The Wenatchee High School girls swim and dive team will feature two top-seeded relays when they compete at State this Friday and Saturday at the King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way.

The team is packed with some of the best swimmers and divers in the state, and you shouldn’t be surprised to see some Panthers on the awards podium this weekend.

As the swimmers are sent off today by the Golden Apple Marching Band, here are some athletes to watch this weekend:

Jessica Wierzbicki, 12: All-American swimmer, two-time state champ in the 100-yard butterfly and seeded second in the event despite a busy recruiting schedule, Wierzbicki is the one to keep an eye on. She is also seeded sixth in the 100-yard backstroke, and part of the top seeded 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays.

Isabelle Dressel, 12: Dressel has been a swimming powerhouse this year, and has plenty of state experience. She is seeded second in the 100-yard breaststroke, third in the 50-yard freestyle, and part of the top seeded 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relays. After recovering from shoulder problems last year, Dressel should be on your radar this weekend.

Jordan Hartley, 11: Hartley is a member of the top seeded 200-yard freestyle relay and is seeded eighth in the individual 200-yard freestyle. She placed eighth in the event last year. Don’t be surprised to hear Hartley’s name in the finals this Saturday.

Hannah VanHeyningen, 11: Seeded fourth in the grueling 500-yard freestyle, and a part of the 400-yard freestyle relay seeded eighth going into State, VanHeyningen is definitely an athlete to watch. She placed fifth in the 500 last year, so be watching for her to improve on those results.

Alyssa Laney, 12: Laney is seeded 12th and competed at State last year. She has a good shot at getting past prelims.

Rebecca Bay, 12: Bay is headed to State seeded ninth in the 100-yard breaststroke and 14th in the 200-yard freestyle. She is also a member of the 400-yard freestyle relay seeded eight.
Kailie Wulf, 11: Wulf is a member of the top seeded 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard medley relays. She is also seeded ninth in the 100-yard butterfly and 12th in the 100-yard backstroke.