Tom Mix/NDHSAA Majettes’ diver Haley Conklin celebrating with diving coach Barb Mcpeak after completing her dive at the ND State swim meet last weekend.

The Minot High girls’ swimming and diving program added another state champion to their storied history when Haley Conklin set a new state record in the one meter diving competition over the weekend.

“I felt as though I did pretty well with my performance”, said Conklin. “There is definitely room for improvement, but I’m happy with my results. It was very exciting to be able to set the new state record!”

Conklin scored a 482.35 in the one meter diving competition, coming out ahead of Fargo Davies’ Halle Braaflat’s score of 463.60 and teammate Ella Kesler’s 435.15. She not only won the state title for diving but also set a new state record after beating the 2020 record held by Fargo Davies’ Madison Hischer, who set the record with a 479.95 score. Conklin is grateful to her teammates for helping push her throughout the season and gives credit to her competition from Fargo Davies.

“I’m lucky enough to have Ella Kesler and Gracyn Berganm, a couple of top ranked divers in the state as my teammates, and we push each other everyday at practice,” said Conklin. “Braaflat was a great competitor as well.”

Minot High finished as state runners up this year, placing second with a team score of 270, following Bismarck Century’s 363.5. Taking the championship title and knocking West Fargo Sheyenne off the top spot and down to fourth as they finished with a score of 204.

Minot High had two additional swimmers finish in the top four in events at the state meet. Ava Williamson placed runner-up in the 200 yard individual medley witn a time of 2:11:46, finishing behind West Fargo Sheyenne’s Lauren McDonagh who finished in 2:10:49. Sam Vonbokern completed the 200 yard freestyle in third with a time of 1:54:72, following Brooklyn Hanson from West Fargo Sheyenne who took first at 1:53:41, and Lauryn Caster from Bismarck Century who finished second with 1:54:42.

Majettes’ head swim coach Emily Jensen couldn’t be more proud as the Majettes end the season with a great state showing including a new state record.

“We’re so proud of Haley for breaking the state and overall record for an 11 dive meet”, said Jensen. “She had an unbelievable meet and every dive was wonderful, she should be so proud of herself.”

With the season finished and Jensen beginning to plan for next year, she is also happy that she will be able to retain the majority of this year’s team, ensuring a full roster of seasoned athletes for next season.

“With all but three athletes returning to the state team next year, I believe that the future is bright for this team and these athletes, ” said Jensen.