By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
SEYMOUR – Lauren Klawiter, a Seymour High School senior, never lost a Bay Conference breaststroke swimming event during her four-year career for the Thunder.
Now she’s hoping her success in high school carries over to Division I University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB).
In a small ceremony in the Seymour auditorium, Klawiter recently signed her National Letter of Intent to swim collegiately for the Phoenix.
“UWGB is nice because it’s close to home,” said Lauren, the daughter of Lynn and Marc Klawiter. “I wanted to at least try Division I. I also was in correspondence with UW-Oshkosh. The support from my coaches, teammates, teachers and parents over the years is much appreciated.”
Klawiter will major in criminal justice and minor in biology.
“Lauren has a great drive and has never been satisfied with her results,” said Seymour girls’ swimming coach Sarah Tracy. “She’s always been a leader by example and had no problems telling the team it was time to get to work. Lauren doesn’t like to lose, and that’s a great quality. She’ll do great at Green Bay.”
Klawiter went to the WIAA Division 2 state meet during her freshman and senior seasons, finishing 11th this past November in the 100-meter breaststroke in 1:11.85.
Seymour was one of the few area schools to conduct its fall sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many other districts moved their fall sports to the alternate season in the spring.
“I was glad the district allowed us to compete,” she said. “So many other athletes didn’t get the chance.”
The Thunder were only allowed to swim against other Bay Conference teams during the 2020 regular season.
“Lauren’s average margin of victory in the 100 breaststroke was seven seconds,” said Tracy. “That’s about half of the length of the pool. Her hardest competition was the clock. She has a personality where she strives to be the best.”
Klawiter is also a member of the softball team.
“Sports are not easy and take many hours of planning,” said Seymour softball coach Karri VandenLangenberg. “Lauren will continue to grow and be a perfect athlete at UWGB. The college is getting a great recruit.”