Hanford's Merrill looks for medal in Federal Way

Hanford sophomore Melissa Merrill won't let nerves stand in her way this weekend when she, along with seven other Falcons, takes to the pool Friday and Saturday for the 3A state finals at King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

"I don't actually get nervous until I get up to race," said Merrill, who said the district finals were a bit more worrisome.

She had already earned a state qualifying time in the 200 IM (2:15.09) but was feeling, at that moment, a bit anxious about clinching an berth in the 100 back.

"It's the second-to-last meet, and if I don't make my times, I'm not going to go any further," Merrill said.

With the pressure on, she earned the 100 back berth and posted a school record in the process with a time of 1:02.48.

This weekend, Merrill, 15, will also lead off the 200 medley relay and will be in second position in the 200 freestyle relay rotation.

That befits a swimmer whom Hanford/Richland coach Kathy Piper describes as a "pretty versatile athlete. ... Very talented (and) hardworking."

"Versatile" is an appropriate description of Merrill, as she has sampled a variety of sports over the years.

Presently, Merrill plans to return to the Falcons' track and field program, where she competed last season in the 400 meters and high jump.

She said the spring sport has proven beneficial in the pool.

"Track helps me with strength, because of the high jumps. There is a lot of leg strengthening there," she said.

"Track can be more of a challenge, but swimming I take more competitively. I take (track) more for enjoyment, though it can be hard at times."

But swimming and track are only the most recent activities for Merrill, who displayed athletic prowess at an early age.

And in a high place.

"She started when she was 4-years old," said Dave Merrill, Melissa's father. "Climbing the walls. She used to get whatever she wanted out of the top cupboard."

The upward mobility and energy of the younger Merrill was soon focused into arenas outside the house.

"I used to do gymnastics when I was in elementary school, and soccer," she said. "I wanted to try new things and not focus on one sport."

Swimming isn't a relatively new endeavor. Merrill was a Tri-City Channel Cat in her sixth-and seventh- grade years.

"I didn't see myself improving as much as I wanted to," said Merrill of her first foray into the world of goggles and swimcaps.

But she found the atmosphere of prep sports to be more her speed.

"High school swimming is more enjoyable for me than Channel Cats," she said. "You're not swimming every single day. Not a pattern so much."

Merrill also said that she tried her hand -- literally -- at an activity outside the sportosphere, but that playing the piano didn't offer quite the same thrill.

"I enjoy sports more than anything else," she said. "Sometimes I enjoy playing piano, but not so much that I play it every day, every second of my life, on vacation."

Piper believes that Merrill's four events at state are the most by any Hanford swimmer in program history. Piper also credited the sophomore with an inspirational, positive attitude that serves her well in the pool, though she pursues the sport only in the fall.

"She is not a year-round swimmer, but she has great technique and a great feel for the water," Piper said. "It's just fun to watch her. She powers through the water."