Varsity swim team loses key swimmers as seniors graduate

by Courtney Hoffman

This year’s swim team has two freshmen, two sophomores, two juniors, and nine seniors. The girls have gone undefeated and the boys have only three losses. The seniors, however, only have one more chance to earn a spot in states.

Currently, nine swimmers have gained a spot in states participating in the boys and girls 200 Medley relays and girls 50 freestyle. Of those nine swimmers, over half are seniors. With so many seniors leaving the team, Coach Shelia Wimble is expecting her underclassmen to step up and take control.

“It is always tough losing seniors, especially when you’ve seen them be a part of this team for so long.  They will all be missed!  It is really hard to see so many of them leave, but all good things must come to an end, and I know that they will all do amazing things after graduation.  Having so many seniors leaving will definitely put pressure on the underclassmen and future upperclassmen next year,” she said.

This year the team has proven to be a strong group from the beginning when “both the boys and girls 200 Medley relays made their state times at [their] first meet in December.” With these early qualifiers, it showed how ready the team was for a competitive season.

“Every season brings a new perspective and I think that this season there is a strong level of competitiveness,” said Wimble.

This competitiveness has helped push junior Kirstie Harry to beat the current school record in the 100 freestyle. This record was previously held by Cara Simpson ’06.

Many swimmers are still working to lower their times to meet state rankings. Along with her new record, junior Kirstie Harry has already met state rankings. Harry practices everyday with her teammates, all of whom are pushed to be their best by Wimble.

“Practices don’t really change much from year to year. We stretch and do dry lands, then swim anywhere between 1900-2300 meters depending on whether we have fins on or when the next meet is. Mrs. Wimble’s pretty consistent,” said Harry.

The season is not over yet though. The team still has two meets to compete in and potentially qualify.

“We still have a few meets left and a couple swimmers who are working toward achieving a state time in their individual events,” said Wimble.

As these swimmers are busily working on their state times, they are also forming deeper team bonds. The team can be seen on most Thursday evenings having pasta dinners together. Senior Erika Boggs values the time the team spends together especially outside of practices.

“We all get to hang out and talk and eat and have a great time,” said Boggs.

While many people wonder about the swim team next year, Wimble has faith in the rising swimmers to fill in the many spots the seniors will be leaving vacant.

The state tournament will take place Feb. 16-19.