A record-setting Jaguar ... times six

Kelley Hug, a three-time state qualifier, holds 75 percent of AHN's individual marks.

By THOMAS SIMONETTI
Published October 13, 2005

TAMPA - Before the season, Academy of the Holy Names senior Kelley Hug went down the list of school records and picked the ones she could break.

Hug, who already held records in the 100-meter butterfly and 100 backstroke, then went out and set four individual records (100 freestyle, 200 free, 500 free and 200 individual medley). She now holds school records for six of the eight individual events, not including being part of the record swim for the three relay events.

"I just looked at all the current school records and decided which ones were possible," Hug said. "I am done now. The other two events aren't a possibility, but I am happy with the ones I have."

AHN coach Mara Schultz said some people have questioned the records, citing great teams AHN has had in the past. Can one person really hold the records for so many events?

"She is that good," said Schultz, who has been around for each of Hug's four seasons. "To be able to hold six out of the eight does say a lot about Kelley."

Hug has been a big part of a strong AHN team since she arrived as a freshman. She has qualified for the state meet every year and picked up some district and region titles along the way.

Hug had two top-five finishes at the state meet last season, third in the 100 backstroke and fourth in the 100 fly. This season, she has her eyes on a state title.

"It would take a lot for me to win states," Hug said. "I think it's definitely possible."

In a few weeks, Hug hopes to choose where she will swim in college. She has narrowed her choices to Stanford, Notre Dame and Princeton. No matter where she goes, according to Schultz, she will be missed at AHN for her swim prowess as well as her personality.

"She's such a great kid," Schultz said. "It's very rare to find someone who loves swimming as much as Kelley does."

Schultz said she hopes the underclassmen can soak in Hug's love for the sport before she graduates. She also said Hug's positive attitude and strong work ethic will be hard to replace.

So can Hug grab a state title before she's done at AHN?

"If she really wants to," Schultz said, "I know Kelley could do it."

[Last modified October 13, 2005, 01:11:19]