Edmond Memorial swimmer Annah Baykal sets sights high

This year, Annah Baykal hopes to enter that rarefied air.

Baykal's goal for her senior year is to break Woodward's record in the 100 breast stroke. Woodward swam a 1:06.33 in 2006.

Baykal finished second in the event last year at the state meet with a 1:06.65, her personal-best time.

“That's the main thing I've been working on since last year,” Baykal said. “I definitely want to break that before the year is over.

“It would be so meaningful. She owns our record board.”

Edmond coach Steve Riggs gives her a good shot at hitting the mark.

“If she continues in the training she's on now, she's got a great chance to break that record and compete for a state title,” he said.

It took Baykal some time to get settled in with Memorial last year after moving over from Classen.

“She didn't know what to expect from me or the program,” Riggs said.

Baykal also suffered a setback last year after being injured in a post-meet basketball game that kept her out for several weeks.