistant coach, Timmi Snyder (Victoria's mother), and I to witness Victoria achieve her goal one last time," Martin noted. "She has been an excellent leader, role model, and all-around amazing athlete that will be hard to replace. I am sad to see her high school career end, but look forward to seeing how far she will go with swimming!"
The Monarchs finished in sixth place as a team with 66 points.
Wheeling Park had a fourth-place showing with 93 points as senior Lacie Langmyer placed second in the 500 Freestyle in a time of 5:18.03.
Langmyer also helped the 400 Freestyle relay team to a third-place finish with a clocking of 3:57.21. Also on the team were freshman Molly George, senior Ava Sunderi and junior Abby Heilman.
Brooke junior Ella McCullough took sixth in the 100 Freestyle in a time of 58.69.
On the boys side, Wheeling Park sophomore Levi Parker capped his solid season with a third-place finish in the 500 Freestyle. His time was 5:07.42.