Nearly four years ago, Whitehall's Mina Feyrer remembered going to the PIAA state swimming meet and knew how she could improve her career.

"When I was there, I began to realize what I had to do to excel," said Feyrer. "It was a goal of mine to get there, and I knew I could get back there soon."

Feyrer did just that the past two seasons, and she appears to be on track to make a final appearance in her senior year this spring. She already has qualified for districts in the 200 free, 200 IM, 50 free, 100 fly, and 100 backstroke.

From there, Feyrer likely can punch another ticket to states. Until then, she likes her team's chances to continue to succeed.

"Things have been going well for us," said Feyrer. "I know I have been pressing this year. We have a very close team, and we have done well so far."

Feyrer, who will attend the University of Delaware next fall, is looking to stay on a tight track this winter.

"I really want to stay focused this year," said Feyrer. "Last year, I lost focus and I struggled a little bit. I was happy to win at districts last year, and I did place at states. But I know I could have had a better time.

"Now, I am beginning my fourth year, and I should be ready for just about anything."

Head coach Pete Rile appreciates the steadiness of his captain.

"Nina (Feyrer) has really accomplished a number of things for us," said Rile. "She has worked very hard as a good role model for our younger swimmers. She is off to a good start and should have a good year overall for us."

Feyrer, whose family always has been involved with swimming, began her career at the age of seven when she coerced her parents to enroll her in a summer swimming program. From there, she became a natural.

"The training is probably the hardest part of swimming," noted Feyrer about her beginnings. "I really got used to everything else about the sport and it really didn't take me that long. But I work hard and spend a lot of time swimming.

"I miss out on a number of things with my friends because of the training."

As a result, Feyrer chose Delaware primarily for its swimming program and she plans to pursue a degree in sociology. From there, she will study for a master's degree in occupational therapy. When she isn't swimming, Feyrer has a job on weekends and hangs out with friends.

Yet, Feyrer plans to make the most of her opportunities this winter.

"I know I want to stay focused," said Feyrer. "We're off to a good start and we support each other. I want this to be a good year."

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Whitehall dropped a meet with Nazareth. The girls lost 111-72 while the boys fell 118-48.

The girls had some winners in their loss to the Eagles. Stephanie Setar was a double-winner on the day. She won the 200 free with 2:05.10 time and also the 100 back in 1:03.83. Mina Feyrer took the 100 butterfly in 1:00.51. Jessica Marselles won the 100 breat in 1:15.90.

The 200 medley relay was also a winner. That team was made up of Feyrer, Marselles, Alexus Merkert and Grace Sullivan. Their winning time was 1:57.92.

All in all, the girls had 10 personal best times and six district qualifying times: Setar in the 200 free, Feyer in the 100 butterfly and 200 IM, Sullivan in the 500 free, Hendricks in the 500 free and Merkert in the 50 free.

The boys were shutout against the Eagles but also had 10 personal best times. Jack Yadush qualified for districts in the 500 free.