Haas, Thorson to Return One More Year

AMES, Iowa – Head coach Duane Sorenson announced Martha Haas and Lehr Thorson will return next season and use their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA.

"Our coaching staff is excited that both Martha and Lehr have decided to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility and continue their education by working on their master's degree and competing another season for the Cyclones," Sorenson said. "Both have been outstanding leaders, competitors and teammates. They have had a lot of success at the Big 12 Championships and I'm looking forward to coaching them to see just how fast that they can go."

Haas and Thorson come back to follow an outstanding senior breastroking campaign. The duo accumulated 56 dual and 60 championship breaststroke points through an abbreviated 2020-21 season. After years of training alongside one another, the pair has shown similarities through touching one after another 30 times including 11 one-two finishes in their careers.

It is difficult to glance at the record books without eyeing the name Haas or Thorson. The two have been all-time top performers in both breaststroke events since their freshman year. Moving up the list steadily season after season, they now account for 32.5 percent of all-time top times.

Thorson owns four NCAA 'B' cuts, all in the 100 breast. Thorson's current 100 breast PR of 1:01.02 ranks her second overall as she inches closer to the school record of 1:00.46. With 10 all-time top times to her name, the Fort Dodge native will return after locking up a quarter of slots in the breastroke top times section of the record book.

"I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to come back for a final year of swimming," Thorson said. "I know that I still have more to accomplish within this sport and as a leader. I'm very appreciative of my coaches, Duane, Kelly and Jeff, for allowing me to come back and contribute to this team. I also want to thank our athletics director, Jamie Pollard, for supporting athletes coming back and competing. Many others were a part of this decision for me, and I am so thankful for their support."

Haas, originating from Minnetonka, Minnesota, is one of two swimmers in program history to become a four-time All-Big 12 honoree in an event. Haas has also found strength in relays as she is a part of eight top-10 teams, including the school-record breaking 200 medley relay team. After setting the fifth-highest mark by any Cyclone with her eight, Haas looks forward to seeing what can be accomplished next season.

"I am so incredibly excited to return to Iowa State for one more year," Haas said. "I never imagined I could be so happy somewhere or love being a part of something so much. I have been blessed to receive amazing support from professors, administrators, medical staff and of course my coaches and teammates who are making this final year possible."

In the 2020-21 season, Iowa State swimmers set the highest point total at a Big 12 Championship since 2018 with 460 points and a school record of most All-Big 12 honors with 16. Through all the experience and accomplishments, Haas and Thorson set their sights on next season.

"I am so proud of the accomplishments and breakthroughs we made during this challenging year and am excited to bring that momentum into next year. I think we have the ability to do something really special and am so fortunate to get one last go-around," Haas said.

Thorson echoes the same point.

"Iowa State swim and dive has more to prove, and I can't wait to be a part of what this team can accomplish next," Thorson said.

Haas, Thorson to Return One More Year

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Haas, Thorson to Return One More Year

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