Amidst another successful year of girls swimming, the team is planning on bringing its most well-rounded group of swimmers to their State competition. While a pandemic might not be the most ideal time to have sports, the swim team manages to be safe and methodical about keeping social distance in a sport where masks can’t be required.
First-time LHS coach Andy Farner has been keeping up with school guidelines and normal practice to yield a strong season with many girls beating their time’s competition after competition.
“Our coach has done an amazing job coaching this season especially through all the craziness. He has made our whole team a lot closer and better swimmers, which is amazing to see. He is really tough but he pushes us to be the best version of ourselves,” said sophomore Scarlett Montoya, who will be going to State in the 100 breast event.
Girl’s swim meets look different than they have in past years, with two-day competitions that split the team up to have a smaller capacity in the pool at a time. The change in the season has affected so many minute aspects of swimming, including practicing social distancing.
“We’ve had to be extra careful this season with COVID. The season is a lot shorter than usual, and most of our meets have been virtual which means we’re not actually swimming against another team. It’s hard that you can’t wear a mask while swimming, so at practice, we have to be careful to keep everyone at least six feet apart by starting at opposite ends of the lane and staggering where we stand,” said junior Gwen Fitzsimmons, who participates in the 50 free and 100 fly.
Despite the hardships this year might have, this season might be the most successful one for the team. Many competitors have been dropping time and doing their best. As the final league and state competitions approach, the girl’s swim team feels very prepared.
“I have improved a lot with Andy as the coach and I’m super close to a state time for the 50 freestyle. I hope that in the next few meets I am able to make that time and get a banner,” said junior Shannon Conner, who participates in freestyle and relays.
So far, 5 competitors from the A relay have already made it to state in individual events, and many more including Fitzsimmons and Conner, hope to make it in relay events. The girl’s swim season thus far has been a massive success, and hope to do even better in the final two competitions.
