Brooke Gilson knew she had a very good chance at breaking the record and it would likely happen this season. Still, she enjoyed the limelight of the moment.

Gilson, a senior in the Whitehall swimming program, recently broke the all-time career points total in the program when she passed the previous mark set of 872. 5 set by Val Nordquist in 1995.

With her regular season total of 220 points, Gilson accumulated a career total of 891.5 points through the regular meet season that recently ended.

"It is special to me," said the soft-spoken Gilson, who has swum every event for the Zephyrs this season except the 200 medley relay. "I'm very proud of what I have done and it is a special feeling. My parents have been an inspiration to me throughout my career and they have always been there for me. I'm glad I can accomplish this for them as well."

Whitehall head coach Pete Rile was also proud of senior's accomplishments. Rile, who has been directing the program for the past 24 years, researched the career mark with his longtime assistant Dave C. Roth, who has been with him for 22 years. They create a booklet every year for outgoing seniors with their career highlights and school records.

"It's exciting when something like this happens," said Rile. "It is a real tribute to Brooke's hard work and dedication that she can accumulate this many points. She has been a major part of our team and its growth.

"The neat thing about swimming is there are some many areas in which you can gain points. This isn't a record you achieve in one year, but over a four-year career. It is also a real tribute to Brooke's determination through the years."

Gilson, who competed at districts in the 200 IM and 500 freestyle, will swim in the 200 and 500 freestyles events in the upcoming district events this year.