Free State High swimmer Kelsi Mishler probably goes through more physical activity in her first hour of the morning than most people do in a day.

Tuesday evening, her reward for all those a.m. laps in the pool nearly paid off with a guaranteed spot at the state swim meet.

Free State high coach Jama Crady encourages her swimming and diving team. The Firebirds won their meet Tuesday with Shawnee Mission Northwest and SM South at FSHS.

“I’ve definitely been more motivated since we’ve gone in early in the mornings,” said Mishler, whose second-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke at 1:08.70 was just a second off the qualifying standard for the Class 6A meet this season in Manhattan.

“I felt really good today, I think getting those extra laps in early on the day of a meet is a good way to get really warmed up,” added Mishler, who participates in the 5:15-6:45 a.m. sessions twice a week.

The workouts certainly didn’t slow down the Firebirds on Tuesday as Free State easily defeated both Shawnee Mission Northwest and SM South with 446 points in its triangular at Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center.

“It’s still a little early,” FSHS coach Jama Crady said with a yawn. She also doubles as Free State’s cheerleading coach and was up late Monday night because of tryouts.

“It’s not always that pleasant, but I think the 10 or so girls who take part in it feel more unified. There’s probably quite a bit of extra motivation in there.”

Maybe not so much for Free State standout Ashley Jackson, who has been on a similar routine for nearly a decade.

Still, even the veteran Firebird recognizes the push the pre-sunrise laps provide.

Free State High swimmer Ashley Robinson competes in the 100-yard butterfly. Robinson won the event -- and three others she competed in -- Tuesday at Free State.

“It definitely adds an element to our team,” said Jackson, who won all four of her events Tuesday — as did teammate Ashley Robinson — including a time of 5:20.85 in her specialty event the 500 free, where the next closest competitor was a minute behind her.

“It motivates some of our more seasoned swimmers and then at the same time shows the level of commitment needed to succeed in this sport for some of the freshmen.”

Mishler, who already has reached the state’s consideration time in the backstroke before setting her personal-best mark, says the rigorous training sessions definitely should push her over the edge.

“It’s something that a few of us have chosen to do to try and get better, and at least me personally, I’ve already seen the difference it can make,” she said.