Cathryn Armstrong, 100-yard backstroke State swim champ from Monroe High School, will continue her competitive swim career as a Michigan State Spartan in the Big Ten Conference.
MSU's swim program is known for its strength in the pool and in the classroom, earning the Scholar All-American Award in 2014.
Armstrong is the first State Champion in swim in the history of Monroe High School, having placed first in November at the State Swim and Dive Championships.
She has been swimming since she was six years old, and has been on the varsity team for four years, this year as co-captain.
It was important to her to be in a larger school for her swim career. "She didn't want to go onto a swim team where she'd be the best,GÇ¥ said her mother. "She wanted to work towards that.GÇ¥
Chelsea Olson, Armstrong's MHS coach, said Armstrong knew she had to stay focused for the State competition because, while she had arrived at the meet with the top speed, Cathryn knew her competition was very close behind. "She went out really hard, kept her lead the entire time,GÇ¥ said Olson. "The second-place swimmer caught up a little bit the last leg but Cathryn was able to hold onto the lead. It was a really great race.GÇ¥
"She works really hard and pushes herself,GÇ¥ added Olson. "Because swimming is such a mental sport, you have to get past the part where your body is killing you, and use your willpower to keep going.GÇ¥
Armstrong said she likes swimming because it's all about perseverance. "You have to go day-in, day-out, and all the work you put in, you get to see it come together if you put in the time.GÇ¥
Armstrong plans to follow her interest in business and major in supply chain management.
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