Photo by Emei Thompson
To cap off her amazing year, freshman and standout Erin Lengel outdid herself at the Conference meet. She took second in the 50-yard freestyle, third in the 100-yard butterfly, fourth in the 200-yard butterfly, third as part of the 400-medley relay with junior Emmi Zheng and seniors Eryn Blagg and Flo Van Lieshout and third in the 400-freestyle relay team consisting of Blagg, senior Bridget Duero, and freshman Mandy Marsh. Their strong performances helped propel the Vikings to a third place finish overall.
Shane Farrell: With your first swimming season for the Vikings in the books, tell me about what you think your greatest achievement was and something you had to overcome.
Erin Lengel: I do not have a specific achievement, but one of my favorite experiences this season was conference, because the energy and atmosphere there is incredible! Everyone is determined to do well and we all cheer for each other super loudly. The energy there is something that I will never forget and look forward to next year!
SF: You were a key contributor at the conference meet. How do you think you performed?
EL: I am extremely happy with how our team did, and I was so happy to watch everyone drop a lot of time! I am happy that I can contribute to such an amazing group of people and that we all can perform really well!
SF: Tell me what it’s like to chisel your name into the Lawrence record books for the 400-freestyle relay?
EL: I was super shocked and excited, and my relay and I are insanely happy about it! We wanted to have fun and end the meet on a great note, and I am super happy that we could do that!
SF: What will your offseason training consist of or look like?
EL: For my offseason training, I plan on continuing with swimming and lifting! Maybe I’ll throw some yoga, running and Zumba in there as well.
SF: What was your favorite memory of the season, and what are you looking forward to next season?
EL: I have a lot of favorite memories from the season, but one of my favorite times was when we went to Florida! We got to go to Disney, and that was super awesome! I already miss swim season, and I am super excited for next year!
SF: Do you have any particular goals for next season?
EL: I have not really thought about any goals for next season, so I am not sure yet, sorry!