Columbus East High School

In an outstanding display of talent and teamwork, the Columbus East girls swimming and diving team celebrated Senior Night with a resounding 134-35 victory over the Greensburg Pirates. The Olympians showcased their skills in the pool, with senior athletes leading the charge. Kira VanValkenburg delivered standout performances, clinching victories in both the 200-yard freestyle (2:18.11) and the 100 freestyle (1:01.65). Gabbie Meier, a three-time state diving qualifier, impressed with a win in the diving competition (220.75) and a successful venture into the 500 freestyle (6:10.78). Connelly Furnish exhibited her skills by winning the 100 butterfly (1:08.99) and the 100 backstroke (1:12.90), while Cassidy Furnish took the 200 individual medley (2:36.14). Senior Grace Hale captured the 50 freestyle in 30.09 seconds. The Olympians demonstrated their strength in relay events, with all-senior teams securing victories. Hale, Ali Trueblood, Meier, and Grace Lykins triumphed in the 200 medley relay (2:14.09), and Trueblood, Hale, Meier, and VanValkenburg claimed victory in the 200 freestyle relay (1:55.72). The 400 freestyle relay saw success with Abby Proffitt, Cassidy Furnish, Connelly Furnish, and VanValkenburg finishing in 4:12.39. As the Columbus East girls swimming and diving team bid farewell to their last regular-season meet, they now set their sights on tournament time. The Olympians are geared up for the upcoming IHSAA Sectional scheduled for Thursday, February 1st, at East Central High School, starting at 6 p.m. Best of luck to the team as they dive into the challenges that lie ahead. Go Olympians!