Alea Penner and Jessica Cline
(Photo by Laura Penner)
For the fourth straight year Sturgis’ Jessica Cline and Alea Penner will compete against the state’s best swimmers and divers at this weekend’s Division 3 state finals at Holland’s Community Aquatic Center.
Cline is seeded 26th in the 200-yard individual medley and 24th in the 100 breaststroke — an event in which she hopes to break the school record. Penner, who placed 15th in diving as a freshman, 13th as a sophomore and 12th last season, has a chance to finish in the top eight for all-state honors.
“This year was more enjoyable then the past three years,” Cline said. “I focused more on having fun with my team and being more of a team leader. I had some good swims, but didn’t meet a lot of my goals. I was not happy with how the conference meet played out. I plan on qualifying for the second day at state and breaking Bronté Stewart’s record (breaststroke) and getting a personal best time in the IM.”
Cline’s best time in the breaststroke is 1 minute, 13.49 seconds. Stewart’s record is 1:11.02.
“It’s crazy to think back when I was a freshman looking up to Bronté and now I’m the senior encouraging the freshmen like Bronté encouraged me.”
She hasn’t decided on a college just yet, but Cline said her first choice is to attend Hope College and swim for the Flying Dutch.
Penner had a lot on her plate this fall while also competing in club gymnastics.
“I haven’t practiced as much as I would like but I plan on going out there and giving it my best shot,” she said. “I just want to dive the best that I can with the lineup I have and not worry about where I place.”