CAPE CENTRAL SWIMMING TEAM READY FOR STATE MEET

The Cape Girardeau Central High girls swimming team has virtually no chance of coming close to approaching last year's best-ever fifth-place state finish.

But that doesn't mean the Lady Tigers won't be able to still make a splash when the Missouri State Championships are held Friday and Saturday in St. Peters, which is near St. Louis.

"Our team won't be able to score the amount of points like we've been able to do in the past," said Central coach Dayna Powell. "The competition will be so much tougher than in the past. This looks to be the fastest state meet ever for girls. We've been in the top eight the last four years and we'll have to be exceptional to even get in the top 10.

"But we've got some girls who I think can do well and it will be a great experience for all of them."

Central is led by three returning individual state qualifiers who have all had their share of success while swimming for the Lady Tigers.

Junior Mary Beth Owen figures to hold Central's top chance of an extremely high finish. She placed third in two individual events last year and should be a major factor in both the 500-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly.

Counting relays, Owen has been a seven-time all-stater. Said Powell, "Mary Beth is looking really fast. She should be up there in both events. She's very competitive."

Senior Jean Maguire, a six-time all-stater on relays, will compete individually in the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle.

"Jean has kind of been our quiet star the last four years," Powell said. "She's really had a good career."

The Lady Tigers' other individual qualifier is junior diver Sara Sprigg, who also competed in state last year and could become the first Central diver to score a point in the state meet.

"Sara has really improved and I think she has a chance to become our first diver to point," said Powell.

Central qualified two relay teams, the 200 freestyle and the 400 freestyle. Competing on the 200 will be Maguire, Owen, freshman Katie Maginel and junior Casey Brennan. On the 400 are Maguire, Owen, Brennan and senior Jennifer Taylor.