Mid-season check-in: The halfway hustle
The swim teams have been going very well since the beginning of the season. Currently, they have more swimmers than ever who have completed all 8 events. They’re averaging about 20-25 best times each meet. Which is showing progress from not only swimming new events but also swimming events that you’ve swam repeatedly throughout the season.
A reporter asked coach Katie Wright, “Which players have shown the most growth, and what have you noticed in their development?” She said, Robby Ziel, CHS Junior, “... is in a position where he’s got quite a bit of automatic time for state. He’s also stepped up as a leader, being a captain of the team this year and bringing the team morale up.” One of the challenges that the teams have faced is fear.
It is kind of an aspect of what individual athletes want to swim, and encouraging them to try new things. Katie Wright's goals for the season haven't changed since the beginning of the season. She thinks that the team has done a great job coming together with bonding activities, As Well as team challenges throughout the season that they’ve done.
The mindset of trying to get individuals to try new events, and the stroke mechanics also changed. Swimming is a unique sport that requires a lot of volunteering and a lot of fan base to allow their success, from timing the swim meets, to setting up for the swim meets, to officiating. This season's highlight has been to watch the swimmers grow as swimmers.
Katie Wright encourages everyone to try multiple events just to get out of their comfort zone and try new things, but also to be able to see them succeed in something. This year with the captains they’ve done a lot of stepping up and growing as leaders, as well as giving other teammates tasks to do. All of the captains have done a really good job and this is something that should be carried on from season to season.
The Lady Eagles Tennis Team is continuing to progress with co-captains Addi Haas and Millie Joye demonstrating leadership in their new positions playing lines one and two respectively. Coach Jay Rowland stated, “They have met this challenge head-on with great strength and tenacity. Senior Ashley Gorby always brings a positive attitude and energy to each match which is recognized by her coaches, teammates, and competitors.” The team is facing challenges such as navigating each match one point at a time and using mental strength when a game is close. The tennis team's recent win against Catawba Ridge High School has been their biggest highlight of the season so far. The team's goal is to continue working hard and finishing the season with a respectable record.
