FORT WAYNE – It’s been a four-year building process for Wawasee senior Brittany Robinson, so there’s only one logical conclusion to her high school swim career – first place at state.

The drive began with a seventh-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly at state as a freshman, third as a sophomore and then a close second as a junior. Robinson swam a 54.89 last year, runner-up by 0.28 second.

“I was really hoping to win it last year, but I didn’t get it done,” she said. “I definitely learned to swim my races and keep myself in my own mental mindset and not let people get into it. Last year I tightened up and didn’t finish the races like I should have, and that cost me my title last year.”

Robinson has put herself in the perfect position to move to the top of the awards podium Saturday, earning the top seed in the butterfly with a sectional time of 53.86. She is also seeded second in the 100 backstroke at 56.17.

“It’s something I have looked forward to all season,” she said of the state finals. “I know I have trained hard, and it’s been good so far so I want to go out and see what I can do. My goal is to walk away with at least one first place.”

Her coach, and mother, Julie Robinson, sees Brittany’s chances being very good at getting a state title.

“She has put a lot of hard work into her season and her times are showing it,” Julie said. “The state meet is really about confidence. If an athlete can stay relaxed and keep focus in that atmosphere, they can do really well.

“Britt has had three years down at state and knows what to expect. She is very excited and looking forward to both of her races. Britt just needs to swim her race. She needs to step up on the block and know that she can do it.”

Brittany said she expects the butterfly race to be decided time-wise in the lower 53s or upper 52s, while the backstroke will take something in the 54 range.

“A 53 could win it, but I would really like to go 52,” she said.

“That’s what it will take for me to be satisfied. In the backstroke, a (54) will be pushing it for me, and it will be a hard race. It will come down to underwater, who has the best turns and who can hold their ‘underwaters’ the longest.”

Giving her a little push this year is her younger sister, freshman Breanna Robinson. Breanna will also contend for state titles with a No. 1 seed in the 200 freestyle (1:50.33) and No. 3 in the 100 free (51.26).

“Having her younger sister on the team this year has been very motivating for Brittany,” Julie said.

“They have enjoyed swimming together, and Bre has keep Brittany focused and goal oriented. They have trained very hard together. It will be a hard adjustment for both of them next year when they will no longer have each other to train with.”

Brittany said she likes her sister’s chances down at state as well.

“She has a shot, if she can keep herself there mentally,” Brittany said.

gjones@jg.net