Early-morning athletes
undefeated
after first two meets
By Chelsea
Brist- Arrow Staff
Sophomore
Emery Englishbee takes a breather during a strenous morning morning
workout.
The Flathead swimmers have
started off the season with a splash, taliying a perfect record in their
first two meets.
"Having a 2-0 record makes us feel more confident
about our performance at state," said senior Libby Hetrick.
The Flathead swimmers usually go to sleep by 9:00 p.m.
to 9:30 p.m. in order to make it to practice by 5:45 a.m. the following
morning. They have to jump into a cold pool crowded with 57 people, but
they have to stay focused and motivated.
Many of the swimmers agree that they want to be good
and that is why they show up at 5:45 a.m. to swim. They also enjoy working
with their coach,
"I get to see my wonderful coach, Neil Virtue," said senior
Matt Hartman of getting to practice by 5:45 a.m.
"You have to be motivated and excited to get up
at 5:45 a.m. and jump into a cold pool," said sophomore Chrissie
Henning. "You also have to love what you are doing and also be proud
of what you are doing."
The team of 57 people is the biggest that it has been,
and team consists of 17 newcomers and 40 veterans.
"Having so many people on the team is awesome,"
said senior Orin Englishbee. "I don't mind the overcrowding as long
as the team has depth."
Even though there are so many people in the pool they still get the attention
needed to thrive.
"Every Wednesday we get to go to The Summit and
we get to work on our technique on more of a one on one basis," said
sophomore Mary Janes.
"Swimming is completely different from any other
sport because your body has to work with the water," said sophomore
Shaina Funke. "You can't just breath whenever you want like in running.
Also you can't really look for your opponents in the pool. You just have
to keep going and push yourself hoping that the other swimmers are behind
you."
New and old swimmers always find support in their teammates.
"The experience is really good," said Janes.
"It doesn't really matter how you do. everyone pushes you on."
