State swimming: Erickson earns all-state honors in Class AA

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Alexandria senior Rosey Erickson wrapped up her swimming career with the Cardinals at the state meet where she finished eighth in the 50-yard freestyle on Saturday.

Erickson swam a finals time of 24.43. She qualified for the finals with a time of 24.48 during the Friday prelims. Minnesota-Morris’ Bridget Opdahl also competed in the 50 free, finishing 23rd during prelims with a time of 25.50 seconds.

Erickson and Opdahl were up against a loaded field. Monticello’s Amanda Paulson was back trying to defend her title from 2009. She did that in style, finishing in 22.97 to set a new Class A state meet record. That was one of eight records set in Class A at this year’s meet.

Erickson also competed in the 100-yard freestyle, where one of those new records was set. She finished 21st on Friday, touching the wall in 56.25 seconds. Heidi Busack of Fergus Falls took home the title and set the new standard at state with a time of 50.56.

The Central Lakes Conference was well represented over the weekend. Sartell-St. Stephen finished third in the team standings, while Fergus Falls was sixth. Hutchinson won the Class A title, beating Monticello by eight points.

It was Edina taking home the team title in Class AA, while Eden Prairie was second. The Eagles’ Rachel Bootsma set a national record for her performance in the 100-yard backstroke. Bootsma’s time of 51.53 edged the old record time of 51.85.

STATE SWIM MEET

50 FREESTYLE – Rosey Erickson – Eighth place, prelims, 24.48; finals – 24.43; Bridget Opdahl – Prelims – 23rd place, 25.50

100 FREESTYLE – Erickson – Prelims – 21st place, 56.25

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