Walton's Reisinger wins title, misses record

By Michael Carvell

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

For a swimmer who won a state championship Tuesday, Walton’s Erin Reisinger was in no mood to celebrate.

Reisinger began crying as she looked up at the scoreboard at her time of 53.99 seconds in the 100-yard back stroke, which took first-place honors at the Class AAAAA meet. Reisinger also fought back tears as she walked around the pool area and was congratulated by coaches and other swimmers.

Known for her fierce competitiveness, Reisinger was upset that she didn’t break the national record in the event (52.89). She set the state record of 53.71 as a junior, and felt like she was on pace to improve on it Tuesday.

“It’s just ... like it was ... a goal ... all season,” Reisinger said, as her voice trailed off.

The Lassiter girls won the team championship with 326 points, followed by Walton (249) and Mill Creek (187.5). Brookwood was the boys’ champions at 241, finishing ahead of Peachtree Ridge (193) and Walton (184).

The Class A-AAAA championship meet will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Westminster.

Reisinger, who has signed with Auburn, is one of the greatest swimmers in state history. She was the four-time state champion in the 100 backstroke, which culminated with Tuesday’s emotional win.

“Erin gave it everything she had, but she really wanted that record,” Walton coach Sharon Loughran said. "She is one of the most competitive people you’ll ever meet.

“If she was in a contact sport like football, she would rip your head off. I’m not kidding. She doesn’t skip out on anything. She goes just as hard from start to finish in practice, as she does in races. Outside of the pool, she is one of the most humble people you’ll ever meet.”

Reisinger said she felt like she was going to challenge the national record until the last 25 yards. “My legs got heavy, my knees started coming out of the water, and my arm template slowed down. Maybe I didn’t get enough rest before the meet, I don’t know.”

After watching the race, longtime Westminster coach Pete Higgins, who was also the meet’s director, said, “You just saw [Reisinger] with the fourth-fastest time in the history of high school swimming. She’s the real deal.”

The 5-foot-9 Reisinger also was the two-time defending state champion in the 50 freestyle and finished second in the event Tuesday in a minor upset. Walton teammate Jessica Graber, who has signed with Georgia, made a strong push in the final yards to win at 23.69 seconds.

“I was really happy because I’ve never won a state title in anything,” Graber said. “I was so excited that I had to look back and make sure I was in the right lane.”

Graber played down the friendly rivalry with Reisinger. “I wasn’t trying to beat anyone. I was doing my own race, and going as fast as I can. Erin is a great swimmer and the person you want next to you to push you.”