Even without two of their experienced competitors, the Winder-Barrow High School swimming teams made a splash in their season debut Saturday in Gainesville.
Clara Moody began her chase for the 200 individual medley record, but quickly learned that the 100 Freestyle record was a challenge that was more within reach.
“As she waited at the block for her race, I let her know that the 100 free record was something that she was ready to break,” coach Jennifer Blevins said. “She needed a 1:03.09 and swam a 1:04.12. She was just over a second from breaking the record, but over a second and a half faster than her personal best.”
Daniel Dean is chasing the 100 breaststroke record, set by his brother, Thomas, in 2006. Thomas swam a 1:12.86 to break the former record. On Saturday, Daniel Dean swam a 1:13.61.
His coach believes the record should fall this season.
“With a little tweak in form and turns, he should be able to cut the less than a second off of his time and place his name next to the record,” Blevins said. “His performance earned him a personal best that is almost four seconds faster than he has swam before.”
Freshman Brittany Litke qualified for the state meet in the 200 Freestyle. Litke swam 2:05.58, besting the state qualifying mark of 2:08.
Litke also qualified in the 100 butterfly (her time: 1:04.64; state qualifying: 1:05.00). Her 200 free performances earned her a first place meet finish and her 100 butterfly earned her a second place meet finish.
Litke’s performances Saturday gave her several firsts for the WBHS SwimDoggs including:
•first WBHS swimmer to qualify for state in two individual events as a freshman.
•first WBHS swimmer to qualify for state in the first meet of the season as a freshman.
Alex Hentenaar improved his 200 IM time from swimming as an eighth grader with WBHS by 15 seconds.
Andrew Maynard and Kristina Brown improved their 50 free personal bests by more than a second and Alicia Jones improved her 50 and 100 free times by more than seconds.
Kristina Brown improved her 100 free personal best by more than 13 seconds.
First year SwimDoggs Leo Diaz, Tony Brundage, Jared Glenn, Caitlin Connell all now have personal bests and can only improve from there, their coach said.
“I look forward to each setting goals and reaching those goals throughout the season,” Blevins said. “It was the first time that all of the first-year swimmers were able to start off of the block. Jared has competitive experience, however, Leo, Tony and Caitlin had never started off a block until we warmed up on Saturday. The height of the block can be quite intimidating, but each of them showed no fear and had great practice starts. Their competition starts were impressive, the average spectator would never have guessed that Saturday was the first time Leo, Tony or Caitlin had ever started off a block.”
The team is preparing for the season with early morning practice sessions.
“We have acclimated well to our 5:45-7am practices and look forward to sleeping in on Wednesday’s due to our 4-5:15 p.m. practice time on those days,” Blevins said. “The YMCA has been a blessing to be a part of. We are able to swim in a brand new pool, close to ‘home’ and at more convenient times than we have in the past. I also like that the swimmers can get practice over with and still have time to get ready and eat breakfast. The swimmers also have time to get to school and get any tutoring, if needed, finish any homework that may not be completed, hang out with friends and enjoy the rest of the day.”
The coach said the support the swimmers are receiving also means a great deal.
The parents have also been a huge asset to the team,” Blevins said. “Several have given time to get us organized and have helped with getting things for the team. We are steps ahead of where we have been in the past. The biggest praise I can give the parents is for raising great kids. Having a great group of kids on the team makes my job much easier. These young men and women are true student-athletes. They work hard, have no complaints, are respectful and are willing to do what it takes to reach their individual and the team goals. I could not ask for a better group of swimmers.”
