Another Jayhawk Swimmer Qualifies for Olympic Trials

March 28, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Haley Molden has not even competed in an official meet as a member of the Kansas swimming and diving team, but she is already making her mark on the program. The Washburn Rural High School senior became the fifth former, current or future KU swimmer to qualify for the 2012 US Olympic Trials, following her performance at the NCSA (National Club Swimming Association) Junior Championships last week.

Molden, who signed a letter of intent with KU last fall, finished 10th in the 100 meter freestyle, with a time of 56.94, which earned her a trip to Omaha’s CenturyLink Center, where the trials will be held June 25-July 2.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Haley has earned her first Olympic Trial cut,” said Kansas head coach Clark Campbell. “It was a fantastic swim and she had a fantastic meet.”

Besides her Olympic Trial worthy time in the 100 free, the Topeka, Kan. native had equally impressive performances in a number of other events. Molden finished second out of 235 swimmers in the 200 free (2:03.73), and swam to seventh in the 400 free with her 4.22.96 time.

“For Haley to gain three top-ten finishes in her prime events shows how good she is at the national level,” Coach Campbell stated. “She will definitely be hitting her stride coming in her freshman year at the collegiate level.”

Molden competes with the Topeka Swim Association for coach Paul Monroe and already has had a stellar career. She was named the 2010 Kansas State 6A Swimmer of the Year, and of course was a USA junior national qualifier.

For Campbell, this is now his second incoming freshman with Olympic Trial cuts, as Houston, Texas native Chelsie Miller earned hers’ in a total of three events at nationals last summer.

Besides Molden and Miller, current Kansas swimmers Stephanie Payne (Sr.) and Brooke Brull (Jr.) will be making the trip to Omaha, June 25-July 2. Former Jayhawk Danielle Herrmann, who continues to compete for Coach Campbell and Kansas Aquatics, will join her old teammates, as she is set to compete in the 100 meter breaststroke.

More Kansas swimmers will get their crack at earning Olympic Trial cuts April 27-29, as they will compete at the Jimi Flowers Invitational in Auburn, Ala. The meet will be in long course format (meters) as opposed to short course (yards), which they swim during the collegiate season.

Below is a quick look at the quintet of KU swimmers who will be competing at the CenturyLink Center for trials.

2012 Junior Nationals Results: http://ncsassociation.homestead.com/JuniorNationalsMain.html

2012 Olympic Trials Info: http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1450