Milan’s Dynamic Duo: Wayne and Heikka Snag Regional Accolades!

MILAN – Dan Heikka has been acquainted with Mary-Kate Wayne since her arrival into the world.

The Milan junior spent her childhood in the same neighborhood as the school’s swimming coach.

“We lived two doors away from the Wayne’s,” Heikka remarked. “She and my daughter continue to be very good friends.”

More: Milan wins fourth consecutive title in Monroe County Girls Championship

A new chapter in their strong bond is unfolding today as Wayne has been honored as Monroe County Region Girls Swimmer of the Year while Heikka receives Coach of the Year accolades through voting by The Monroe News sports team.

Swimmer of the Year, Mary-Kate Wayne, Milan

Many believe that the breaststroke is the most challenging stroke in swimming.

Wayne concurs with this view.

“It’s a stroke that really exhausts you quickly,” she stated. “Most would rather avoid it.”

However, interestingly, it was when Wayne transitioned to breaststroke that her swimming performance truly flourished.

She began taking swimming classes as a child and became competitive at the age of 6.

“I definitely started enjoying it more in middle school,” she expressed. “Before that, I was adequate, nothing standout. I was more average than anything.”

What brought about the change?

“I started focusing on the breaststroke,” she mentioned.

Heikka finds it unsurprising that a demanding stroke propelled Wayne to excel. He notes she possesses a rare blend of talent and determination.

“Mary is exceptionally gifted,” Heikka remarked. “She has natural ability, but she is also an intense competitor. She wasn’t very talkative when she visited my home during her childhood. She rarely said anything. She converses more now, but you can sense she has that competitive spirit within her. She’s a racer, highly competitive.”

Wayne secured fifth place in the state in breaststroke with a time of 1:07.31 and also qualified in the individual medley and both the medley and 400 freestyle relays.

She was honored as Swimmer of the Meet at the Monroe County Championships by winning the IM, breaststroke, and participating in a victorious relay. She achieved four first-place finishes in the Huron League Meet.

“Outside of the state meet, I don’t believe she lost a 100 breaststroke race throughout the entire season,” Heikka noted. “Her butterfly technique improved significantly, too. She could compete in nearly any event.”

In spite of her numerous personal achievements, Wayne highlighted a team milestone as the aspect she is most proud of this season.

“Certainly how we performed at the Huron League Meet,” said the daughter of Shannon and Kevin Wayne. “That was thrilling. It meant a lot to us. It was a major objective for our team.”

Milan has secured 25 consecutive league championships. Preserving that streak holds significant importance for Wayne and her teammates.

“We graduated many strong swimmers,” she acknowledged. “We had to unite to make it succeed.”

Coach of the Year: Dan Heikka, Milan

Dan Heikka has dedicated over 20 years to coaching both boys and girls swimming at Milan.

Throughout these twenty years, many strong teams emerged, alongside some that did not reach their peak.

Nonetheless, Heikka’s passion for coaching remains unwavering.

“You locate success where possible and assist kids in finding success,” he stated.

This year’s girls team exemplified that notion.

“In the last two years, we were exceptionally talented,” Heikka mentioned. “We had considerable potential. This year was somewhat different. It was intriguing to observe their responses.”

They responded remarkably well.

Milan concluded the season with a 14-1 record in dual meets, secured the Monroe County Championship for the fourth consecutive year, and claimed its 25th uninterrupted Huron League title.

“What fills me with pride is that new leaders emerged,” Heikka expressed.

The coach was thrilled by how a small senior class of five girls embraced the challenge.

Second-year diver Haylie Dunn was relatively new to the discipline, yet Hannah Brady, Megan McChesney, Sarah Monroe, and Hallie Thornton have been swimming for most of their lives.

They took the initiative to ensure Milan’s swimming achievements continued.

“The seniors took the lead and adapted wherever necessary,” Heikka remarked. “Their flexibility was impressive. All the girls were eager to assist in any way we required.” Only one of the seniors qualified for state, yet Milan would not have succeeded in winning 14 dual meets or maintaining their streaks in the County Meet and Huron League without their contributions.

“This senior class was remarkable,” Heikka stated. “All of them are, but I particularly appreciate the hardworking mentality these girls exhibit. I doubt any of them will advance to compete at the next level, yet they took tremendous pride in building upon our success each year.”

The Class of 2025 internalized Heikka’s guidance.

“I inform every team I coach that the aim is to reach your utmost potential, irrespective of what that may be,” he said. “This year’s squad came very close to achieving that maximum potential.” That’s why the coach was elated as he joined the girls in the pool following the Huron League Meet.

“Each year presents its own joys and challenges,” he noted. “Our state meet team didn’t achieve our usual standing (18th), but we didn’t possess the talent we have had in previous years.”

Even without the power to vie for a state title, Milan maintained its winning trajectory.

“It never grows stale,” Heikka remarked. “I coach for a myriad of reasons, but I won’t deny, winning is one of them. It requires significant commitment from the kids to reach this level.

“This year was more demanding, no doubt, but that’s part of what drives them. Frankly, the commitment of the kids is often overlooked.”