Kristen Vredeveld, 15, practices at Baylor School’s pool.Baylor’s recent dominance in state swimming will be put to the test this weekend in Nashville by a couple of schools competing at home.
The Aqua Raiders have won four of the past five state championships but are considered slight underdogs this time around to Montgomery Bell Academy, while the Lady Raiders seek a fifth consecutive crown but are expecting a stiff challenge from Harpeth Hall. MBA and Harpeth Hall were the runners-up in Baylor’s sweep a year ago in Knoxville.
“It’s always an advantage when you get to stay in your own houses and sleep in your own beds,” Baylor coach Dan Flack said. “Nashville kids always swim well when the meet is over there.”
Baylor’s girls rolled up 484 points last year to easily outdistance Harpeth Hall’s 200 points and Bearden’s 199. The Lady Raiders are seeded first in all three relay events, while Ashley Yearwood is seeded second in the 50-yard freestyle and Kristen Vredeveld likewise in the 100 free.
Flack is using Yearwood and Vredeveld in one individual event and three relays to bolster the relays, which are worth more points in Swimming World magazine’s tabulation of the top programs nationally.