This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Swimmer Mackenzie Aamoth. Aamoth is a senior this year at the Crookston High School and has been one of the driving forces behind the team for the past few years. “Mackenzie has always been a great leader to all of the girls over the years,” said Crookston swim coach Marley Melbye. “It goes far beyond the pool as well. She is definitely someone her teammates look up to. She’s been instrumental in keeping the program alive and making sure we have enough girls to keep going each year.”
Aamoth competes in a variety of events and has been competitively swimming from a young age. Crookston didn’t meet the minimum number of participants to field a team this fall, so Crookston Activities Director Nate Lubarski and other Administrative Staff acted quickly to form a Co-Op with Fosston and Bagley. the Pirates swimmers who did want to compete joined what would be called the Fosston/Bagley/Crookston Seal swim team. While it has been a unique transition, Aamoth and her Crookston teammates are just thankful to be in the pool. “It was pretty difficult at the beginning and a little strange with the relays because you’re swimming with girls you’ve never swum with before,” said Aamoth. “It’s gotten a lot easier over the year and honestly it’s just been nice having this one last year to compete.”
Aamoth will be competing this upcoming weekend in the Section 8A Meet held in Warroad. “I would like to shave down time in all the events this upcoming weekend and focus on my technique,” said Aamoth. She will be competing in the 200-Freestyle, 100-Backstroke, and a couple of different relays.
Coach Melbye knows that losing Aamoth will be a challenge heading into next year, but she is hopeful she takes advantage of her last opportunities to swim for Crookston. “Going into a Section Meet you really just want to see time drops,” said coach Melbye. “This is what they’ve been preparing for since August and you want to see that collective hard work come together at the end.”
Outside of swimming Aamoth also participates in the Crookston High School LEO Club and Student Council. She also has shot Trap since her 7th Grade year. The Section 8A Meet will begin with the Prelims on Friday night starting at 5:00 p.m. and wrap up in Warroad on Saturday.
First started competing in Swimming – 4th Grade
What is your best event – 100-Backstroke
What event would you like to see improvement on – My Breaststroke
Favorite place to swim – The Bismarck Pool
Do you have any superstitions before a competition – Listen to Taylor Swift
Favorite sport – Swimming
Favorite Swimmer – Cody Miller
Last movie you’ve seen – Hocus Pocus
Favorite TV show – The Kardashians
Favorite food – Popcorn
Something people may not know about you – I can raise one eyebrow
What music are you listening to – Taylor Swift’s new album
You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you – Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian
Plans after graduation – Attend the University of Minnesota Duluth
Family –
Dad – Luke Rudie (Works at Ziegler)
Mom – Cassie Rudie (Benedictine Living Community Foundation Director)
Sister – Hayden (1-years-old)
Brother – Harrison (Kindergarten)
