HASTINGS, Neb. – With a fitting last name, and just six years of competitive experience, Abbey Fish is breaking records in the water for the Hastings High Girls Swim Team.

"There's definitely been a few 'Is that your last name, or is that a nickname?' Yeah...Fish, it's kind of ironic." said Fish.

Abbey Fish is a junior at Adams Central, but all three high schools in Hastings swim with the Hastings High team. 

She didn’t start swimming competitively until 6th grade, and almost didn’t go out for High School Swim. Hastings Head Coach Charles Scribner, who also was her club swim coach convinced her to give it a try.

"He's been my biggest supporter since Day 1, he's the whole reason I went out for high school swimming," said Fish. "I was on the rocks on whether or not I should go out for swim my freshman year, and he sat me down and really convinced me I should, and it was the best decision I ever made."

Abbey’s decision has paid off. In her Junior year this year, she’s broken the school record for the 100 and 200 meter Freestyle.

Her 52.7 second time in the 100 Free last weekend at the Omaha Westside Invitational is currently the best time in the state.

"(It's) super exciting," said Fish. "I know there are so many girls who are super competitive in this state, and they're all so sweet, but it's really nice to see your name on the top of the leaderboard."

Coach Scribner is in his 10th season at the helm of the swim team, and said it’s great to see Central Nebraska being represented by Hastings on state leaderboards by Abbey and the Tiger Relay teams.

"Abbey, she started out like most people, just learning the basics of swimming, and over the last few years, she's very progressed and a very competitive young woman." said Scribner. "She has a very competitive drive to be the best, and she brings that attitude to every swim and practice she's at."

According to Scribner, he expects 16 individual swimmers to make the state tournament in a month, and all six girls and boys relay teams have already qualified. 

Abbey will be returning to state this year as she placed 7th in the 50 Free her Freshman year, then 6th in the 50 Free, and 8th in the 100 Free last year. She made it easy by posting a state-qualifying time in Tiger's first swim meet this season. 

"It's super cool to show that we can go out and compete with those girls out east and show that Hastings is here," said Fish. "We're ready to make a splash at state."

The 2024 State Swimming Championships will be Feb. 23 and 24 at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln.