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MUSCATINE, Iowa – When Hannah Eichelberger’s parents asked her to give the ‘Y’ swim program a try seven years ago, who knew it would turn into a successful future for the Muscatine High School swimmer.

For the second consecutive year, Eichelberger will be swimming in the maximum number of events (four) at Saturday’s state meet in Marshalltown.

“I started swimming when I was in fourth grade,” the junior said. “I swim some in the summer to keep up my technique, and after the season, I do the Y program. I swim probably six or seven months out of the year. The rest (of the time) is tennis.

“I was always comfortable in the water. My parents found out about the Y program and asked me to try it for a year to see if I liked it. It turns out I loved it.”

According to Muskie coach Judd Anderson, Eichelberger excels in swimming because she’s a good athlete.

“Number 1, she’s strong,” Anderson said. “She has a great start and a very, very good turn. She has a lot of talent and comes from an athletic family.”

Last year, Eichelberger swam in two individual events and two relays. This year, she will swim the 50 free and three relays, which she says she prefers.

“I like doing the relays better,” Eichelberger said. “I enjoy being part of the team, and I like having teammates rely on me. It’s more fun to be part of a team.”

Although she likes being on relays, she doesn’t have a preference on whether she leads off a relay or is the anchor.

“I like to finish off (relays),” Eichelberger said. “This year, I’ve been starting, getting the team a good start, a lead to work with. But I guess it doesn’t really matter to me.”

The sprint events, Anderson said, are best suited for Eichelberger.

“Because of her good start and turn, she can swim the sprint events,” Anderson said. “She was a half-second off the school record in the 50 free last week. It’s a good time. She can swim most events, though she doesn’t do the breaststroke.”

What the future holds for Eichelberger remains to be seen.

“I’ve been thinking about it (college) a lot,” Eichelberger said. “If I can get a scholarship to a swimming college, I definitely will (continue to swim competitively).”

Preps to watch

- Chase Moser, Wapello, cross country: The junior was the area’s top finisher at the state cross country meet on Saturday. Moser crossed the finish line in 16 minutes, 48 seconds, which was 22 seconds behind the state champion.

- Shelby Paustian, Durant, volleyball: The Wildcats advanced to the regional final with a 3-0 win over area rival Wilton. The Durant senior finished with 13 kills, 13 digs and was 11 of 12 serving with two aces.

- Sarah Martin, Muscatine, swimming and diving: Like Eichelberger, Martin qualified for state in four events. Martin, however, will be diving on Friday night after finishing runner-up at the regional meet last week.

- Jacob LaFayette, Wapello, football: Despite Wapello’s Class 1A substate loss to Clayton Ridge, the Indians wide receiver had nine receptions for 149 yards. LaFayette finished the season with 808 yards receiving.