Gabby Goerlinger made her third trip to the WIAA State Swimming Championships on Friday, Nov. 14, accomplishing a goal that she had been striving for since she began her high school career.
Goerlinger finished fifth in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:00.45, earning a fifth place medal. The top six places receive medals.
“She knew it was going to take a great swim to move up,” said Coach Lee Wetzel. “Gabby set high goals for herself and worked extremely hard with great focus in an effort to achieve them.”
Earlier in the night, Goerlinger competed in the 200 free where she was seeded 11th.
“Gabby went out fast and was able to hang on for a personal best of 1:58.36,” said Wetzel. “Two-and-a-half seconds faster than her time last week at sectionals. This would be good enough for eighth place. Gabby posted a very good time, but was just nine tenths of a second short of medaling and standing on that podium.
“Gabby had a very nice cheering section from Clintonville. Support from 28 teammates and friends cheering her on at a packed University of Wisconsin Natatorium may have been exactly what she needed as the 100 backstroke, the final swim of her High School career loomed next,” said Wetzel. “Swimming a personal best, breaking her own team record, finishing 5th and standing on that podium, Gabby received her medal with joy and enthusiasm.”