Maggie Farley’s season-long goal was to win the 100-yard butterfly state title. And the Visitation senior didn’t even have to turn back to look at the board after touching the wall to find out whether she’d achieved the feat. “The first thing I saw, I have a really big family, and they were all up in the stands,” she said. “Before I could even look up at the board, they all cheered, so I had a pretty good feeling. It was just like the best feeling.” Farley won the title by less than a tenth of a second with a time of 55.82 seconds to go along with her second-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle. It was one of many great performances from the Blazers on the day when their streak was finally broken. Yes, Visitation took second in the team competition while Orono claimed the crown to end the Blazers’ 10-year run atop the Class A state swim and dive world. Orono finished with 259 points, 25 more than Visitation. Monticello came in third with 230. “It is possible, believe it or not,” Orono coach Mark Seguin said with a smile. He and Visitation coach Nate Linscheid have been friends since they swam together in college. “We wanted to have that culture and that program that can compete at this level, and they’ve been the model for us. So hats off to them,” Seguin said. “They’re amazing role models and great kids.” But Saturday was Orono’s day. The Spartans won two races – a relay as well as the 200-meter freestyle, won by junior Graycin Andreen. But top to bottom, the Spartans delivered high-level results. Their depth equaled a championship. “We’re happy,” Seguin said. “It’s been a long time coming.” There was a lot of joy from Visitation, as well. Katie Miller – who finished second in the 200 freestyle – successfully defended her title in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5 minutes, 2.64 seconds, a half-second faster than Chisago Lakes eighth-grader Kaia Casey. “It was hard, it was nerve-wracking going into that, especially coming back after winning it my junior year,” Miller said. “So when I finished, I was really relieved and excited.” Throughout the day, Farley said she continuously thought about her career with the Blazers, about the current team and the ones of the past. She spoke of how “lucky” all the swimmers are to compete for such a program. “I can’t even describe all the things we’ve been through. All the ups, all the downs, it’s been a joy,” Miller said. “We’re super happy. It’s a fight. It’s always a fight. You can’t take it for granted. This is what swimming is about, it’s about having fun and racing with other teams.” “We went out and swam our best,” Farley said. “At the end of the day, I feel like that’s all you can ask for.” Biebl wins Mounds Park Academy St. Croix junior Alaina Biebl competed in high school swimming as a freshman, then returned to the pool this fall after a year away. She’s glad she did. Biebl ultimately decided to pursue the 100-yard backstroke over the breaststroke in the postseason, a decision that paid off in the form of a state title Saturday. Biebl finished second in the 200-yard individual medley before winning the 100 back by more than a second with a time of 56.31 seconds. Biebl noted how much she enjoyed the atmosphere of the meet. “Yeah, I’m pretty happy. It’s a lot different than club, but I’m glad I did it,” she said. “The 100 back made it all worth it.” Related Articles High School Sports | High school football roundup: Elk River edges Chanhassen in battle of last two 5A champs to punch ticket to Prep Bowl High School Sports | High school football: A big run, and a couple big kicks, lead Totino-Grace past Orono and into Class 4A title game High School Sports | High school football: Saturday’s state semifinal predictions High School Sports | High school football: Anoka falls to Minnetonka 48-27 in Class 6A semifinal High School Sports | State football roundup: Becker cruises into Class 4A final