There has been a lot of anticipation and high expectations for Batesville High School swimmer Bryce Timonera.

The swimming standout has been successful at many levels, but this is his first taste of competition within the Indiana High School Athletic Association state tournament series.

The first step in the process came last week at the Columbus North Sectional. The two-day event culminated with the sectional finals on Saturday.

The BHS freshman did his part on the final afternoon and will now get a chance to compete against some of the best in the state.

Timonera was battling for a spot in the state finals field in two events. He was seeded first after the sectional prelims and met the standards needed in both events to earn a berth in the 100 yard butterfly and the 100 yard backstroke.

After competing as a member of the medley relay team, Timonera had a long wait until his first individual event.

He posted a time of 52.95 in the Thursday prelims for the butterfly, which put as one of the swimmers to beat. Senior Devin O’Leary of Bloomington South had just a little more in the final stages to edge the Bulldog.

Timonera placed a close second with a time of 51.92, which bettered the state standard and earned him a spot in the state field.

“We knew the butterfly event would be a real challenge at sectionals, but it is a strong event for him at state,” BHS coach TJ Greene commented. “Bryce's butterfly race was a good one with the exception of one kick in to the final turn. That ended up being the difference in the race.

“It was his first loss in 31 races this year,” he added.

There was not a lot of time before his next event and he regrouped quickly. Timonera left little doubt of his abilities in the 100 backstroke. He pulled away from the field and finished with a mark of 52.06.

“He is so mentally strong,” Greene commented. “I don't think the loss had any effect on him after about five minutes.

“Bryce channeled his disappointment with class and left no doubt in the 100 yard backstroke,” he added.

Now, it is one to the state finals.

The best swimmers in the state will converge on the Indiana University Natatorium in Indianapolis on Friday and Saturday to determine the IHSAA state champions.

"At the beginning of the season, we just wanted to get him to state,” Greene commented. “But by mid season, we knew he could make the state cut in four or five events, so we chose the ones we felt would give him the best shot at state, regardless of his placing at sectionals.

“Ultimately, we chose the fly and back and the way he is swimming, he has a real shot at making the top eight and getting on the podium as a freshman,” he added.

The choices appear to have been the right ones. The BHS freshman is seeded third in the backstroke and 10th in the butterfly.

“Our goals are clear for Friday night ... make the top eight and come back to the finals,” Greene commented.



IHSAA SWIMMING AND DIVING STATE FINALS

l The swimming prelims are Friday, Feb. 26, and begin at 6 p.m. The meet will be held at the Indiana University Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis.

l The top 16 in each swimming event during Friday’s prelims will return for competition on Saturday with the top eight individuals vying for a state championship.