Girls swimming: Chesterton secures 13th sectional title in a row

Updated: February 4, 2012 11:54PM

CHESTERTON — What was the key to Chesterton winning its 13th straight sectional title Saturday at its home pool?

Same as it’s always been, says Trojans coach Kevin Kenyl. It’s never a bad thing to have strength in numbers.

“You have to take a look at all of our girls,” Kenyl said. “I’m very pleased the way we swam today.”

But a case could be made that a couple of seniors and a junior were the go-to girls for the Trojans, who won their 20th sectional title — only Munster has won more among area teams.

Maddie Miller had a hand in four wins, including winning the 200 IM, setting a sectional record in winning the 100 backstroke, and two relay races. Olivia Kabacinski won the 50 — where she is ranked No. 1 in the state — and 100 freestyle. The two seniors also helped the state’s No. 1 400 freestyle relay team set a sectional best.

“They are strong, very strong,” said Valparaiso coach Pete Sattler, whose Vikings scored 365 points to Chesterton’s 554. “They’ve done a great job over the years and they continue to have depth.”

Junior Julia Campbell won both the 200 and 500 freeand helped the Trojans 400 freestyle relay team set a sectional mark.

“I’m really, really happy about setting records today. We just have to turn it up a notch next week (for state finals),” Kenyl said. “All the kids turned it on today and I’m very impressed.”

Valparaiso’s Khalela El-Naggar won the diving competition while Portage’s Sierra King was tops in the 100 breaststroke. Valparaiso’s Kaitlyn Steffus came in first in the 100 butterfly.

Sattler was named conference coach of the year.

“I can never take credit for it. It’s the hard work my girls put in that makes me look good,” he said. “It has nothing to do with me, it’s all about them.”

Wheeler and Portage came in third in the meet with 240 points, followed by Michigan City with 229, Laporte with 195 and Merrilville with 137.

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