John Jay's Hehman Finishes 36th at States

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - On Nov. 13, Abbey Hehman won the B final heat at the Section One swim tournament and took ninth place as a result. The honor did not end her season, though. She qualified for the state meet in Rochester on Nov. 23, and there, she put up more numbers.

36th place, she said, “It sounds pretty good for my first time as a freshman in the backstroke. I’m pretty happy with that.”

The weekend began on the bus and having six hours to fill wasn’t all bad. “It was really fun being with all my friends,” she said. “Everybody was so hyped to be missing school and going up for this event.”

A sentiment she kept in mind when it came to her aspirations. “I just wanted to swim my best and have fun,” said Hehman.

Last year went a long way toward achieving the goal. She was part of the 200-meter freestyle relay. “I kind of knew the pool. I knew everything that went with the warmups and the schedule. So I was a lot more confident in the environment and being around everyone,” said Hehman.

There was no way this experience could be more nerve-racking either. “I was the youngest on the relay team,” she said. My first time going to a big meet. I really wanted to do well.”

1:04.4 was her time, and she had no problem trading off the six hour bus ride for the race. 

“I feel like it’s always worth it, because I have another experience of competing at a high level,” said the swimmer. 
At the same time, there was plenty of osmosis in the room to fuel her growth. Around all the great swimmers, she said, “I learned how to approach a full roster of events, and how to give your all and have fun.”

Going forward, the time, as always in the sport, is now. “I have a meet next week with my club team,” said Hehman.

As for John Jay swim, she wants to continue to ride the wave and build upon the backstroke success. “I also want to make the states in the 100 Freestyle and hopefully have a relay next year in the states,” Hehman said. “That would be awesome.”

Either way, she’s a winner no matter the finish. “I’m happy that I’m doing well, but swimming is really something I enjoy doing,” she concluded.