Teams: Cherry, Chisholm, C-E-C, Duluth Denfeld, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, International Falls, Mesabi East, Northeast Range Ely, Proctor-Hermantown, Rock Ridge, Two Harbors-Silver Bay
- 2022 Section Champion: Grand Rapids – 419 pts
- 2022 Section Runner-up: Hibbing – 296 pts
Notable Graduates:
- Hanah Rauzi (Grand Rapids) – 100 Free (1st Sections), 100 Breast (1st Sections/15th State)
- Selah Smith (Grand Rapids) – 100 Fly (7th Sections), 100 Back (4th Sections)
- Sophia Verke (Grand Rapids) – 199 Fly (1st Sections)/16th State, 100 Back (1st Sections/ 6th State)
- Makenzie Mustar (Grand Rapids) – Diving (1st Sections/15th State)
- Emery Maki (Hibbing) – 50 Free (3rd Sections), 100 Free (6th Sections)
- Madison St. George (Hibbing) – 200 IM (3rd Sections), 100 Fly (2nd Sections)
- Geli Stenson (Hibbing) – 200 Free (1st Sections/14th State), 500 Free (1st Sections)
- Adriana Sheets (Mesabi East) – 50 Free (1st Sections), 100 Free (2nd Sections)
- Megan Chopskie (C-E-C) – 50 Free (4th Sections), 100 Back, 3rd Sections)
- Hannah Sandman (C-E-C) – 200 Free (2nd Sections), 100 Free (3rd Sections)
- Lily Tedrick (Northeast Range Ely) – 200 IM (5th Sections), 100 Breast (4th Sections)
- Livia Dugas (Two Harbors-Silver Bay) – 50 Free (8th Sections), 500 Free (5th Sections)
- Elly Blazevic (Duluth Denfeld) – Diving –(4th Sections)
Team Outlook
Section 7A remains one of the few unchanged sections when it comes to section realignment, so the teams are all very familiar with each other. For all the details of the section realignments, you can visit our previous article.
Even though Grand Rapids loses quite a few points with their recent graduating class, they still have enough to be considered the favorite going into the 2023 season. The team will be led by seniors Alyssa Jackson and Chloe Peterson. Jackson placed 3rd third in the 100 Fly and second in the 100 back in 2022. Everyone finishing ahead of her last season has graduated so she will be a favorite in both this year. Peterson returns as section champion in the 200 IM and finished third in the 100 Breast. Junior Nevaeh Hoard will be in the mix for both the 200 and 500 Free. She was second in the 200 and third in the 500 in 2022. Junior Ella Albrecht placed second in diving last season and is the highest returning scorer in the event this year.
Rock Ridge may make the biggest move in the section. They graduated only 20 points and have some talented athletes climbing the ladder. Sophomore Samantha Bartovich finished fifth in the 200 Free and fourth in the 500 Free in 2022. Senior Dani Logan returns, placing seventh in those same events. Senior Mia Stark will look to move up from her sixth place finish in the 200 IM and eighth place finish in the 100 Free.
Other Notables
Hibbing senior Macie Emerson placed fifth in the 50 Free and seventh in the 100 Free in 2022 and will be in contention for one of the top three finishers in both.
Mesabi East junior Adeline Butzke finished sixth in both the 200 and 500 Free last season and should be in the mix for finishing in the top half of the finals this year. Freshman Mae Layman is an up and comer who placed fourth in the 200 IM and eighth in the 100 Fly in 2022. Juniors Aubree and Kyra Skelton made an impact last season as well and should be top contributors for Mesabi East this year. Aubree placed fifth in the 100 Free and ninth in the 50 Free, while Kyra was fourth in the 100 Fly and 10th in the 50 Free. Senior Gabriella Saice returns this season as the fifth highest scoring diver from 2022 and will be competing for one of the four state qualifying spots.
C-E-C junior Julia Peterson returns as the top point scorer for her team. Peterson placed seventh in the 200 IM and 100 Breast a year ago.
Proctor Hermantown’s Ava Niksich returns for her senior season after a fourth place finish in the 200 Free and a second place finish in the 500 Free. She will be among the favorites in both this year. Junior Norah Gunderson placed second in the 200 IM and 100 Breast and as the fastest returning in both in 2023.
International Falls senior Quianna Ford returns as their top point scorer for 2023. Ford placed eighth in the 200 IM and 100 Breast and should move up some in both this season. Junior Kieren Ford returns as the fourth highest scoring diver from 2022.
Northeast Range Ely will be relying on a young team to replace the loss of some talented seniors. Junior Anna Larson will be one to keep an eye on in the 100 Fly.
Two Harbors-Silver Bay also will have to rebuild after graduation. Freshman Harper Smith returns as their top point scorer.
Chisholm senior Tresa Baumgard placed second in the 50 Free and fourth in the 100 Free last year. She will be among the favorites to be section champion in both in 2023.
Duluth Denfeld is a diving powerhouse. They return two of the top three divers for 2023 with senior Liv Christner and sophomore Claire Roufs.