By Mike Tupa

mtupa@examiner-enterprise.com

Approximately a decade ago — maybe a little longer — a swimming dynasty began in Bartlesville.

Oh, it took a few years for this incredible quintet of pool warriors to percolate.

But, once they found their collective stroke of excellence — particularly when they joined the Bartlesville High School swim program, special things began to happen.

Like how about three consecutive state championships since their freshman season of 2014-15? And, they are leading the way this year for a four-peat for the team.

Delaney Shipman is part of that senior quintet — which also includes Kate Steward, Greta Olsen, Emily Giovannetti and Allison Biddinger.

For her individual accomplishments, Shipman — who is headed off next year to swim for Drury University — is this week’s E-E Athlete of the Week.

“We adore Delaney,” said Bartlesville High/Phillips 66 Splash Club Head Coach Chad Englehart. “We’re excited about here heading out to Drury. She’ll be one of their top I.M.ers (individual medley) and backstrokers. They’re a top two national program in their division.”

Shipman is coming off a huge showing at last week’s Phillips 66 Meet of Champions — she won the women’s open 200 backstroke Super Final (2:05.79) to help power the Splash Club to the women’s team championship and the overall team title.

“She had a good Meet of Champions,” noted Englehart. “We’re hoping she’ll continue to get stronger and stronger this year.”

Shipman also played a major role in Bartlesville High’s girls swimming state championship last season.

She swam the leadoff leg on the Lady Bruins’ first-place team in the 200 medley relay, finished fourth in the 200 freestyle, finished as state runner-up in the 100 backstroke — finishing just a half-second behind the winner — and participated in the third spot in the Lady Bruins’ state championship 400 freestyle relay.

Delaney and her teammates are unbeaten in high school girls’ competition this year and are the definite favorites to capture their fourth-straight state title.

Englehart said Shipman is part of a unique group of five seniors, which he likened to a basketball team.

“They’re all competitive, which is not unique in itself,” he explained. “They’re all able to survive with each other. They all kind of have their own niche that they’re able to excel with, and yet they’re all able to work together at it to be successful.”

All five seniors have committed to major swimming programs on the college level.

Next up for Delaney & Co. — the try next month to once again rule the state.