Following a second place finish at the Western Dakota Association Championships in Williston last weekend, the Minot girls swim and dive team is set to compete at the state championship meet in Bismarck on Saturday.

The Minot Daily News asked girls varsity head coach Emily Weeks about her club’s performance in Williston, as well as a look ahead to the big showdown against defending state champion Bismarck Century. Here is what Weeks had to say via email.

MDN: What were your expectations at the WDAs in Williston, and did your club meet those expectations?

Weeks: I was pleased with how we did last week. It is always hard to tell at WDA where all the teams are training-wise. It is important for our athletes to remember that we have a season plan and to stick to their season plan, and their personal goals.

MDN: What would you say was the biggest highlight for your team at the WDAs?

Weeks: Our biggest highlight from last weekend, was probably the success of athletes that didn’t have state cuts yet. It was pretty exciting for our three swimmers, and another diver to make those state qualifying times and cuts.

MDN: Looking at this season as a whole, what areas has your club excelled in, and what areas do they need to improve in moving forward?

Weeks: With the addition of this season’s athletes and only losing a few seniors from last year, we have built our depth up a lot this year. Next year, we will lose two seniors but the freshman class coming in is large with a lot of experience and potential. It is exciting to think about continuing to grow our team. We are making progress but still have a ways to go to compete at the level we want to.

MDN: What are the key factors that will determine whether or not Minot can win a state championship this weekend?

Weeks: If we are looking to compete with top teams in the state we really need to put together some successful relays. We haven’t had a strong relay showing all season, we have had a couple kids show up here and there but not four kids on the same day. We have talked all week about the importance of all showing up on Saturday.

With our young team, comes inexperience and a different form of nerves. Our veteran athletes need to step up a little and be examples for those that are new to the state meet. It will be a unique year for all of us with the new format to follow and the safety guidelines, but our less experienced athletes have a whole new level of competition in front of them. It is important for us to stay calm, focus on our own races and control what we can control. We are ready, and the coaching staff is anxious for Saturday.