MARSHALLTOWN — Perry junior Jaylene Karolus became the first Jayette in 20 years to compete in the Girls State Swimming Meet when she took part Friday in the preliminary round of both the 50 and 100 freestyle.
Karolus was one of 32 entrants in each event, with the 16 swiftest times advancing to Saturday’s semifinal round and finals.
The Jayette standout was 24th overall in the 100 free in 55.32 seconds and was 27th in the 50 free in 25.25 clicks. During the season she reset school records in both, resetting the 50 free record to 25.05 and the 100 free standard to 54.55. The former had stood since 2000 and the latter since 1998.
The final (16th) spot to advance in the 50 free was 24.65 seconds, with 54.55 the last clocking to move on in the 100 free.
Ames junior Meghan Donald had the top times, touching in 23.14 and 50.53, respectively. The former is an automatic All-American time, the latter remains under consideration for the designation.
Karolus is coached by Jean Dowd, with Hillary Mahler assisting.
