By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

Hays High School junior Courtney Hess will be heading to the Class 5-1A state swimming and diving championships this weekend in Topeka.

Hess qualified in the 200-yard freestyle based on consideration time.

Hess swam it in 2 minutes, 19.87 seconds earlier in the year. She is No. 23 on the psych sheet.

"She is a very dedicated athlete who has put in extra hours of practice to make the cut," said Hays High coach Ann Adams. "We have pushed her in practice to develop strength as well as strategy. I believe she is ready for the race tomorrow, and I look forward to watching what she does."

Hess was the lone qualifier from Hays High.

Thomas More Prep-Marian nearly qualified its 200-yard freestyle relay.

It initially was listed on the unofficial psych sheet Monday, but when the official psych sheet came out Tuesday, TMP was no longer on it.

TMP coach David Adams said KSHSAA told him a school submitted its entries late and had a qualifying time that beat out TMP.

He said it was unfortunate, because his swimmers thought they were going to state.

"It is really frustrating," Adams said. "I realize mistakes happen, but this is a pretty big mistake. ... I feel really sorry for my girls."

The diving portion of the state meet began today, but the preliminaries for swimming begin at 10 a.m. Friday. The finals are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.