Two years ago as a sophomore, Mina Feyrer reached her goal of standing on the podium at the state competition when she recorded a sixth-place finish in the 100 butterfly.

Now, two years later, Feyrer wants to be a few steps closer to the middle of the podium when she returns to the state competition at Bucknell University the weekend of March 12-13.

The senior once again will compete in the 100 butterfly in which she will be seeded eighth at states. A returning district champion in the event, Feyrer set a new school record in the 100 butterfly (56.64) and in the 100 freestyle (53.70 and finished fourth) at the event. She was also a member of the school record-breaking 200 free and 400 medley relay teams.

The first step on her final road proved to be a memorable one. She will be going back to states for the fourth consecutive year.

"It was really exciting at districts and knowing that I am going back to states," said Feyrer. "I am really looking forward to it. This is something that I have been waiting for all year. Now I know how to handle the pressure and the situations surrounding everything."

With a two-week layoff before states, Feyrer planed to use the time to her advantage. She also wanted to make amends for her junior year experience there, one she would like to forget.

"This will give me the time to work on what I need to and train," she said. "I really don't mind the time off. Once I go through my program, I will take some time off to rest. I really want to have everything all together and I know I will.

"I wasn't happy with the way things went at states last year, so I want to be able to come back strong in my last year."

Head coach Pete Rile believes his senior will rise to the occasion.

"She is the complete package," said Rile. "A strong leader on the team and highly competitive, Mina always looks out for the team and each individual in swimming and academics as well. She is our scholar-athlete nominee.

"When we need a great performance, we can always count on her. When placed in a big time situation, I have complete confidence in her coming through - which she has done time and time again. Never have I seen a negative quality in the four years at Whitehall. And though she has been rarely disappointed in herself, it never carries over to anything else."

Next year, Feyrer plans to attend the University of Delaware and major in sociology, working toward a Master's degree in occupational therapy. She also has discussed the possibility of swimming there.

Until then, Feyrer will be working to reach the highest podium at states.