FEDERAL WAY — Stephanie Longmate attained an aspiration she set out for when practices splashed its way to a start in the North Kitsap Community Pool in August. She captured 18th place overall with a time of 5:25.70 in the 500-meter free and 19th place overall with a time of 2:04.10 in the 200 free at the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.
“Stephanie did well. Her goal was to place in the Top 20 in each event and she did it,” said Vikings coach Greg Braun. “It was really exciting for her. Anytime you see a kid achieve a specific goal they worked hard for is great.”
Braun said Longmate rid herself of anxiety during the 200-free race.
“She got 19th place but didn’t get her best time,” he said. “She went into that first race so darn nervous and it showed. She kind of psyched herself out. But that race got all of her nervousness out of the way.”
Longmate’s 5:25.70 in the 500 free was a personal best.
Braun said he thinks Longmate will continue her ascent as one of the top swimmers in the state.
“Stephanie’s been to state two years in a row. This, year she went in two events and last year she went in one event,” he said. “She fulfilled her goal of finishing in the Top 20 of the events she advanced to state in. Next year, I would like to see her make the Top 16 in the events she competes in at state.”
In 2008, Braun said he believes Longmate will set personal bests with regards to times in both the 200 free and 500 free.
“It’s good to have specific goals to place in the Top 20 or Top 16, but setting a goal for specific times is even more important,” he said. “Stephanie is pretty competitive and swims well when others are swimming fast around her. She has that skill to compete against good competition.”
Longmate’s season was one of the most impressive individual performances Braun has witnessed since he became head coach of the North Kitsap Vikings swimming program.
“Stephanie had a successful season and did what she wanted to do,” he said. “I don’t think she got beat in the 500 (free) in the regular season. Seeing her get her time down to that 5:25 range at state is something she can be proud of.”
