The girls Swim season has started off on the right foot. With the second meet of the season, the bubbly swim team traveled to Delta and Gunnison to conquer the competition.
On December 8th, our determined Tigers and Bulldogs made their way to Delta, ultimately to bring home some treasures and test their strengths for the start of the season. This is Sophomore Riley O’Hara’s first year on the Junction-Palisade swim team. O’Hara reflects on the second meet. “It was really stressful, especially for the individual meet. I did 50 free, 100 backstroke. I swam a 50 free, 200 relay, 100 free and 400 relay. I really liked swimming the 50 free because it was quick.”
O’Hara adds, “Delta was a lot harder for me. It was later in the day so we were all tired. The pool was incomparable to CMU’s.” Despite Delta’s small rec center, the team showcased their perseverance. Each teammate had the opportunity to make a breakthrough. However, Junior Junction swimmer, Kylie Mull truly proved her skills. Mull qualified for state with her impressive 100 breaststroke.
The next day, the team journeyed to Gunnison. It was a larger turnout with more competition and higher spirits. “Gunnison went a lot better. They had music underwater during warmups so it was a good booster. It was earlier in the morning which made it better,” admits O’Hara. While gathering up times, the team hoped to qualify in the 200 medley relay and 400 free.
For the majority of new swimmers, like O’Hara, splashing into unfamiliar events can be challenging. These meets were the first for individual events which aren’t easy. However, everyone presented sincere morale and advancements for the team’s future. O’Hara closes, “Out of the three meets so far, Gunnison went the best.”
