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WATCH: Dean Blair hits game-tying shot to force OT in CMR win
WATCH: Dean Blair hits game-tying shot to force OT in CMR win
The swimming coaches at Great Falls frequently remind their athletes of a particular saying.
“Pressure is an honor.”
As she approaches the conclusion of an already fruitful career, Georgia Hatzenbeller of C.M. Russell High is experiencing that pressure.
And rightly so.
During the previous season, Hatzenbeller, as a junior, secured two state championships, dominating the podium at the Great Falls High Pool in both the 100-yard breaststroke and 100 butterfly, improving upon her top-three finishes achieved during her freshman and sophomore years.
This winter, Hatzenbeller is no longer an emerging talent but rather a senior with a bullseye on her back.
“I’m feeling really fantastic,” Hatzenbeller expressed. “There’s increased pressure on me this year compared to last year since I won, so I feel the need to validate myself again. And I’m eager to win once more. I’ve been putting in exceptional effort since it’s my final year, so I’m giving it my all.”
Before the commencement of the season, Hatzenbeller alleviated some of her worries by committing to Colorado Mesa University, an NCAA Division II institution in Grand Junction. With that substantial decision out of the way, Hatzenbeller has been able to concentrate exclusively on her senior season.
“I believe the most significant factor concerning Georgia was when she clinched those two state titles; the times at which she accomplished them were transformative because they opened a multitude of opportunities regarding recruitment,” stated Ed McNamee, the head coach for both CMR and Great Falls High. “I think that alleviated a lot of the pressure surrounding that decision. It was fantastic for her to achieve that and experience the entire process. She has found an excellent fit and I anticipate she will excel.”
Hatzenbeller has had great friends and mentors from prior years to look up to in striving for the next level. Former Rustler Taylor Kolsch won the state title in backstroke in 2023 and is currently at Cal State East Bay, while Bella Pachek from Great Falls High—last year’s champion in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle—is a freshman at Old Dominion in Virginia.
“It feels fantastic because when Bella and all my friends made their commitments, I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t wait to experience that,’” Hatzenbeller remarked. “Now that I’ve actually committed, it’s like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders, and it will motivate me even more this season.”
Having engaged in competitive swimming since the age of 6, achievement came swiftly for Hatzenbeller in her high school journey.
As a freshman, she placed second at state in the 100 butterfly and third in the breaststroke. During her sophomore year, she was once again recognized as All-State, finishing third in both events.
Since the state competition in February 2023, Hatzenbeller has remained unbeaten through the Havre Invite last weekend in both the 100 breaststroke and butterfly. Her state time in the breaststroke last season of 1:04.62 not only placed her three seconds ahead of second place but was also just 0.14 seconds shy of the all-time state record.
Furthermore, she holds the record for CMR girls’ program in both events. McNamee noted that Hatzenbeller’s times align with her expected performance level at this stage.a month away from state, planned for Feb. 13-15 in Great Falls.
“She’s certainly in range of the state records, but that’s not exactly our priority,” McNamee stated. “It’s something to pursue and gives you a motive to constantly have something to improve upon. If she had achieved a state record, then we’d concentrate on her being an All-American. There’s always the next goal to strive for. If the records materialize, that would be absolutely incredible, and I’d be thrilled for her, but the victory is more of what we’re aligned with.”
As a varsity staple since her freshman year, Hatzenbeller has witnessed many of her close friends from both schools graduate while she advanced through the ranks. As a senior, she mentioned she has been striving to embrace guiding the younger competitors while still keeping her attention on her personal ambitions.
“Just concentrating on myself and also trying to support my team,” Hatzenbeller remarked. “Motivating them because, for one, I want to push myself and enhance my own capabilities. But I also desire the best for my teammates. It’s about trying to balance that.”
McNamee noted that seniors and captains are encouraged to mentor specific groups within both teams. This year, Hatzenbeller has been asked to guide young swimmers for the Great Falls High boys as well as a youthful Rustler girls’ team.
As a titleholder already committed to a college program, McNamee expressed that it could be tempting for some athletes to concentrate more on personal accomplishments. Nonetheless, Hatzenbeller has sustained a selfless demeanor throughout the journey.
“She’s a ‘we’ kid and always team-first,” McNamee mentioned. “It could have easily gone the alternate way, but that’s not her character. She’s returned to the program just as much, if not more, than what she’s gained.”
Alongside her achievements, Hatzenbeller expressed her hope that her legacy inspires younger swimmers to grow into leaders themselves.
“I hope they’ve observed my growth from freshman to senior year and my transformation into a different person and a stronger leader, showing how I can be a better teammate,” Hatzenbeller stated. “I believe I’ve done well in that regard, and I hope they can adopt that and remain positive.”
And ideally, someone can rise to match her enthusiasm.
“I’m a pretty vocal person, so I hope someone can take on that role,” Hatzenbeller chuckled.
Photo provided courtesy of Matt Ehnes of Arizona Detours (arizonadetours.com).
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