Gor De Vandet - "Do it in the water."
Two years ago, this Norwegian philosophy carried over into the pool where the Flathead Bravettes swimmers took first place at state.
With the opening of the 1996 season on Saturday, the Bravettes swimmers hope to recapture the success of two years ago.
"I think we are going to win state this year," said junior Kristin Rygg, adding, "we have the most new people ever."
Senior Kelcey Crocker agreed:
"We'll have a really good team. We have a bigger team than in the past."
"We took third place last year," said sophomore Julie Cummings. "We didn't have a big enough team."
This year's girls team has had an especially strong infusion of newcomers.
"I wanted to do a different sport other than running where I competed with the same people all the time," said junior Kari Hill."It's a sport I know nothing about."
Some girls joined for a new experience.
"I think it's going to be a lot of fun," said junior Jessica Hadley. "We're going to learn a lot. I think we'll do really well."
However, the boys swim team has had trouble getting enough guys to come out.
"We have practices at 6 a.m.," said senior Chris Williams to explain the small turnout, adding, "Guys are scared to wear a speedo."
The Braves were sixth at state in 1995 despite a low turnout.
"We have more overall talent this year," said Williams. "We hope to finish in the top three at state."
The Flathead swimmers began their season with a home meet at The Summit, on Saturday after press time. It was Flathead's only home meet of the season.
Said Hadley:
"Hopefully (the season) will be a learning experience."