News Summary

In a thrilling finale, Andover High School’s Mari Griffin, Kiersten Elliott, and Sophia Mandanis have made their mark in competitive swimming by capturing the Class 5-1A team championship. The trio not only secured the title but also broke two state meet records during their last high school swim meet. Their teamwork led the entire Andover swim team to new heights, scoring the highest points since 2016 and showcasing exceptional athletic talent. This celebration of camaraderie and achievement marks a memorable end to their high school careers.

Andover Celebrates Senior Swim Stars as Champions!

In the vibrant city of Andover, three incredible high school seniors have just made waves in the world of competitive swimming, and what a finale it has been! Mari Griffin, Kiersten Elliott, and Sophia Mandanis not only wrapped up their time at Andover High School with a bang but have also solidified their legacies as true swimming champions. With their team dominating the pool, they captured the coveted Class 5-1A team championship on Saturday at the Capitol Federal Natatorium in Topeka, and trust me, the excitement was palpable!

Record Breakers and Champions

In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, the trio smashed not just their own expectations but also two state meet records during what would be their final high school swimming competition. It was a spectacular moment for these young athletes, who, let’s not forget, also played a pivotal role in bringing home the state title back in 2022 when they were just freshmen. Their continued success has been a source of inspiration and pride for the entire Andover community.

Glorious Moments in the Pool

Mari Griffin stood out in the proceedings, breaking the record in the 100-yard backstroke with a jaw-dropping time of 54.88 seconds! This triumph was especially poignant for her, as she had narrowly missed the record last year. And now, what a way to end her high school journey! This talented swimmer concluded her high school career as a triple champion in the same event, a remarkable feat that deserves a standing ovation.

Adding to the excitement, Griffin was also a vital member of the 200-yard medley relay team that set a new state meet record, clocking in at 1 minute, 46.09 seconds. Alongside her teammates Elliott and Mandanis, they not only broke the previous record by an impressive second but also showcased their ability to shine under pressure. Mari’s younger sister, Hollyn Griffin, added her touch to the relay by delivering a personal-best anchor leg, making the moment even sweeter for the Griffin family.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

But wait, there’s more! The whole Andover swim team showed how effective teamwork could be, as every single one of their 10 swimmers advanced to at least one final. Their total of 304 points scored was the highest since 2016, and they triumphed over Blue Valley Southwest by an impressive 27.5 points. With numerous medals earned in both individual and relay events, the swimmers demonstrated a stunning collaborative effort that left everyone cheering.

A Splendid Display of Camaraderie

The championship meet wasn’t just about the races and records; it was also a heartwarming celebration of camaraderie. Former teammate Natalie Neugent made a surprise return to support her friends, leading to some truly emotional moments in the pool. It was a touching reminder of how sports can bring people together and forge lasting connections.

Other Notable Performances

It wasn’t just the Andover team that shone brightly during the competition; there were several other exceptional performances around the state. Hillsboro’s Lauryn Vogt made headlines by winning gold in both the 50 free and 100 free while breaking her own state meet record in the 50 free with a blistering time of 23.39 seconds. Additionally, Wichita Trinity’s Aleca Howard captured the 200 IM title for the third year in a row, finishing just ahead of Mari Griffin. It was a reminder of the deep talent pool across high school swimming in Kansas.

As Andover revels in the success of these remarkable seniors, their contributions to the swimming program will be remembered for years to come. Here’s to Mari, Kiersten, Sophia, and the entire Andover swim team for an unforgettable finale to their high school careers!

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