STMA's Roberts Adjusts to Class AA State

St. Michael-Albertville girls swimming and diving sophomore Kasey Roberts had state experience leading into this weekend, but much of what she experienced over the past two days seemed new.

The Knights moved up to Class AA this season, meaning all the competition she faced at last year’s state meet was void. This year would be a whole new field of talent.

After a regular season that saw the Knights go through dual action with just one loss (Buffalo), STMA placed second in the Section 5AA meet. 

Three individuals made state: Roberts, junior sprinter Katie Schmitz and diver Krista Erickson. 

“It was a different experience this year because there was new competition, new everything,” Roberts, the lone Knight to make it to the second day, said.

She adjusted on the fly. In Saturday’s Class AA championships, she finished third in the 200 IM and sixth in the 100 breaststroke. She accounted for all of STMA’s 29 team points, placing the Knights 22nd in the final state standings. Edina won the meet with 316 points, and Minnetonka took second with 188 points.

"She just has a ton of talent, but she works hard the entire year, in and out of the pool," said her head coach, Tom Guillou. "She should continue to get better and better." 

The new experience at state helped Roberts adjust. Her biggest lesson?

“Knowing I can do anything as long as I put my mind to it,” she said.

STMA INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

200 IM: 3. Kasey Roberts (2:05.76); 100 breaststroke: 6. Kasey Roberts (1:06.09).